The Senate Executive Committee held confirmation hearings for two gubernatorial appointees and debated two contested New Castle County property assessment bills (SB 228 and SB 230) that were filed as recently as the night before the hearing, sparking sharp exchanges over legislative process, urgency, and drafting quality. No votes on legislation or appointments were recorded.
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Senator Hocker called filing a bill 'late yesterday, like last evening' and holding a committee hearing the next day 'some of the poorest examples of transparency and fairness that I have seen,' stating members of his caucus were not notified. Senator Pinkney countered that constituents afraid of losing their homes are not concerned about process, stating she was 'damn proud' to vote on legislation introduced the prior night if it helps constituents. Senator Buckson stated he was 'not comfortable with this process' and asked why the bill could not wait until the following week. Senator Sokola defended the urgency by comparing it to charter changes for small Sussex County towns with upcoming elections.
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“The constituent that came to me yesterday literally in the locker room in the gym, very vulnerable moment. Can't imagine how vulnerable it was for her to tell me that she is afraid she's going to lose her home because she can't pay her property taxes. The home that she worked hard to pay off and she is terrified that she's going to lose it. And so if that means that I'm taking a vote on a piece of legislation that got introduced last night, I am damn proud to do that because I'd rather do that than make ridiculous claims about property process to obstruct moving legislation if it means that my constituents can sleep a little easier at night.”
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Sign in to subscribeThe Senate Executive Committee meeting is called to order. As chair of the Senate Executive Committee and in accordance with Senate rules, this committee is authorized to meet in a hybrid format. Committee members and members of the public can participate either in person or virtually through the Zoom webinar. Should any member experience technical difficulties, please call or text 302-545-0158. The public may participate virtually by registering via the meeting link that is posted on the General Assembly's website. Instructions for providing public comment are posted on the website under this committee's meeting notice and will be provided during the public comment portion of the hearing. Members of the public hearing person should sign the document at the front of the room, which is Valerie's desk. She's waving her hand if you'd like to speak on a bill. Let's begin today's meeting by taking a roll call of attendance for the committee members present. Senator Brian Townsend is not yet here. Senator Gerald Hocker, I do not see Senator Elizabeth Lachman, Senator Russell Huxtable, Senator Brian Pettyjohn is, I hope, on the way. Senator Marie Pinckney and myself, Dave Sicola, chair. We do have a quorum, so we will…
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