Hopefully, today means the beginning of your kick-off to the 4^th of July weekend. For me though, it means a trip to Legislative Hall, hopefully avoiding everyone else heading to the beach, for the final session day of the first half of the 152^nd General Assembly. The Senate and House chambers will gavel into session around 2 pm and should, for the first time, not be working after midnight. Until this session, due to a quirky part of Delaware’s constitution, the Delaware’s General Assembly has needed to reopen session soon after midnight to maintain control of its schedule during the six months, July-January, that it is not in session. This year, following changes to the pertinent section of the constitution, the session should be able to be wrapped up much, much sooner, but we will see how things go. Anything can happen in the last week of session and on the last night of session in particular.

In addition to the change in session schedule, it is anticipated that after serving as Speaker of the House for 11 years, Representative Pete Schwartzkopf will step down from the highest leadership position in the House of Representatives. Although the Speaker is identified by the majority caucus, the whole of the House votes to confirm. I have my fingers crossed, it’s a smooth transition of power as a new Speaker is elected.

While my busiest time for Government Relations work may be coming to a close for this year, summer's longer days and warmer weather make it the busiest time of year for DCA’s members. As you celebrate our nation's birth this weekend, I hope you are able to take a break enjoying time with family and friends.

From DCA's Board of Directors and staff, we wish you a happy, fun, and safe 4^th of July!