This week, we take a quick look at some of the bills pending possible last-minute action in the General Assembly, as it wound down ahead of the June 30 budget deadline:
• House Resolution 69 – This resolution would establish a task force for the purpose of reviewing the use of school uniforms, and to determine if their implementation in elementary and middle schools is warranted (status: passed House). Most, if not all schools, already have dress codes in place that hit the major areas (revealing clothing, drug or alcohol-related T-shirts, no pajamas, etc.). And do parents really want to buy three extra pairs of khakis and three polo shirts in addition to a child’s regular wardrobe?
• House Bill 470 – Primarily sponsored by Rep. V. George Carey (R-Milford), the bill would establish labeling standards that would allow consumers to know if they are buying locally produced milk (status: passed both houses; awaits governor’s signature). We are all about supporting local business. Smaller business are the ones we depend on for advertising, and putting money back into the local economy is always good – several members of the Countian editorial staff have discovered the local wonder that is Joe Rodriguez’s market on Layton Avenue, in Georgetown, which has possibly the greatest butcher shop around.
• Senate Bill 256 (with Senate Amendment 1) – Among other things, the bill would create the state Cemetery Board and establish a “distressed cemetery” fund, paid for by adding $2 to the cost of a death certificate (status: passed both houses; awaits governor’s signature). A common concern at planning and zoning hearings, on the part of local residents, is the existence of a family cemetery in the vicinity of a proposed development. Just up the road from the Countian office is an extremely old cemetery, and it is truly a monument to the history of the area. Many of them are already well-maintained, but ensuring it is a great way to help preserve Delaware’s history in a very visible way.
See this week’s legislative wrap for action on budget items as well as bills affecting Sussex County.
