Two weeks ago, I mentioned in my Punchlist report how important it is for me to get input from our members on certain critical pieces of legislation. When it comes to technical aspects of running construction businesses, no one, including me, knows it better than you do. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of committee hearings where I have testified in support of some pieces of legislation and testified to the concerns the industry has regarding many other pieces of legislation.

Following that Punchlist, I sent an email to our contractor members seeking input on HB 8, Clean Construction Materials, and was really pleased that many contractors took the time to email back or call me with their input. It made a difference in my testimony, and I appreciate it. In addition to testifying in committee hearings, I work with administration officials and other legislators to understand their positions on legislation like HB 8 while trying to get them to understand the industry’s position.

Each week, during the General Assembly’s six-month session, you will find a link to the left of this report that provides a list of the bills I’m following and engaging on in a variety of ways. Some are more critical to construction than others but I keep an eye on anything that might impact the industry. I also try to keep an eye out for legislation like the Paid Family Medical Leave Act that impacts DCA’s members as businesses operating in the state.

Please take a look at the weekly legislative status report as often as you can. You can access legislation for a read of it in its entirety or of its synopsis at the Delaware General Assembly’s website by entering a bill number or keyword in the “Find a Bill” section at the center of the landing page. I’m also always happy to forward you any legislation you are interested in reviewing.

Earlier this week we had DCA’s May Government Relations Committee. I really enjoy and value this committee. The members are engaged and always provide valuable insight regarding legislation being considered in Legislative Hall and ordinances being considered at other governmental levels. In the public policy arena, DCA’s voice is made strong by the experience and diversity of its members. So, thanks from me to the Government Relations Committee members and the contractors who give me their valuable input.