Issue 11.20

May 23, 2025

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

Yesterday wrapped up an eventful week in Dover. Several bills that the State Chamber is following saw action this week, including HB 164 (Transportation Trust Fund), HB 162 (Multilevel Distribution Company) and SB 89 (Credit Card Transactions). Others were introduced, such as HB 174, which imposes a surcharge on business, residential, wireless, and prepaid wireless services to fund suicide assistance services.

The General Assembly is on Joint Finance Committee markup for the next two weeks and will return to session on Tuesday, June 10. Upon return, lawmakers will have only nine session days left to pass any bills they plan to get done for the year. Read more >

BUILDING TOMORROW'S

STEM LEADERS

A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO ENGINEERING AND STEM READINESS

As technology and industries continue to evolve, the demand for skilled engineers and STEM professionals is higher than ever before. Despite this, there remains a notable disconnect between the skills students gain in the classroom and the practical demands of the workforce. The Career and College Ready Capstone Program at MOT Charter High School addresses this gap by offering students hands-on experience and industry-focused knowledge essential for success in higher education and beyond. Read more >



WATCH THEIR VIDEO:

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

UNIFYING DELAWARE'S SMALL BUSINESS VOICES

May is National Small Business Month. Here at the Delaware State Chamber,

we recognize the vital role small businesses play in the makeup of a healthy

economic ecosystem. There's no business without small business. In the final

days of legislative session, here are three bills we are actively working on behalf

of Delaware's small business community.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

HS 1 FOR HB 105

What’s in it? The bill requires businesses with more than 25 employees to post salary ranges in job ads and keep detailed and keep detailed records of pay and job descriptions.

Why care? This adds more layers of compliance that many small businesses may struggle to adhere to without HR/legal support. It could also create negative internal and industry competition.

What’s changed so far? The bill has been amended to raise the small business exemption from 10 to 25 employees, extend the effective date, and remove the internal job posting requirement.

DSCC believes: We are seeking to further raise the exemption to 30 employees, limit to hourly jobs, and reduce the recordkeeping burden.

INCOME TAX BRACKETS

HS 1 FOR HB 13

What’s in it? The proposal lowers rates for individuals earning under $60,000 and adds new brackets for those making $125,000, $250,000, and $500,000. 

Why care? These adjustments could impact small business owners who pay pass-through taxes on their PIT returns. Studies have also shown that higher rates may discourage investment and growth among family-owned businesses.

DSCC believes: We are urging the exploration of alternative revenue options like agency spending cuts, eliminating job postings for long-vacant roles, and hiring freezes.

Read our coalition letter sent to General Assembly leadership >

PARKING SPACES

HS 1 FOR HB 48

What’s in it? The bill would require 1 in 3 accessible spaces to be van-accessible (vs. 1 in 6 under current ADA requirements). It would also add a requirement that property owners obtain a permit before any new accessible parking spaces may be installed or any existing spaces altered.

Why care? The mandate could result in additional costs for small businesses and cause unnecessary delays when trying to build, restripe, or resurface a parking lot.

DSCC believes: If the problem is enforcement, we believe there are other ways to achieve that like establishing a public reporting tool, without adding additional parking or punishing businesses for the wrongs committed by others. 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Responsible fiscal stewardship is central to good governance in business, the nonprofit sector, and at every level of government. While the 50 states and over 80,000 local governments across the country cannot print money, the federal government can and regularly spends beyond its means. As a result, the credit rating agency Moody’s declared the United States a greater credit risk and acknowledged that our federal finances are way out of line. In short, if we are going to continue to deficit spend, it’s going to cost us more. Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Policymakers and business leaders came together at the End-of-Session Policy Conference on Wednesday to discuss key issues like pay transparency, energy costs, permitting, income taxes, housing, and more.

Delaware Business Now

• Delaware jobless rate rises to 3.9%
• My take: The rental housing crisis
• How Delaware's 6.750% Median Mortgage Rate Compares Nationally

Delaware Business Times

• House Speaker: ‘Need to take our time’ on personal income tax increase
• Delaware 250 shapes celebration plans throughout state
• Brandywine Realty Trust to convert Wilmington high-rise
• Democratic leaders warn there will be ‘hard hits’ with federal cuts

Delaware Online

• Gov. Meyer urges SEPTA to keep Delaware commuter rail service. Offers to collaborate
• Affordable housing bills aim to create 45,000 new units in Delaware

Delaware State News

• Second Amazon facility coming to Middletown

Spotlight Delaware

• Legislators get reprieve as analysts raise FY26 budget limit to $7B+
• House Speaker: Income tax reform may be delayed

WDEL

• Bill to create Delaware Veteran Affairs Department clears State House

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