Month: May 2015

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SB 40 held up in Committee – still needs one signature

Democracy lost on Wednesday when six House Judiciary Committee members refused to sign SB 40 out of committee, thereby preventing a vote by all Representatives in the state. Thank you to Rep. Sean Lynn for his courageous sponsorship. Thank you to Reps Smith, Potter, Johnson, and Brady for their support. Please continue to write Reps Spiegelman, Paradee, Smyk, Mitchell, Wilson, and Outten urging them to sign SB40 out of committee. Thank you to all the organizers and all those who testified. Many wise and heartfelt words were shared.

According to DE Repeal representative Rachel Livingston, “One Legislative Hall veteran said it was probably the best testimony ever presented to a committee in his 35+ years. Our voices were heard!”

We will be in touch next week about what more you can do to help. It’s not over!
For now:
• Check out all the great pictures on the Delaware Repeal Facebook page.
• Continue liking and sharing DE Repeal posts and pictures on Facebook and Twitter.
• Write letters to the editor to your local newspaper to express your disappointment with the outcome of the House Judiciary Committee Hearing for SB 40.
• Encourage friends to “Like” the Delaware Citizens Opposed to the Death Penalty and DE Repeal Facebook pages.

In the meantime, never fear, Nevada has successfully passed its repeal bill in two out of three debates. The third debate is expected this coming week. Although the Governor is expected to veto, the majority so far is great enough to override a veto. Such good work from our Conservative neighbors to the West!

Thank you for your continued support!

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Governor Supports Repeal of Death Penalty

On May 7, 2015, Gov. Jack Markell announced that he is in support of repeal of the death penalty!  In a statement to the press Gov. Markell said:

“It doesn’t make us safer.  Should the repeal bill come to my desk, I would sign it.”

“This is not an easy issue. My thinking has changed and I just wanted to give it very careful consideration.”

“I know this is a really difficult issue for members of the General Assembly.  I hope that after considering the arguments as I have, they will reach the same conclusion that I have.”

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Lobby Day 5/6/15 and Hearing 5/13/15 in Dover

We have two major events coming up in the next couple weeks, and need your support and presence for one or both days. If you can’t there is still another way you can help. Here’s how:

  • Join our lobby day on Wednesday, May 6 at Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave, Dover DE 19901. Meet in the basement cafeteria at noon. We’ll have resources you can use to speak with your legislator.
  • Come to the SB 40 Committee Hearing on Wednesday, May 13 to show your support for repeal. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. and we’re asking supporters to meet us in the basement cafeteria at 10:00 a.m. so that we can fill the seats in the hall and the balcony. There will be time for everyone who would like to testify to do so. If you would like to speak at the hearing, please email rachel@derepeal.org.
  • We still need letters to the editor to your local newspaper to ensure your representative knows you want to repeal the death penalty.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Rachel Livingston
Communications Coordinator
Delaware Repeal