PODCAST · government
Whip Count
by Delaware House Democrats
The Delaware House Democratic Caucus presents Whip Count: a journey inside Legislative Hall in a blue state.
Episodes
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School Redistricting: The Path Forward
Rep. Chukwuocha joins Wilmington Mayor John Carney and Education Advisor James Simmons III for a conversation about the Redding Consortium’s redistricting discussions and the long-term impact these decisions could have on students, families, and schools across the community.
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Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind– Rep. Kamela Smith
In November 2024, six new voices joined the 153rd General Assembly as part of the House Democratic Caucus. In part three of Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind, we sat down with Rep. Kamela Smith to reflect on her first legislative session. She shared the highs, the challenges, and how she’s learned to...
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Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind– Rep. Josué O. Ortega
In November 2024, six new voices joined the 153rd General Assembly as part of the House Democratic Caucus. In Part Two of Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind, we’re sitting down with Rep. Josué O. Ortega to reflect on his first legislative session. From navigating the ins and outs of policymaking to the...
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Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind– Rep. Mara Gorman
In November 2024, six new voices joined the 153rd General Assembly as part of the House Democratic Caucus. In part one of Mic’d Up: The Rookie Rewind, we sat down with Rep. Mara Gorman to reflect on her first legislative session. From navigating the fast pace of policymaking to the lessons that...
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Navigating New Times: A Heart-to-Heart on Supporting Delaware’s Nonprofits
House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris sits down with Sheila Bravo, CEO of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA), to discuss the challenges facing nonprofits amid federal budget cuts.
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Addressing Rising Energy Costs: House Democrats Push for Relief for Families Affected by Soaring Rates
In January 2025, hundreds of residents were hit with dramatic increases in their energy bills. For the past several weeks, lawmakers have been working on solutions to reduce energy costs and provide relief to families. In this episode of Whip Count, Representatives Debra Heffernan and Frank Burns...
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Chambers of Change
In celebration of LGTBQ+ Pride Month, hear from Rep. Eric Morrison as we dive deep into Pride! Whether you've already found your community or you’re still looking for one, let the DEHouseDems family speak to you
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Leaning Into Your Vulnerabilities
On this episode of Whip Count, in honor of Women’s History Month, hear from House Majority Leadership as they discuss their journey in life and the lessons they learned along the way.
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Making Way For Change: Children of Alcoholics Week
On this episode of Whip Count, Speaker Valerie Longhurst along with Alisa Schneidman, Author of the House of Weird, and Patricia May board member from the Delaware Association for Children of Alcohol and Marijuana Dependency discuss the impact and effects of alcoholism on individuals and the…
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Catching Up With the Freshmen: Representative Sophie Phillips
Before the 152nd General Assembly officially kicked off, we introduced the five new members of our caucus and their plans to make an impact in Legislative Hall. In part two of our freshmen series, we spoke to Rep. Sophie Phillips about her first legislative session and the surprise lessons she...
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The Right to a Healthy Environment: Delaware’s Green Amendment Explained
On the latest episode of Whip Count, Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton and environmental activist Anissa Cartagena join us to discuss HB 220, also known as Delaware’s Green Amendment. This proposed amendment would enshrine residents’ right to a clean and healthy environment in the Delaware Constitution…
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Catching Up With the Freshman: Representative Cyndie Romer
Before the 152nd General Assembly officially kicked off, we introduced the five new members of our caucus and their plans to make an impact in Legislative Hall. On this new series, we’ll catch up with these history-making members as they reflect on their first legislative session and the…
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Aggressive Speeding
In spring 2023, Gov. Carney, DelDOT, the Delaware Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security, and members of the General Assembly introduced a package of bills designed to improve safety on Delaware's roadways. This week's podcast episode of Whip Count highlights Representative Frank Cooke’s HB 120…
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A Path Forward: Revising the Registry to Help Young Offenders Lead Productive Lives
On this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Cyndie Romer joins us to explain her HB 186, a measure that would reduce the number of children placed on the sex offender registry by empowering judges, in consultation with child psychologists and case workers, to decide whether a child should be included on...
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The Delaware Climate Solutions Act
On this episode of Whip Count, we’re joined by Rep. Debra Heffernan, Rep. Sophie Phillips and Emily Knearl from the Nature Conservancy to talk about the Delaware Climate Solutions Act, a bold step toward tackling Climate Change here in the First State.
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The Case for Regular Property Reassessments: House Bill 62 Explained
On this episode, Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton joins us to discuss her HB 62, legislation requiring properties to be assessed every five years. This would allow the state to be fairer in its taxation structure, ensuring that property owners finally have parity. You can find additional reassessment...
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Spending Less & Saving More: Policies to Ease the Tax Burden on Working Delawareans
On this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Paul Baumbach discusses measures that would put money in the pockets of working Delawareans by increasing the standard deduction and refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.
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The Matthew D. Klosowski Act: Creating Safer Recovery Homes for Delawareans
Recovery housing is an integral part of the recovery journey, providing transitional homes in a substance-free, supportive environment. However, here in Delaware, the lack of standards and regulations for these homes has created difficult and sometimes dangerous situations for individuals...
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Commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day
Just before we gaveled out for the February Joint Finance Committee break, the House commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day with a resolution and an address from special guest David Meluskey of the World Jewish Congress. This episode of Whip Count features audio from that address as well as a...
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Meet the Freshmen: New House members begin 2023 session
Who are the new members in the House? On this episode of Whip Count we introduce you to Representatives Kerri Evelyn Harris, DeShanna Neal, Sophie Phillips, Cyndie Romer, and Stell Parker Selby. The newcomers were recently sworn in at the state capitol, as the 152nd Delaware General Assembly...
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Criminal Justice Reform: Tracking Inmates
Delaware legislators continue work on criminal justice reform through legislation that would ensure clear and concise quarterly reports of an inmate's behavior. Under Rep. Larry Lambert’s HB 394, the Delaware Department of Correction would be required to provide copies of quarterly reports of…
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2022 Delaware Momnibus
Recognizing the ongoing challenges facing mothers and newborns, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown introduces us to the 2022 Delaware Momnibus, a series of several bills, addressing issues impacting pregnant and postpartum persons and decreasing infant mortality. Minor-Brown explains how lawmakers and...
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Direct Payments for Delawareans: The 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate and Other Economic Empowerment Legislation Explained
This week on Whip Count: The 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate explained, economic policies to help Delawareans become more resilient to inflation, and maintaining a strong and fair economy in the First State House Majority leader Valerie Longhurst provides listeners with an in-depth explanation of the...
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Mental Health Education
Delaware kids are dealing with an unprecedented mental health crisis, and to address it, Rep. Valerie Longhurst is encouraging more people to normalize conversations around mental illness so more students understand they are never alone. Annie Slease of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in...
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The Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus
In February, lawmakers announced the formation of the Delaware Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of legislators focused on advancing the shared interests of women. In this episode of Whip Count, the co-chairs of the caucus, Rep. Valerie Longhurst and Sen. Marie...
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The Cover All Delaware Children Act
Approximately 5,000 Delaware children lack access to medical coverage due to their immigration status. For these children, a simple trip to the doctor for an illness or to get vaccinated is not a financially viable option. In this episode, Rep. Krista Griffith, Sen. Sarah McBride, and Yvette...
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Criminal Justice Reform: Second Chances
People who have been incarcerated often encounter challenges that are very difficult to overcome, which makes it hard for them to build a stable future. Unfortunately, there is no “quick-fix” solution to employment, education, and entrepreneurship for formerly incarcerated people. However,...
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State of the State: Highlights and Reaction
In Gov. John Carney ‘s 2022 State of the State address, he expressed commitment to invest in schools, jobs, economic development, broadband access, and more. Carney also highlighted some challenges during the pandemic but remained hopeful along with Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Deb Hefferenan, Rep....
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Environmental Justice and Green Energy Investments
Representative Larry Lambert is committed to educating people about the federal Justice 40 Initiative, which ensures 40 percent of federal infrastructure funds around climate change, green energy and economic development go toward disadvantaged communities statewide. Learn how the initiative…
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Martin Luther King Day: Service, Reflection, and Education
The historical memories of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Justice hit too close home for Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden who shares personal reflections and what community members can continue to do, creating more hope and opportunity rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. MLK Day allows…
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Domestic Violence Awareness
In October, many people wear purple for domestic violence victims and survivors. As advocates come together to raise awareness and educate people on red flags, trauma, and the paralyzing fear that mental or physical abuse can have on a person, it’s also important to highlight resources and…
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Investing in Our Students: Legislation for a Better and More Effective Education System
A quality education lays the foundation of a successful future, giving kids the tools and resources they need to reach their goals. On this week’s episode of Whip Count, House Education Committee Chair Rep. Kim Williams and Vice-Chair Nnamdi Chukwuocha, discuss policy solutions for improving...
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”We Have To Be Bold”: Policies to Tackle Delaware‘s Mounting Environmental Concerns
Weeks ago, Hurricane Ida brought record-breaking and catastrophic flooding to our region, causing millions of dollars in damages. As so-called 100-year weather events like Ida become more and more commonplace in Delaware, the lowest-lying state in the nation, lawmakers are working to mitigate the...
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The Justice for All Agenda
Rep. Kendra Johnson and Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker reflect on historic advances to tackle systemic racial injustice in Delaware. In June 2020, the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus unveiled an agenda, packed with bills, addressing police accountability and transparency as well as equal rights and...
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Protecting LGBTQ+ and disability communities
On Thursday, June 17, lawmakers and advocates came together for a Pride Month rally to announce an historic constitutional amendment that would protect the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. HB 199 from House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and Sen. Sarah McBride would...
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Tuition-Free College in Delaware
Delaware’s landmark SEED and INSPIRE scholarship programs have allowed thousands of residents to further their education and develop important skills without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. Under new legislation proposed by Democratic lawmakers, these programs could…
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Delaware's Paid-Leave Proposal
Delaware workers either struggle to balance work, family and health care needs because they don’t have access to unpaid leave. Saving vacation and sick time to make sure a paycheck isn’t missed is also a common reality for some families. The Healthy Delaware Families Act, a paid-leave policy…
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Childcare and Campaign Funds
When it comes to campaigning, it's a job that isn't family friendly for candidates. In Delaware, people who are interested in running for a political seat can not legally draw from their funds to take care of child care expenses. HB 90 would change that, acting as an incentive for young mothers…
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Delaware EARNS: Closing the Retirement Savings Gap
Saving for retirement is becoming an increasingly difficult dilemma for workers. In Delaware, as many as 200,000 employees lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. To address this growing issue, Rep. Larry Lambert has worked with our State Treasurer to introduce the Delaware EARNS...
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Police Body Camera Legislation
Delaware lawmakers consider legislation that would implement a statewide body-worn camera program. Sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, HB 195 would require police officers to wear a body-worn camera. The mandate would also require some employees of the Department of Correction and Department…
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Delaware Telehealth Services: Doctor's Visits From Home
Rep. David Bentz joins leaders from Christiana Care Health System to discuss expanding telehealth services for Delawareans through House Bill 160. According to those who support the proposed piece of legislation, all Delawareans deserve high-quality, affordable health care. Find out if health…
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Financial Relief for Working Families: The Earned Income Tax Credit Explained
Last week, the House passed Rep. Paul Baumbach's House Bill 16, providing low-income individuals financial relief on their income taxes. House Bill 16 reforms the earned-income tax credit in Delaware so families can receive a few more dollars to help with the everyday financial pressures, from...
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Environmental Policy: Solutions for a Safer and More Sustainable Delaware
Environmental issues affect our lives every day, whether it's flooding on our roadways or the energy used to power our homes. We’re only a few months into the 2021 session, and lawmakers have already introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing issues such as sustainable…
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Legalization: The Delaware Marijuana Control Act Explained
Lawmakers in Delaware have introduced legislation that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adult users, a measure supported by 60% of Delawareans. The Delaware Marijuana Control Act would authorize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana, while establishing a new...
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The CROWN Act: Hair discrimination, impact and advocacy
Legislation designed to legally protect all people from hair discrimination could become law if the Delaware House advances SB 32. Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha came together to discuss the CROWN Act as well as the pressure to alter natural hair…
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House Bill 100: Providing Mental Health Resources for Elementary School Students
Elementary schoolchildren carry trauma and life experiences with them that immensely impact their school and home situations, and without access to mental health resources, these issues can spiral into full-blown crises. In Delaware, one school counselor may be responsible for 500 children,...
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The Work Never Stops: Part-Time Legislators Work Around the Clock for Constituents
The Delaware legislature typically convenes for session about 45 days a year, however, the job of local legislators goes far beyond passing legislation. Our local “part-time” lawmakers stay busy 365 days a year as they help constituents, meet with organizations and state agencies, and volunteer…
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Reflections on Black History Month
Black History Month may kick off in February but it doesn't end there. It's an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of African Americans and learn about men and women who have made great contributions across the world. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha share...
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Delaware Leaders Raise Awareness About Heart Health
Heart disease continues to be one of the greatest health threats to men and women across the globe. This information is highlighted annually during February, American Heart Month to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. In Delaware, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, a nurse and educator shared...
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Education Priorities
In the last several years, House Democrats have proposed pieces of legislation aimed at addressing education issues such as lack of mental health resources in schools, inadequate special education funding, and teacher retention. This week, we’ll hear from a few of the lawmakers leading the charge...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Delaware House Democratic Caucus presents Whip Count: a journey inside Legislative Hall in a blue state.
HOSTED BY
Delaware House Democrats
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Whip Count have?
Whip Count currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Whip Count about?
The Delaware House Democratic Caucus presents Whip Count: a journey inside Legislative Hall in a blue state.
How often does Whip Count release new episodes?
Whip Count has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Whip Count on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Whip Count?
Whip Count is created and hosted by Delaware House Democrats.
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