Williams files new casino legislation

Rep. Dennis E. Williams, D-Talleyville, filed legislation to permit two new casinos in Delaware - one in New Castle County and one in Sussex.

Williams cited the stalling of House Bill 40, to allow three more casinos in the state, in the gaming committee. He said he hopes his legislation will move through quickly so new jobs can be created as a type of economic stimulus.

“We need jobs. That is the primary goal of this legislation,” said Williams. “The fact that we as a state would get additional revenue is a bonus, but this is primarily about jobs. For all the talk about increasing employment, nothing out there could bring the volume of jobs as quickly as a project like this."

According to a release, Williams said his legislation will create a nine-member committee composed of three appointments each from the governor, Senate president pro tempore and House speaker. No more than two of each set of appointments can be of the same political party, and each member must have at least 10 years of experience in business or government, or education in the areas of finance, accounting or banking.

“Everyone I have spoken to has said that each casino would bring $300 million each in construction and setup operations," Williams said. "That is a significant investment, and the thousands of temporary and permanent jobs is also significant. We have an obligation as a government to remove obstacles preventing businesses from growing and creating jobs."


Katz urges support for Medicaid legislation

As the Joint Finance Committee continues meetings this week, Sen. Michael Katz, D-Centerville, has written a letter to the committee and Gov. Jack Markell, urging further support of Medicaid programs.
In the letter, Katz said restrictions could end up sending more patients to the emergency room instead of to a doctor's appointment for treatment. Medicaid programs benefit low-income families. The state's Medicaid Advisory Committee recently announced changes to the program to reduce funding for medical, lab and non-emergency services.
“It is already a balancing act for those physicians who currently see Medicaid patients because the payments received for services provided, at best, barely cover the costs of providing them,” Katz wrote in the letter. “To further cut those payments … will shift the balance to the point that many physicians will be forced to close their practices to Medicaid patients.”


Bill on legislators lobbying sent to House

House Bill 4, which restricts legislators from becoming lobbyists for one year after ending public service, was passed on to the House from committee. The House Administration Committee voted to send the bill to the House floor for debate on its merits. A date for the debate has not been set.


Bill respecting people with disabilities passes

House Bill 91, aimed at preventing offensive language, passed the House unanimously this week. The law requires all new publications and laws to use appropriate language when discussing people with disabilities.

Similar legislation is being discussed nationwide as part of the People First Language movement. It requires statements to include the term 'people' first. For example, all future laws would be required to use the term “people with disabilities,” instead of 'disabled people.'

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.