Indivisible: Let’s get things done before ’28 vote

(W)e are writing to urge all Democratic lawmakers at the state and local levels, up and down the state ... to spend the next two years working together, in a spirit of determined collaboration, on critical goals.”

Indivisible describes itself as a nationwide movement of everyday people organizing to stop the rise of authoritarianism and to build a real democracy that works for all of us.

The results of the midterm election Tuesday, Nov. 3, were unambiguous: Voters have overwhelmingly rejected the extremist agenda being pushed by “Make America Great Again” Republicans in Washington and around the country.

Democratic candidates up and down the ballot who ran on the principles of free and fair elections, affordability for working families and equality for all largely outperformed their Republican opponents — many of whom instead sought to sow division, to incite fear and to make it harder for everyday people to get ahead.

The path forward is clear.

Now more than ever, voters deserve to choose optimism for a better future — one that our leaders can deliver for the hardworking parents, older adults, veterans, public servants and everyday neighbors that they represent.

Here in Delaware, we are lucky to live in a state of neighbors with a long legacy of progress and firsts. As we celebrated the 250th anniversary of this nation, we remembered the stories of some of Delaware’s earliest leaders, who were not afraid to speak out and fight for what they believed in. Their courage and their leadership are why we are, in fact, the First State.

On Nov. 3, Delaware achieved something that only exists in a handful of other states: In addition to our Democratic governor, we now have a Democratic supermajority in both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly.

As Indivisible groups representing thousands of Delawareans in all three counties, we are writing to urge all Democratic lawmakers at the state and local levels, up and down the state — including House of Representatives and Senate Democrats and the governor — to spend the next two years working together, in a spirit of determined collaboration, on critical goals, such as the following:

• Pass the second legs of the constitutional amendments to add early voting and no-excuse absentee voting into the Delaware Constitution.
• Reform Delaware’s personal income tax code to increase taxes on the wealthiest Delawareans and to fund some of our most critical policy priorities.
• Make Delaware safer and more affordable by increasing the stock of affordable housing, prioritizing quality and affordable early childhood education, and protecting our kids against gun violence.
• Pass the second leg of the constitutional amendment to protect marriage equality.
• Pass a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access.
• Regulate and provide oversight on surveillance cameras.
• Protect Delawareans from the impact (environmental and financial) of data centers.
• Protect the civil liberties of all Delawareans — including our immigrant neighbors and those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Now is the time to put aside our ideological differences. You can and you must take advantage of this two-year period to accomplish as much as possible on behalf of the people of the First State. We cannot afford to waste time with infighting between you, the leaders of the party, while your constituents need you to act.

And make no mistake: We, the writers, are here to help.

We know that passing bold legislation requires public support, so our organizations are ready to answer the call, eager to partner with you every step of the way. We will show up to Legislative Hall to give public comment at committee meetings, and we will continue our engagement efforts to help the public know about your work. Of course, we will also hold you to account to collaborate and work together to best serve our communities.

The 2028 election cycle has already begun. You have two years to show Delaware that you are the leaders who can get things done — so, let’s get to work.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.