Good afternoon,
The countdown to adjournment is underway in Dover and a flurry of legislation has emerged.
Many bills are introduced for consideration in the next session. Others fly under the radar.
This week we saw on one of the most anti-business pieces of legislation in memory pass the Senate this week with little fanfare.
The bill would bar non-pharmacists from owning and opening new pharmacies in the state. Existing chain stores would be grandfathered in under bill.
New grocery and/or discount stores (think of Wegmans) might not come to Delaware under the bill.
Delaware has a few independently owned pharmacies, but it is doubtful that any more than a smattering of stores would open under the new bill.
Cash flow is an issue since third parties are slow to reimburse stores, a big reason the Happy Harry’s chain was sold to Walgreens. And as former owner Alan Levin notes, his dad would have not been able to open the first store under the proposed law.
The bill would simply tighten the grip of chains, with residents of fast-growing areas traveling further to pick up a prescription.
In the meantime, a new resolution has been introduced that could set the stage for an increase the percentage of renewable energy that utilities would have to buy.
The resolution from long-time renewable energy champion State Sen. Harris McDowell would study the issue of raising the renewable energy mandate.
The Caesar Rodney Institute, a long-time opponent of the mandate, says that raising the figure from 25 percent by 2025 to a higher figure in future years would lead to higher electric bills. Delaware Electric Cooperative is opposed to any last-minute move.
The impact of jobs and capital spending would be minimal. When it comes to solar, we are not Hawaii or Arizona.
Due to its size and geography massive solar and wind power installations are not feasible in the state. Hydroelectric power that accounts for a high percentage of energy generation in few states is non-existent.
Also, Delaware appears to be out of the offshore wind game, with Maryland pushing ahead.
Instead, purchases of wind-generated power from offshore sources or Pennsylvania and the Midwest would be likely.
Other approaches should be considered as one study seems to indicate that renewable energy mandates can be expensive.
This newsletter returns on Monday and we’ll know more about any last-minute moves in Dover. As Mark Twain wrote, “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.”
Finally, a piece of legislation on its way to the governor would require fast food spots to offer a healthier beverage for kid’s meals. It sounds good, but all the chain has to do is not offer a kid’s meal. Moreover, most of the giant chains already offer the option.
Delaware Business Now’s newsletter will not be posted on July 4 and 5 and will return on July 8.
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