Governor Markell Signs SB 121, ends legalized descrimination based on sexual orientation

Guest Post by Vikki Bandy

The bill signing ceremony for SB 121 took place in Rehoboth Beach on Thursday July 2, 2009 at Camp Rehoboth. More than 150 people, including Legislators from both sides of the aisle were there to celebrate this long overdue legislation that places sexual orientation into Delaware's Civil Rights Law.

The eleven year battle for equal protection in housing and employment was started by Bill Oberle in the House eleven years ago and went through many incarnations over the years only to hit a roadblock in the Senate with each Legislative session. This year, the legislation started in the House under Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf as HB 5 and met the same fate as previous efforts in the Senate. Sen Dave Sokola re-introduced the bill as SB 121 and was finally able to get the bill assigned to a committee that would act swiftly and favorably to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. In the final hours of the Legislative year, the bill moved swiftly through the Senate and then through the House with a significant majority of the vote.

The speakers at Thursday's bill signing event demonstrated in true bipartisan fashion how legislators from both sides of the aisle can come together in the interest of civil rights and equality. Sen Sokola praised Dru Fennell of the ACLU and Republican Bill Oberle for their tireless efforts to keep this issue alive. He thanked all of the legislators who voted for the measure and recognized several who attended the event including Sen. Karen Peterson, Sen. Sorenson, Rep Pete Schwartzkopf, and Rep Oberle. Lt Gov. Matt Denn was also in attendance along with several Sussex County local leaders.

Health Reform Supporters Gather at Paper Mill Park Saturday

On Saturday, June 27^th, The Delaware Committee of Organizing for America gathered at Paper Mill Park in Newark for a “Walk for Healthcare Reform” to demonstrate their support of President Obama's health care reform initiative. There were refreshments and T-shirts available for all. The event attracted supporters with diverse backgrounds and perspectives on the health care system. The motorists driving by the park honked their horns in support of the Obama-Biden healthcare initiative, while dozens of park-goers signed up in support of the initiative and took part in the Walk.

The Obama-Biden Healthcare Reform proposal strengthens employer-based coverage, makes insurance companies more accountable, and ensures a patient’s choice of physician and medical care without government interference. Under the Obama-Biden proposal, if an individual is happy with his or her health insurance plan, nothing will change, with the exception of an annual cost reduction of up to $2,500. If an individual does not have health insurance, the Obama-Biden proposal provides a new affordable health insurance option that will compete with the private health insurance companies.

While waiting for the walk to begin, event attendees traded stories about why they believe health care reform is necessary. Cairi Pinder, a Drug Rehabilitation Nurse, said that approximately 90% of her patients do not have health insurance. “I am their only contact for getting health care. I have to work outside my specialty a lot,” she said. Ernie DiStefano of the Public Defender’s Office reminded the crowd that even if an individual is satisfied with his or her coverage, we cannot afford to be complacent. “In my profession, I see firsthand how the cost of health care impacts people's finances, and ultimately even fosters crime,” DiStefano said.

Peg and Peter Saenger offered their perspective as small business owners: "My husband and I are self-employed, and we pay $900 every month for our insurance- and we still have a $6000 deductible! We can't afford to hire additional employees, because of the cost. It actually hurts our business. We're lucky because we are healthy- my son was diagnosed with a pre-existing condition that doesn't require any treatment, but his insurance costs $1500 per month. We can't afford that."

Event organizer Lois Parker was pleased with the reaction to the event. "We were able to build awareness and support for the health insurance program. It was great to see how much support there is out there, but we have a lot of work to do to make sure we keep up the momentum that President Obama will need to pass the bill." The New Castle County for Health Care Reform Committee is planning several other events to continue raising support for the program, including town hall meetings, round table discussions, and a summer picnic in Battery Park for supporters.

Governor Signs Open Government Legislation

This afternoon, Governor Markell signed H.B. 1 into law, which allows for public access to meetings and records of the Delaware General Assembly. Supporters of the legislation have been working for many years to see it passed. Governor Markell was joined by Senator Karen Peterson, Speaker Bob Gilligan, Representative John Kowalko, and many activists wearing their signature green OOGA shirts.

Governor Markell's Annual Summer Bash

Guest post from Kirsten Louis, Markell for Delaware.



I had never been to the Annual Summer Bash before, but had always heard great things about the event. This year all of the proceeds of the Bash went to the Food Bank of Delaware.

With over 700 people attending, it was hard to believe you were standing in Corey & Doug Marshall-Steele’s backyard. The menu for this event isn’t like any other picnic I’ve attended either. It included appetizers, main entrees, side dishes, and a whole array of desserts and tasty treats. Noah Mathay, who is the Head Chef for the Food Bank of Delaware, prepared all of the dishes and desserts with his team. They did a really superb job. Guests also had the pleasure of being served Dogfish Head brews by its very own president, Sam Calagione!

The main event this year was Grammy-winning country star Pam Tillis. Pam was carried to the stage on a lavish bed by two men singing, Cleopatra Queen of Denial. Gov. Jack Markell and Lt. Gov. Matt Denn joined the stage fanning her with palms and feathers! She was a huge hit with the crowd and sang for over an hour with her acoustic trio.

All in all, the event was a great success. I’m glad the hard work of the Jack Pack volunteers and the Food Bank of Delaware really paid off. The event was able to raise much-needed funds and food donations for the charity. I can’t wait to attend the Bash next year!

For more information on the Food Bank of Delaware or to make a charitable donation, please visit www.fbd.org.

Newark Nite a hit!

Last weekend, members of the 23rd Representative District Committee set up a table at the Newark Nite festivities to register voters and spread the word about our Democratic values and programs. Committee Chair Mike Gritz offers the following recap of the event:

"This year's Newark Nite came close to a very crowded street carnival. The food offerings were extensive and there were numerous other opportunities to part with your money. The interest in the 23rd RD Democratic Committee booth were many and quite varied; from sincere youth and adults to mild hecklers. People even took pictures of our booth! Looking forward to next year. "

As part of the display, the committee had a poster titled "I am a Democrat because..." which event attendees filled in with their own reasons for supporting the Democratic Party. Here is a sample of the responses:

• Republican was the only other choice!
  
• Democrats serve the people, their interest, and economy.
  
• Because when we all do better, we all do better.
  
• America is a democracy
  
• I love Barack Obama!
  
• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  
• I agree with their policies.
  
• Tolerance and open to new ideas.
  
• Cuz eco-friendly is the way to go!
  
• I love America and the Constitution.
  
• Because people matter more than corporations.
  
• I respect others’ opinions but value my own.
  
• I believe all people should be treated equally.

Why we need healthcare reform

This weekend marked the summer kickoff of President Obama's grassroots campaign for healthcare reform. Volunteers from across the country hosted Healthcare Reform Kickoff events, gathering in diners, coffee shops, and living rooms across the country to share their stories and brainstorm ways to help President Obama build support for his agenda. In Wilmington, one such gathering yielded the following stories:

*One health care professional stated that her company paid 5 different medical insurances to include malpractice insurance, workers compensation, employee health care insurance, and medicare taxes. She wondered why these insurances and insurance payments couldn't be combined to save money and become one payment or even no payment if the government took over the healthcare system.

*Another individual told the story about how his families' life savings were wiped out by one stay in the hospial.

*Individuals who previously lived in Hong Kong and Australia expressed a very positive attitude toward the government supported healthcare programs in both countries.

*Several people stated that their child was about to graduate college and had not gotten a job. Therefore their child would be without healthcare insurance. This caused them great concern. To insure them and their families would cost more than they could afford.

*Another person said that they had seen many people with diabetes who could not afford to buy the insulin they required. As a result several had to have their limbs amputated.

*Another women said that when investigating nursing homes for her father, she found that homes supported by medicare payments were generally better than those supported by private funds from the residents. One reason for this was that government supported homes tended to make the residents get up out of bed every day. This was not the case for the privately supported homes.

*Another man wrote that he had grown up in Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to the US about 20 years ago. In Trinidad and Tobago, everyone has free medical coverage. Here in the US, he is unable to afford insurance. He does not understand how a poor country such as Trinidad can provide free medical insurance for its citizens but a rich country like the US is unable to provide medical assistance or care for its citizens.

*Another man said that he recently attended the Howard Dean Healthcare rally in Elsmere Delaware. He stated that in Governor Dean's home state, the people went to a single payer health plan. For this plan the Health insurance companies wanted to charge a minimun fee of 10% of total costs just to administer this plan. However, the state was able to administer the plan for 4% of total costs. Therefore, the state decided to administer the health care plan.

* Another women stated that her son had recently lost his job and therefore lost his healthcare insurance. The minimum amount required to buy a reasonable healthcare insurance policy was $740.00 per month, even though he was healthy. He has Asburger Syndrome and will be lucky to be able to earn that much in a month so he will be forced to go without health insurance as he will never get a job that will pay enough to live in

* One women stated that being a private business owner, she had to buy her own insurance policy. She got a special rate through the local chamber of commerce of $960.00 per month. She had to pass this cost to her customers. In addition, if she got sick she would be unable to work and therefore would lose her insurance.

Stay tuned with what local Delawareans are doing to fight for health care in their communities at this link: http://www.universalhealthcarecoverage.info/

Open Government Passes the Senate!

Kavips has a great description of Senator Karen Peterson's bold move to bring HB 1, which provides for public access to records and proceedings of the Delaware General Assembly, onto the floor for a vote. The bill passed the house unanimously on Tuseday (20-1, one absent).

Council of Economic Advisors releases "Economic Case for Health Care Reform"

On Tuesday afternoon, the President's Council of Economic Advisers released a report detailing the economic advantages of health care reform. Some key points include:

• Reducing the growth in the cost of healthcare from 6% to 4.5% annually
• Creating approximately 500,000 new jobs
• Saving the average family $2,600
• Reducing the burden to states for covering emergency care to unemployed individuals

Read the whole report here: http://www.politico.com/static/PPM119_090601_healthcarereport.html

In His Own Words, McCain Wrong Choice in Economic Crunch

Watch the new Obama ad.

From Bush to Obama; 26 Newspapers Defect

Pundits are using every barometer imaginable to measure success in this presidential race, and Barack Obama seems to be leading in every category -- from points in the polls to money to crowd size. But Editor and Publisher’s recent measuring stick is very telling of just how wrong John McCain is on the issues most important to voters and those who help shape public opinion.

It has tallied 26 newspapers that had backed Bush in 2004 that have now endorsed Obama, compared with just 4 that swapped Kerry in 2004 for McCain 08.

Taking a look at our daily endorsement tally so far, the Obama-Biden ticket has a hefty lead in both total newspapers and total circulation. But another figure that favors the Democratic candidates is the number of newspapers that have endorsed Sen. Obama despite supporting President Bush’s reelection in 2004.

[...]In California alone, the Obama-Biden ticket picked-up six newspapers that endorsed President Bush in 2004.

He also gained a few papers, such as the Los Angeles Times and Cleveland's Plain Dealer that did not endorse either candidate in 2004. Editor & Publisher, 10/28/08

At this point, though, the only numbers that really matter are the Election Day results. Fellow Obama supporters, while it’s OK to read those headlines, don’t forget in order for all these grand predictions to come true you must actually get out and vote. And don’t stop with just Obama-Biden… keep going all the way down the ballot.

Matt Denn's on Your Side

Matt Denn, candidate for lt. governor, is on your side. He's spent the last four years fighting for your insurance rights and will bring the same kind of commitment to the lt. governor's office.



Learn more about how Matt Denn is helping Delaware families in his latest
ad.

Slipping Fast

For a good two weeks, Governor Palin went after Sen. Obama hard with negative personal attacks. But now, as the McCain-Palin numbers slip, she’s even calling for McCain to ease up.

"It's getting so bad that even Sen. McCain's running mate denounced his tactics last night. You know, you really have to work hard to violate Gov. Palin's standards on negative campaigning. You gotta work hard," Obama told the crowd of about 8,000 in Tampa. "He's on the attack. That's what you do when you're out of touch, out of ideas and running out of time." [Dallas Morning News, 10/20/08]

Read more...

Obama Attacks Country's Problems, McCain Attacks Obama

As he usually does, Senator Joe Biden had a terrific line Monday night at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Dover.

“Barack Obama and I want to attack America’s problems,” Biden told the crowd of more than 1,000 supporters. “It appears that all Sarah Palin and John McCain want to do is attack us. We want to attack problems. They want to attack us.”

Fittingly, in this election of change, politics as usual isn’t working, and McCain’s negative attacks are starting to turn many voters against him.

The McCain campaign’s recent angry tone and sharply personal attacks on Senator Barack Obama appear to have backfired and tarnished Senator John McCain more than their intended target, the latest New York Times/CBS News poll has found.

…Six in 10 voters surveyed said that Mr. McCain had spent more time attacking Mr. Obama than explaining what he would do as president; by about the same number, voters said Mr. Obama was spending more of his time explaining than attacking. NY Times, 10/14/08

It’s really sad to see McCain who decried attacks in the 2008 election resort to using them now as the campaign slips out of his grasp.

Reviews are in: McCain Can't Connect on Key Issues

In a debate formatted to suit McCain’s strengths, Barack Obama was the one who scored an overwhelming victory, making a clear case for change that will rebuild the middle class.

In CBS’s poll of undecided voters, 39 percent declared Obama the debate winner, with 27 percent saying McCain won.

After the debate, 68 percent of uncommitted voters said that they think Obama will make the right decisions on the economy, compared to 54 percent who said that before the debate. Fewer thought McCain would do so - 49 percent after the debate, and 41 percent before.

Before the debate, 60 percent thought Obama understands voters' needs and problems; that rose to 80 percent after the debate. For McCain, 35 percent felt he understands voters' needs before the debate, and 46 percent thought so afterwards. [CBS News, 10/8/08]

It’s hard convincing people you’re the guy to solve the country’s economic crisis with rhetoric alone, especially when it was the policies you supported the last six year that led to the problem.

…[A]part from promising to buy up troubled mortgages as president, he offered no real answers for how he plans to solve the country’s deep economic crisis. He is unable or unwilling to admit that the Republican assault on regulation was to blame. [NY Times, 10/8/08]

When foreign policy came up in the debate -- a subject on which McCain claims to be an expert -- things went only slightly better for the Republican.

Obama turned McCain’s smug charges from the last debate about not understanding a whole lot about the world against him.

"I don't understand how we ended up invading a country that had nothing to do with 9/11, while Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda are setting up base camps and safe havens to train terrorists to attack us. That was Senator McCain's judgment and it was the wrong judgment. When Senator McCain was cheerleading the president to go into Iraq, he suggested it was going to be quick and easy, we'd be greeted as liberators. That was the wrong judgment." [Boston Globe, 10/8/08]

Apparently, the McCain campaign has been right about something, though: If they keep talking about the economy... and the issues in general, they’re going to lose.

Not Winning on the Issues, McCain Starts Slinging Mud

How McCain has changed in eight years. Back in 2000, he denounced negative political ads, saying "if all you run is negative attack ads, you don't have much of a vision for the future."

Fast forward to ’08 and it’s McCain going negative after realizing that he couldn’t win the debate on America’s most important issues -- economics and health care.

Checkout the DNC’s newest ad called "Negative Attack Ads," which follows reports that McCain's campaign is preparing a last ditch barrage of desperate negative attack ads aimed at "turning the page" from the economic crisis facing working families. Recent reports show that McCain has already shifted virtually 100 percent of its ads to negative attack ads.

We can't afford anouther leader with no vision.