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Government
**This Is The Delaware Way – Rachel Krantz**

The Delaware Way has governed our state for decades. Now, as more people want to know what’s going on in our our legislative halls, the old Way is eroding. New people and new ideas want to take part in the process of creating and refining laws. What laws are being introduced? By who? And what’s the motivation behind them? What side effects could they have?
This Is The Delaware Way looks at the bills being discussed each week in Delaware’s General Assembly. While the focus is on informing people about just what is happening in Legislative Hall on a weekly basis, the host will also share information or historical context to bills to help show a clearer picture on just how a bill becomes a law in Delaware. Let’s make sure The Delaware Way includes all of us.

Latest Episodes:

Dramarama and District Maps May 17, 2025

Episode Notes

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

0:32 - Dramarama with the House Speaker and shenanigans

12:40 - How to look up district maps

16:23 - How much time do we have to work on bills?

21:22 - Senate bills this week

21:54 - Changing primary election dates

23:10 - Cell phones in school

24:58 - Collective bargaining

25:18 - Prohibition of polystyrene foam for food containers

26:17 - Protections for car owners with regard to towing

27:10 - Summary of additional bills voted out of Senate committees

33:07 - House bills from this week

33:13 - Low income utility rate

35:19 - Remove some fees in the criminal justice system

35:47 - Legalizing low-speed motorized scooters

34:46 - Summary of additional bills voted out of House committees

42:45 - Closing

Links

Elections.Delaware.Gov

State Rep. Sherae'a Moore removed from House Ed. leadership, calls move 'politically motivated'

Breakdown of previous House Speaker Longhurst's redistricting (after she made Delaware City / Fort DuPont community angry)

Special: Rent Stabalization & Energy Assistance May 13, 2025

Episode Notes

In this special episode, we focus on two specific pieces of legislation working their way through their respective government bodies. The rent stabilization ordinance in Wilmington City Council has implications for the whole state, and has passed out of committee. The energy assistance bill in the state legislature has passed the House, is out of committee in the Senate, and is currently awaiting a slot on the Senate floor schedule.

(Also note that we recorded much of this the day after the Wilmington City Council committee hearing, which is why we say "last night" a lot.)

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

0:34 - Rent stabilization in Wilmington City Council

24:07 - HB 50 energy assistance

48:44 - Closing

Episode Notes

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

0:55 - Outline

1:50 - Getting involved in politics and how scared people are

6:59 - Meyer rescinding EV mandate; commentary on freedom of choice

13:31 - footnote on EV mandate rant edited out

14:57 - House Bills

15:47 - Pay transparency

17:13 - Immigration protections

18:09 - Red dye 40

19:22 - Increasing oversight on electrical grid management

19:48 - Book bans counter

20:51 - brief explainer on House Administration committee

21:03 - Recognizing marriages of people who move to Delaware

22:13 - Tax bracket additions and updates

27:30 - Senate bills

27:31 - Energy assistance bill

30:14 - National Day of Mourning government closures

31:17 - ADUs - Needs 2/3 to pass

34:25 - anti-SLAPP law improvement

38:42 - discussion of power dynamics in politics and involvement

43:41 - ending a lease when purchasing a home

44:50 - quick rundown over miscellaneous bills

52:44 - closing

Links

These Stupid Trucks Are Literally Killing Us

Spring Break Apr 30, 2025

Episode Notes

With the legislature on spring break, we're taking the time to look at a few bills at different stages -- one that's been introduced but hasn't been voted on yet, one that had a committee hearing, and one that has already passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. Also today, we tell people how to contact their legislators, and what kinds of things they can expect from that relationship.

Timestamps

0:00 - Quick note

1:51 - Intro

6:00 - legislator lookup and absence tracking

15:38 - CASA program funding cuts

19:03 - Lead paint bill

27:00 - School meals bill committee hearing recap

35:40 - Special interview on school meals bills

41:44 - Red 40 ban

55:13 - Closing

Links

Ballotpedia - Comparison of state legislative salaries

2025 Legislative Calendar

Recordings of committee hearings

Rep. Stell Parker Selby still missing from Legislative Hall after months long absence

Announcement of National CASA program's funding termination

Action for Delaware's Children

ADC's Facebook post mentioning Rep Harris

AJC Opinion - Cuts at CDC birth defect center will harm millions

Center for Science in the Public Interest - Synthetic food dyes: Health risks, history, and policy

Math and Gaskets Apr 16, 2025

Episode Notes

0:00 - Intro

1:15 - Explanation of the podcast name

6:05 - Info on weekly schedule

7:05 - Hot Topics

7:16 - Consumer protections with home improvement contracts

9:25 - Immigrant and migrant protections

11:52 - Bail bill

17:19 - School meals for all students

23:33 - **How to give public comment

25:20 - Delaware Pre-Authorization Reform Act

26:58 - Legal counsel for relative pursuing adoption of child in DFS custody

33:28 - Early release from prison

34:38 - Repealing Renewable Portfolio Standard

40:00 - Rapid Fire Run Through

41:34 - **Why township charter changes go through the state legislature

44:25 - **What Joint Resolutions are and how they can be used

55:24 - Closing

Links

Legis.Delaware.Gov meeting info for HB125

Legis.Delaware.Gov Zoom signup link to give public comment for HB125

Books

Weapons of Math Destruction

What If We Get It Right?

School Meals and Soap Boxes Apr 08, 2025

Episode Notes

Looking at the week of April 8th, we've got bills on end of life options for terminally ill patients, school meals, electric vehicle mandates, constitutional amendments for voting, and more. On the topic of providing meals to kids in school, the host gives a potential reason for why there are two competing bills in the House. It's a busy week as the Delaware legislature amps up for spring.