What Is The Joint Sunset Committee & How They Could Hold The DOE Accountable

There is a mechanism already in place within the Delaware General Assembly to hold a state agency accountable and to even see if they are really needed.  While this process wouldn’t begin until June of 2016 at the earliest, it would last way past Governor Markell’s remaining term as Governor.  And without his protection, and God willing, a new Governor that believes in true accountability, we could actually do the right thing here.

JOINT SUNSET COMMITTEE

What is Sunset? Sunset is the periodic legislative review of agencies, commissions or boards. The purpose of the review is to determine whether or not there is a genuine public need for the agency and, if so, determine if the agency is effectively performing to meet that need. Typically, an agency, board or commission is reviewed once every seven years. Who Guides the Sunset Process? The Joint Sunset Committee (JSC) is responsible for guiding the sunset process. The JSC is a 10 member legislative body composed of 5 members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore; and 5 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House. Assisting the JSC is a staff analyst who develops the reports used by the JSC to draw conclusions about the agencies under review. Joint Sunset Committee (JSC) Sunset Review Process Timeline

Who are the members of the Sunset Committee?

Members

Senator Nicole Poore, Chair (D)
Representative Gerald L. Brady, Vice-Chair (D)
Representative Andria L. Bennett (D)
Representative Stephanie T. Bolden (D)
Representative Timothy D. Dukes (R)
Representative Jeffrey N. Spiegelman (R)
Senator Ernesto B. Lopez (R)
Senator Brian G. Pettyjohn (R)
Senator David P. Sokola (D)
Senator Bryan J. Townsend (D)

Time to get a petition going… stay tuned!