By Matt Bittle

DOVER — The state should take steps to reopen further, Republican legislators said Thursday during a virtual forum, while Democrats urged patience, expressing hope the pandemic will soon be over.

Stark differences were on display during the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce’s legislative luncheon, which was held over Zoom for the second consecutive year. While political affiliation accounted for much of the contrast, there were disagreements even among Democrats on a few issues.

Members of the GOP were critical of the yearlong state of emergency, calling for reopening schools and businesses now.

“It’s time to stop this charade. It’s time to get back to work,” said Sen. Dave Lawson, a Republican representing the Marydel area. “It’s time to be real and just face up to what’s going on.”

Others agreed, noting that hospitalizations are at their lowest point since late October. Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, a Clayton Republican, said Delaware can learn from successes in other states, protecting public health, while still moving toward the old normal.

Rep. Lyndon Yearick noted that the lockdown may have limited the spread of the coronavirus but has a cost in other ways, citing education, the economy and mental health.

“I believe in the power of the individual to be able to make good decisions for he, she, their family, their community,” the Magnolia Republican told the audience.

Republicans criticized Gov. John Carney for the ongoing state of emergency, touting legislation that would shift some power from the governor to the General Assembly. That bill is not expected to pass.

Sen. Bruce Ennis, a Smyrna Democrat, said many constituents have told him they do not feel comfortable going out yet, a sign that even if all restrictions were lifted, normalcy would still be out of reach. He called for increased vaccination efforts.

Delaware has administered almost 287,000 doses (not 287,000 individuals), with about 86,000 left in the current supply.

Sen. Lawson, for his part, expressed concerns about the vaccination, saying the state should not force anyone to get it. He added that he does not plan to get vaccinated because the flu shot typically makes him sick.

Lawmakers from both parties praised the budget-stabilization account Gov. Carney established several years ago to set money aside for rough times — such as last year — but they differed in their views on spending in the upcoming budget.

There are serious needs around Delaware, Democrats noted, pointing to education, services for those with developmental disabilities and raises for state pensioners and employees.

“This is mission impossible,” Sen. Ennis said, highlighting the requests the Joint Finance Committee will decide on in the coming months.

Of the eight participants, only two expressed support for a bill filed Tuesday that would raise the minimum wage from $9.25 to $15 over four years. The proposal has significant Democratic support, but passage is not guaranteed.

“I just think it’s the wrong time to bring this,” said Rep. Bill Bush, a Dover Democrat. “We have businesses that are still hurting. We’re in the middle of a pandemic.”

Rep. William Carson, a Smyrna Democrat, agreed, leaving Sens. Ennis and Trey Paradee as the only ones backing the measure during the forum. Sen. Paradee, a Dover Democrat, also stood out as the only participant to support repealing the lower youth and training wages, as well as the sole legislator who said he is willing to consider establishing paid family leave for the private sector.

“I think it’s a lofty aspiration, but we’ll have to see what it looks like,” he said, adding that that proposal has not yet been formally introduced as legislation.