The eight Republican members of the Delaware State Senate have unanimously reaffirmed their pledge to work to open up Senate operations to public access and information for the coming General Assembly.

The Republicans & their Districts are: Senators Charlie Copeland (4th), Cathy Cloutier (5th), Liane Sorenson (6th), Steve Amick (10th), Dori Connor (12th), Colin Bonini (16th), John Still (17th) and Gary Simpson (18th).

Minority Leader John C. Still said "We remain committed to seek the transparency in the legislative process through changes in Rules and procedures that we have consistently advocated for many years."

"We have publicly committed ourselves to seeking change in five specific areas of Senate operations. We will continue to communicate directly with our Senate colleagues across the aisle in an attempt to reach consensus for positive change for the next Session to begin in January."

Senate Minority Whip Liane Sorenson said "we look forward to working with members on the other side to make the Senate more 'public-friendly' and to promote public participation, confidence and trust in the process."

Senate Republicans' 5-point plan for more open
and accountable government:

• Pass legislation under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) to define the General Assembly and all its standing and ad hoc committees as "public bodies";
• Change Senate Rules to do away with the power of a Senate Committee chair to single-handedly kill legislation by preventing public debate;
• Change Senate Rules to create a deliberative process that guarantees legislation will get a public hearing in committee within a reasonable time frame;
• Promptly post Senate Roll Call votes on the General Assembly website giving the public access to an accounting of individual votes by all Senators; and
• Close loopholes to avoid the potential and appearance of conflict inherent in holding dual roles in government, including a prohibition on paid registered lobbyists holding office on state Authorities, Boards, Commissions and statutory Committees.

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