Issue 11.19

May 16, 2025

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

Yesterday wrapped up a busy week in Dover. Several bills saw movement or were debated, including:

• SB 63 (General Contractor Liability)
• SB 46 (Autonomous Vehicles)
• HS 1 for HB 48 (Accessible Parking Spaces)
• SB 130 (Expanded Polystyrene Foam Products)
• HB 115 (Weight/Height/Body Size Discrimination)

Read more >

BREAKING THE CYCLE

HOW PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS IS HELPING UNDERSERVED STUDENTS BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES

For nearly two decades, Pathways to Success (PTS) has been a resource for underserved and underrepresented students across Delaware. Founded in 2008 by Executive Director Fay Blake, PTS empowers youth by providing the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. By closing the education gap, reducing dropout rates, and guiding students toward successful futures, the program has impacted more than 3,000 students. Today, it serves 400 students across five high schools statewide, helping them overcome barriers to success. Read more >



WATCH THEIR VIDEO:

END OF SESSION POLICY CONFERENCE

POLICY SPOTLIGHT: PERMITTING FEES

Wednesday, May 21 | Delaware State University, Dover

At the End-of-Session Policy Conference next week, DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson will provide an update on the agency's proposed overhaul of its permitting fee structure, which has not changed in decades. His efforts to modernize the department will better provide it with the resources to sync departmental mandates and applicant expectations—such as improving the speed of permitting decisions across areas like clean air and water, brownfields, and more. This session will offer valuable background for businesses that interact with environmental permitting and regulatory processes in Delaware. Register >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As a kid growing up in the Chicagoland area, it was a “big deal” to travel to another state. Yes, we could drive north to Wisconsin and cross the border in about an hour, and do likewise traveling southeast into Indiana. When I relocated to Washington, D.C. and then here to Delaware, I got used to other states being close to one another and that traveling to one, and then another, was no big deal. However, for organizations like ours, and policymakers, it is a big deal. Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Representatives from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited our office in downtown Wilmington.

Attendees at Small Business Day in Dover participated in the Small Business Caucus meeting and met with their local legislators.

The Delaware Young Professionals Network enjoyed an afternoon of golf and mentorship at White Clay Creek Country Club.

Delaware Business Times

• Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board continues to develop regulations
• Wilmington market sees signs of stabilization in first quarter
• AstraZeneca executive stresses using local supply chain to weather tariffs
• ChristianaCare hospitals receive top grade in safety from Leapfrog Group

Delaware Online

• University of Delaware and Buccini Pollin Group break ground on STAR Campus apartments
• US Wind offers $20 million to aid Eastern Shore watermen. Here's what's proposed

Spotlight Delaware

• Troncoso, Jordan headline Delaware school board victories
• As health care costs near $11B, hospital review board seeks footing

WDEL

• Jennings, Democratic attorneys general sue Trump administration over conditions placed on federal funds

WHYY

• Delaware nonprofits warn cuts to national service, food deliveries hurting underserved residents

End-of-Session Policy Conference

Wednesday, May 21

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Delaware State University

1200 N. Dupont Hwy.,

Dover

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