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Right-to-work legislation dies in Delaware House committee

Delaware Public Media

Lawmakers in the House Economic Development, Banking, Insurance and Commerce Committee killed proposed right-to-work legislation.

State Rep. Ronald Gray sponsored a measure to create enterprise zones in Sussex County where union membership or dues could not be a condition for employment.

Gray said he’s trying to draw businesses to the county. But he adds he probably won’t try again this session to advance right-to-work proposals.

“I’m going to be on the horse or whatever to to move forward and see what I can do to promote jobs on an ongoing basis," he said. "That’s why I came down and got elected. I’m going to continue to do that. So we’ll try to find another angle to promote jobs.”

Democratic members of the committee questioned whether the problem in Sussex County was due to not enough jobs or low wages.

Chairman Byron Short pointed out that Sussex County is currently near full employment.

The Sussex County Council abandoned a push for a right-to-work ordinance earlier this month, but the city of Seaford is moving ahead with a version of it passed by its city council.

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