Delaware State Senate, 2009–2013

Bills Introduced


PASSEDbecame law    INTRODUCEDintroduced by Dr. Katz

INTRODUCED Government Reform SB 217

Prohibiting Active Members of the Delaware General Assembly from Being Employed by the State

SB 217 prohibited sitting members of the Delaware General Assembly from simultaneously holding state employment, addressing a clear conflict of interest where legislators could vote on budgets and policies that directly affected their own state paychecks. A straightforward accountability measure that the majority blocked.

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PASSED Environment SB 241

The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway Preservation

Dr. Katz authored and successfully passed legislation establishing The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway Protection and Preservation Board. This law created a permanent governance structure to protect and preserve one of Delaware's most treasured natural and historic landscapes for future generations, a signature achievement of his conservation record.

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INTRODUCED Economy SB 100

Repealing Delaware's Corporate Income Tax

To encourage and promote businesses to operate in Delaware and to generate jobs, Dr. Katz introduced SB 100 to repeal the Delaware Corporate Income Tax. As a pro-growth measure introduced by the only conservative in his caucus, the bill reflected his commitment to fiscal competitiveness and job creation, principles he carries into his U.S. Senate campaign.

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PASSED Healthcare SB 80 → SS 1

Establishing a Delaware Statewide Health Information Network (DHIN)

Dr. Katz originally developed the business plan for DHIN in 1999–2000 during an International Executive MBA at Georgetown University. When he entered the Delaware State Senate, he restructured the DHIN into a public-private partnership requiring financial self-sufficiency with regular oversight and transparency. SB 80 (passed as SS 1 for SB 80) established the Delaware Health Consortium, removed DHIN from the Healthcare Commission, and mandated annual certified audits and detailed business plans, eradicating the corruption that had taken hold of the prior structure.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SJR 5

Establishing a Five-Year Plan to Restructure and Reorganize State Government

Recognizing that Delaware's government operations no longer aligned with realistic revenue projections, Dr. Katz introduced legislation to establish an independent council to evaluate state services and develop a comprehensive five-year plan to restructure and reorganize state government, putting fiscal sustainability ahead of political inertia.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SR 14

Live-Streaming of the Delaware State Senate

Dr. Katz introduced a Senate Resolution to require live-streaming of Delaware State Senate sessions, bringing legislative proceedings into the open and making government accessible to any Delawarean with an internet connection. A practical step toward open government long before it became standard practice.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SB 141

Comprehensive Lobby Reform, Reporting Requirements, and Conflicts of Interest

Dr. Katz introduced sweeping ethics and transparency legislation targeting the revolving door between lobbyists and government. SB 141 established comprehensive financial reporting requirements and conflict-of-interest prohibitions to restore public trust in Delaware's legislative process.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SB 19

Prohibiting Registered Lobbyists from Performing Official Duties for State Government

This bill prohibited any registered lobbyist from being employed by or performing consulting functions for any state agency, commission, council, committee, or public body of the State of Delaware, closing a loophole that allowed special interests to simultaneously lobby and advise the government they were lobbying.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SR 9

Open and Transparent Redistricting Process with Public Participation

Dr. Katz introduced a Senate Resolution calling for an open and transparent redistricting process with meaningful public participation, pushing back against closed-door line-drawing that protects incumbents at the expense of fair representation for Delaware voters.

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INTRODUCED Government Reform SB 61

Term Limits for the Delaware General Assembly

Dr. Katz introduced legislation to establish term limits for members of the Delaware General Assembly, a bold reform effort to bring fresh perspectives and greater accountability to state government. As the only conservative in his caucus, he advanced this proposal knowing it faced an uphill battle in a chamber dominated by career politicians.

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On His Record & His Run


“People need to think, listen, talk and ask me questions. I've offered to meet with anyone and everybody up and down the state for coffee, one-on-one or one and however many want to get together. If they have concerns, look at my record. Even when I was in the State Senate as a D look at my record. I've always been very conservative, fiscally responsible, and for limited government. Look at what I've done throughout my career, since the early 90s, look beyond the sound bites.”

On Past as Democrat

“I actually was elected as a Democrat in probably one of the more most Republican districts in the state at that time, it was the fourth Senate, it was actually Charlie Copeland's seat. So Charlie Copeland stepped down, and trying to remember what he ran for at that point, or he may have just stepped down, and it opened up. And I, you know, I was involved with the Medical Society PAC as actually chair of that, and I think I was the only D on the whole PAC, but I was the chair of it.”

On Past as Democrat

“It's interesting people say I was a Democrat, but when I was in Democrat caucuses, they were screaming and yelling at me around the table that you're Republican. So Democrats tell me I'm a Republican.”

On Past as Democrat

“And so what I hope is just for the opportunity. People may have some preset ideas or thoughts. You know, they say he's a D's and I's and R will, why not talk to me about it? The reasons why I was an Independent, because I always put people above party, and I was really concerned about the divisiveness in Delaware, especially, you know what's going on with the Democratic Party, how it's driving us into the into the gutter. So I mean, if people have the opportunity, if they have concerns, especially as a delegate, I would hope they feel they have the responsibility to be informed. So I all I ask for is the opportunity to sit down with them and talk and listen to them, what are their concerns?”

On Past as Democrat

“I've been involved in fundraising nationally since the 90s, initially through organized medicine, through the American Medical Association with 50 state organizations plus, and then through my specialty society in anesthesia, which is very active. And also through faith-based organizations nationally and business organizations.”

On Fundraising

“I have volunteered my entire career, even growing up. We volunteered all the time in the communities — in the schools, every place I've been, we've gone in to help kids in schools and volunteered in clinics.”

On Service to the Community