2024 VoteDelaware Questionnaire Responses: Representative Cyndie Romer

1. A recent independent report commissioned by the State of Delaware found that public schools across the state are underfunded by $600 million dollars and recommended increased per-pupil funding, transparency, and the flexibility to allocate resources. If elected what concrete steps would you propose to take to ensure districts close the funding deficit to provide a constitutionally adequate education?

We need a funding model based on Equity. I am following SCR201 which was signed in June 2024 to establish the Public Education Funding Commission. I believe we need systemic reforms in our funding model and will need these recommendations to move forward.

I will continue to advocate for Preschool funding as early childhood education is key to a prosperous state. "This Concurrent Resolution establishes the Public Education Funding Commission to continue the comprehensive review of public education funding for all students and populations served by district and charter schools, develop a roadmap of recommendations to implement improvements to the public education funding system, and serve as an ongoing body to review the funding annually and recommend updates and changes. The Commission will hold its first meeting by October 1, 2024, and issue its first recommendations by October 1, 2025, so the recommendations may be considered for inclusion in the Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget."

2. The Education Equity Ombudsperson program was codified into law last year without guaranteed continuing funding to ensure that the program is sustainable.  Will you support legislation to maintain the current annual funding of $1 million to support students statewide facing inequitable treatment? 

YES
An Education Equity Ombudsperson program fosters an educational environment where fairness, inclusion, and accountability are prioritized. By addressing inequities and supporting a culture of respect and diversity, such a program benefits students, educators, and the broader community.  I also would like to ensure we are getting data so we can continually improve the program.

3. There are currently an estimated 5,000 undocumented children in Delaware living without access to basic healthcare services. This past session, the General Assembly failed to pass the “Cover All Children Act” which would have been a critical first step in developing a medical coverage program for children in Delaware who are not otherwise covered, including kids who are undocumented. Will you support legislation like the “Cover All Children Act” that ensures undocumented children are protected and cared for?  

YES
I co-sponsored HB150 Coverage for All Delaware Children and will continue to advocate for this.

By providing publicly funded healthcare coverage, this bill ensures that these children receive necessary preventative care, such as vaccinations and physicals, which are crucial for their long-term health and well-being. The act reduces reliance on costly emergency room visits by fostering early intervention and routine care, leading to better health outcomes and fewer chronic conditions. Additionally, it includes a provision to extend coverage to pregnant women regardless of immigration status, thereby improving maternal and infant health. Overall, this bill promotes equity in healthcare access and supports the health and development of all children in Delaware.

4. Over the past few decades, many immigrants have chosen to make Delaware their home and have become vital members of our communities. Will you support increasing translation and interpretation services in government agency buildings and in public schools to help immigrants navigate the systems we all use? 

YES
Yes, to be in inclusive society we must meet people where they are and assist them with what they need.

5. Currently, agricultural and domestic workers are exempt from state labor protections which means that workers in those fields, many of whom are immigrants and work dangerous jobs, are left with few ways to protect themselves. Will you support the removal of this exemption, so that all workers, regardless of their job, have the same protections? 

YES
Sadly, these workers are most vulnerable to being taken advantage of and mistreated.  This is a human rights issue and we must always protect those who can't protect themselves.

6. In 2017, Delaware codified the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in state law to ensure the right to an abortion remained protected. However, these protections could be removed through a simple majority vote and signature of the Governor. Will you support a state constitutional amendment to explicitly protect peoples’ access to reproductive healthcare?

YES
I would 100% support a constitutional amendment.

7. Black maternal mortality rates continue to increase in Delaware, with the gap in healthcare disparities widening. Will you support the creation of a Reproductive Healthcare Equity Fund that would support the additional costs of accessing reproductive healthcare for uninsured or underinsured people and fund the recruitment and expansion of the number of healthcare providers, including doula providers, in the state? 

YES
Yes, the creation of a Reproductive Healthcare Equity Fund is not only a socially responsible initiative but also a strategic economic investment. By addressing healthcare access inequities, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the healthcare system, the fund can lead to reduced long-term costs, a more productive workforce, and overall economic and social benefits for the state.

8. Delaware’s probation system is broken. It does not provide the resources and support needed for successful reentry, while allowing for overly harsh punishment for minor infractions. Will you support legislation tailoring probation conditions to the needs and circumstances of the individual and restricting the use of incarceration when no new crime has been committed?  

YES
Yes, we need to reform our criminal justice system and that includes those incarcerated and on probation. We have moved the dial forward with expungement reform and we should expand on that. I have attended events for Project New Start, which is a re-entry program for persons released from prison and I think we need to increase our investment in programs like this that work!

I also believe we need to ensure victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and victims of Child Predators are protected and centered. Ultimately the goal should be reforming abusers but we need to make sure victims are protected.

9. Access to record expungement should not be determined by an individual’s economic circumstances. Will you support legislation removing fines and fees as a barrier to expungement eligibility? 

YES
I co-sponsored all legislation for reducing fines and fees and we passed several this session. Senate Bills 282, 283, and 284, and House Bill 391. 

I also attend events for The Campaign to End Debtors Prison and will continue to support organization like this that are working to reduce fines and fees.

10. It is well documented that older incarcerated adults are less likely to commit new crimes if released. Will you support legislation that would expand compassionate release for older incarcerated adults? 

YES
I would support this under certain guidelines. I also believe we need to center victims.

11. The Delaware Supreme Court recently upheld Delaware’s early in-person and permanent absentee voting laws, but the laws remain vulnerable to future legal challenges. Will you support protecting early in-person and permanent absentee voting through a constitutional amendment? 

YES
100% Yes. I support protecting early in-person and permanent absentee voting through a constitutional amendment. Ensuring these voting options are safeguarded enhances accessibility and convenience for all voters, promotes higher voter participation, and strengthens our democracy by making the electoral process more inclusive and accommodating to diverse needs and circumstances.

12. As of 2022, felony disenfranchisement affected 7,721 voters in Delaware. 2,965 of these people were disenfranchised while on probation or parole and 1,360 were disenfranchised even though they were not incarcerated or on probation or parole. . Voting allows people to remain connected to their communities and helps facilitate the re-entry process. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing all people to vote as soon as they leave prison? 

YES
100% Yes. I think people should be allowed to vote even in prison. They are citizens of this country and should be allowed to exercise their right to vote.

13. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing for same-day voter registration? 

YES
100% Yes. I support a constitutional amendment allowing for same-day voter registration. This initiative would make voting more accessible, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure that more citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. By simplifying the registration process, we can promote a more inclusive and representative democracy.

14. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing for no-excuse absentee voting?

YES
100% Yes. We can absolutely have safe and secure elections whie allowing for no-excuse absentee voting.