Advocacy in Action

Legislative Wins for YWCA Delaware
YWCA Delaware continues to champion systemic change through civic engagement and constitutional reform. This legislative session, we've seen exciting progress on several fronts that align with our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Civic Engagement & Constitutional Reform
Four amendments have successfully passed the Senate and now await consideration in the House: 

  • SS 1 for SB 2: Proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize early, in-person voting

  • SS 1 for SB 3: Introduces a constitutional amendment to allow no-excuse absentee voting

  • HB 88: Seeks a constitutional amendment to permit same-day voter registration

  • HB 180: Proposes a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions after they’ve served their sentences.

Health & Safety Advocacy
We’re proud to celebrate major wins in protecting survivors and improving public health:

  • SB 17 – Victim Bill of Rights: Strengthens protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. 

  • SB 82: Extends the duration of relief under a lethal violence protective order from 1 year to 5 years. 

  • SJR 2: Requires Medicaid to present a plan to the General Assembly for insurance coverage of community health worker services. 

Economic Empowerment 
Progress toward financial equity and education includes: 

  • HS 1 for HB 105: Requires companies to publish salary ranges for job postings—helping close the gender pay gap. 

  • HS 1 for HB 203: Mandates that high schools offer financial literacy classes, preparing students for real-world financial decisions. 

Housing Advocacy 
This session brought forward legislation aimed at energy affordability and housing stability: 

  • HB 50: Creates the Delaware Energy Fund to assist households earning less than 350% of the federal poverty level. 

  • HS 2 for HB 116 with SA 1: Allows the Public Service Commission to approve discounted utility rates for low-income individuals. 

  • SS 2 for SB 115: Enables eviction expungement after 5 years, helping individuals rebuild their lives.