DOVER — Gubernatorial candidate Colin Bonini said last week he would fight to make Delaware a right-to-work state if elected governor.
The Republican state senator said the state cannot afford not to implement policies that limit unions.
The Democratic-controlled General Assembly blocked several right-to-work proposals presented in the previous session.
“Forced and compulsory unionism, regardless of one’s political views on it, are a sure sign to businesses that they are not welcome. I am decidedly not anti-union, but employees should have the choice whether to join one or not,” Sen. Bonini said in a statement.
“Regardless of whether one supports or opposes moving to a right-to-work model, the reality is that businesses do not build facilities and bring their core businesses to states that are not right-to-work. If Delaware ever wants to be a manufacturing hub again, we must pursue right-to-work policies. It’s no longer a matter of choice, it’s a necessity.”
Sen. Bonini is competing in a primary with Lacey Lafferty Sept. 13.
More big money in Dem congressional primary
With the primary election less than two weeks away, the three leaders for Delaware’s open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives have each received more than half a million dollars in donations.
Through Aug. 24, Sean Barney led all six Democratic candidates in contributions and available cash, with $661,000 and $354,000, respectively. Bryan Townsend received $652,000 and had $199,000 left to spend, with a self-loan of $20,000. Lisa Blunt Rochester had $566,000 in donations and $107,000 available.
She has previously loaned herself $179,000, and on Aug. 31, she loaned herself another $225,000. That latter loan is not included in her cash on hand.
Mike Miller, Scott Walker and Elias Weir did not report financial information, indicating they have not raised or spent $5,000.
Poppiti unveils plan for seniors
Lieutenant governor candidate Ciro Poppiti released a seniors bill of rights last week, containing proposals intended to help seniors age in place, have financial security and receive health care.
The list, developed after months of interviews and research, consists of 10 individual rights. They are:
Right to quality of life
Right to age in place
Right to family support
Right to nutritious foods
Right to financial independence
Right to accessible health care
Right to freedom of movement
Right to job opportunities
Right to rest and relaxation
Right to counsel and support
“This might be surprising, but one of the issues that came up repeatedly is that seniors want access to fresh fruit and vegetables,” Mr. Poppiti said in a statement. “What does that mean?
“That means they lack access to accessible transit, and don’t live in walkable communities. That means they’re likely dealing with life changes that prevent them from shopping on their own as they have their entire lives. These are issues that we can address.”
The New Castle County register of wills, Mr. Poppiti is one of six Democrats competing in the Sept. 13 primary for lieutenant governor.
Barney promotes women’s rights initiatives
Congressional candidate Sean Barney on Wednesday detailed a plan to give women more opportunities in the workplace and protect abortion rights.
He supports passing legislation to guarantee equal pay for women, expand Planned Parenthood funding and provide paid family leave.
“Even in 2016 women still face obstacles in the workplace, are paid less than men for equal work and women’s health and reproductive rights are under assault in Congress and in states across the country,” he said in a statement.