The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus announced it is seeking ideas from residents as it formulates a strategy for fighting poverty.
“Beginning now, we are making it a priority to help Delawareans lift themselves out of poverty, and in doing so, reduce the demand for government resources. We believe we can help people improve their lives and shrink the size of government at the same time,” a release from the caucus stated.
Republicans, as well as Democrats in the General Assembly have been criticized for not addressing social issues like poverty.
Delaware’s poverty rate has typically run below the national figure. However, a report from the University of Delaware indicates the state is catching up with the national figure.
Recent figures from the U.S. Census showed the state has fallen a couple of percentage points below the national average in its poverty rate, although the bureau noted that figures are subject to sampling errors.
Ideas up for consideration include:
– An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit that aids those in poverty who hold jobs. Not all of those who qualify for the credit take advantage of it.
– Scholarship Tax Credits that encourage individuals and businesses to fund scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools;
– Resolution to call on the federal government to fund anti-poverty programs through a “block grant with rails,” which allows decisions to be made at the level closest to the people, while protecting the integrity of the funds;
– A pro-marriage media campaign to promote the benefits of marriage for economic stability;
– A tax credit for businesses who hire apprentices and provide on-the-job training of a marketable skill; and
-Creating a commission to perform a comprehensive review of all Delaware worker training programs, seeking out best practices and ensuring that skills training for the jobs of today takes the highest priority.
“This is just a portion of our agenda, and while we are proud of our ideas, we are also eager to work across the aisle on ideas that have merit. This is why many in our caucus have joined with Democratic Rep. Paul Baumbach on a bill to give a refundable tax cut to our poorest working people. And this is why we have reached out to the governor’s office for a genuine role in his upcoming reform of our occupational licensing system, which is on our agenda as well,” the release added.
The caucus is inviting residents to submit ideas via email to our Chief of Staff, Dave Burris, at david.burris@state.de.us. The criteria for submissions:
– Ideas must be addressable at the state level. We have little to no control over federal programs and spending.
– Ideas must not create a permanently funded government program
– While we always welcome constituent ideas, the deadline for consideration in the poverty agenda is Friday, February 12th.
If your new idea is chosen to be part of our Poverty Agenda, you will be invited to be part of our press event when we roll out the legislation.
