Women’s caucus created in Delaware Legislature

A women’s caucus has been recently formed in Delaware’s state Legislature.

The bicameral coalition of legislators will focus primarily on advancing the shared interests of women by advocating for policies that will make Delaware a better place for women to live, work and raise families, officials said. The caucus will be co-chaired by House Majority Leader Rep. Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, and Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-Bear. Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, D-Pennwood, and Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Heatherbrooke, will serve as co-vice chairs. Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, is the only Republican in the women’s caucus.

"During my time in the Legislature, I've been fortunate to work alongside so many inspiring female colleagues and activists to pass historic measures like our Equal Rights Amendment, paid parental leave for state employees and teachers, protections for women in the workplace, at home, and at school, and much more. But our work is just getting started," said Longhurst. "This caucus is an opportunity for us to bring more Delaware women to the table so that together, we can work toward policy solutions that address the disparities and inequalities still present in our state."

Women currently comprise nearly one-third of the 62-member Delaware General Assembly, with 19 women serving in the House and Senate. That is close to the record set about seven years ago when the 143rd General Assembly had 21 women serving, officials said.

During the 2022 legislative session, officials said, the caucus will address public policy issues such as gender disparities in education, healthcare affordability and public safety, among many other concerns.

In addition to considering potential future legislation, the caucus will also hold regular open meetings where members and the public will have the opportunity to hear from legislators, outside speakers and experts.

"I'm honored to serve as the co-chair of the Women's Caucus in the 151st General Assembly," said Pinkney.  "Even as our state continues to elect more women to public office, our work and our progress is far from complete. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to not only empower women, but make sure women know there is a place for them in power."