ACLU Delaware hosts legislative rally, voice priorities ahead of next session
DOVER, Del.- Accountability and change. That’s what advocates across the first state were in Dover for Saturday. Smart Justice Ambassadors with the ACLU of Delaware held a rally right on the lawn of legislative hall. “For us, it’s really important that when legislators sit down with us that they hear us. It’s really important that if you make those promises to the people, you follow through with them,” Kelly said.
Several organizations were present including the ACLU of Delaware, Libertarian Party of Delaware, Veterans Services, and more. Speakers discussed everything from police accountability, probation reform, and addressing the lack of affordable housing. The ACLU says they did see some success with police reform the 152nd session of the Delaware General Assembly with the passing on House Bills 205 and 206. They also tell 47ABC they’re looking for true accountability in policing and much more.
Shyanne Miller with the H.O.M.E.S Campaign says in 2024 they want to see the Homeless Bill of Rights finally cross the finish line. She tells us it’s been a fight for over a decade. “The rights you have as an individual when you are housed kind of start to go away when you become homeless. What we’re saying is that makes it that people are kind of pushed out of society and it’s way less likely for them to become housed again later,” Miller said.
Looking towards the future, Tyeisha Grier with the NAACP Central Delaware Branch says more dollars must be put into education for the youngest Delawareans. “We can make all the laws and everything that we want, but the money has to come from somewhere. Right now, without the equitable funding, we’re going to keep making these laws and they’ll never be implemented. We can keep saying these things, but they’ll never change,” Grier said.
Lead Smart Justice Ambassador Kristina Kelly called the day a chance to educate and provide outreach to the community. She tells 47ABC it’s a fight that’s far from over. “It’s not going to make us be quiet. It’s going to energize us more, make us louder, and make us more organized. It’s going to get to a point where you will have to give us what we’re demanding,” Kelly said.
Housing advocates also tell 47 ABC more needs to be done to ensure affordable housing for all including more rent-controlled options.
Veteran Services Delaware was also at the rally, spreading awareness on the need for more resources for the veteran population.
They tell us they wanted to educate the community on why it’s important that those who serve our country have the support they need. ‘The job of raising awareness among the veteran population, legislature, and the general population is all about showing up,” Chief Officer for Veterans Serivces Joseph M. Walls said.
“I always talk to veterans about coming out and supporting those who want to improve the life circumstances of all veterans.”
Veterans Services tells 47 ABC they’re an available resource for any and all veterans across the first state. To find out more information, you can contact Walls at (302)-653-3940 or JoeWalls@veterans.services
