Policy That Impacts You

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

March 16, 2026

While federal policy often dominates the news cycle, many of the decisions that shape daily life happen at the state and local level. I spent a good deal of my career working in Congress and have no regrets. Yet some of the most rewarding times in my public policy career were during my tenure serving in local government. We need more people to consider service on town councils, school boards, state commissions and boards, the state legislature, and more.

As younger generations step into leadership roles across the workforce, millennials and Gen Z are increasingly focused on the topics that shape their ability to live and work in Delaware, from cost of living and child care to affordable housing and education. How policymakers address these issues can make the difference between a young professional choosing to build a career here or taking an opportunity in a neighboring state.

On Tuesday, April 21, our Delaware Young Professionals Network will host a panel discussion and reception with members of the General Assembly at the Biggs Museum in Dover. Open to attendees of all ages, the event will provide an opportunity to hear directly from lawmakers about the policies shaping the challenges and opportunities real Delawareans experience every day. Register for the event >

News You Can Use

We start the week of key economic indicators off this morning with the Empire State manufacturing survey and the homebuilder confidence index for March. Tuesday brings us pending home sales figures for February, while on Wednesday we’ll see January factory orders data and hear from Fed Chair Jerome Powell after the FOMC makes an interest rate decision. New home sales numbers are out on Thursday morning, as well as the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey results from March.

Earnings calls this week begin today with Dollar Tree, Science Applications, Getty Images, Semtech, and more. Tuesday calls include Oklo, Tencent Music, DocuSign, lululemon athletica, and others. General Mills, Macy’s, Micron Technology, and Williams-Sonoma top the Wednesday list, while Accenture, Alibaba, Darden Restaurants, and FedEx round out the week.

Michael J. Quaranta

President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Cornerstone is a bipartisan, employee-owned consulting firm specializing in federal and state government relations, public affairs and strategic communications, political consulting, grant consulting, and business advisory services.

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