| Recent
Photos from Legislative Hall and around the District: |
 |
New
Bill “Driven” to Reduce Underage Drinking
A new bill
sponsored by Speaker of the House Terry Spence (R-Stratford) would
force judges to suspend driving privileges of people under the age
of 21 who attempt to purchase or possess alcohol. Under the bill,
first time violators would have their driving privileges suspended
for 30 days. Also known as the “Driver’s License Pledge”
bill, the measure would also require underage drivers to sign a
statement before receiving their licenses indicating they’re
aware of the law and its penalties. The bill was the product of
a task force established by Speaker Spence to make recommendations
on how to reduce deaths, injuries and other consequences associated
with underage drinking.
In photo: On
the east steps of Legislative Hall, Speaker of the House Terry Spence
unveils the “Driver’s License Pledge” bill. (From
left: State Police Master Corporal Michael Austin, Speaker of the
House Terry Spence, and State Police Master Corporal Ronald W. Rhodes).
|
 |
| Representatives
from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the
United States (TECRO) met with legislative leaders in Dover on March
18, 2008. From right, the Deputy Director of the Consular Division,
Oliver Liao, Speaker of the House Terry Spence, Representative Deborah
Hudson, and Ms. Yu-Min Fu, Economic and Cultural Representative. The
TECRO representatives met in the Speaker's office during a diplomatic
visit to encourage good faith and to continue and renew friendships
and positive public relations between Taipei and Delaware. |
 |
| From
left, House Majority Whip Biff Lee, Speaker Terry Spence and Denis
McGlynn, of Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment converse at the kick-off
reception for the 2007 National Speakers Association meeting in September.
The meetings in Delaware were an opportunity to conduct official business
and enjoy the First State's many attractions. |
 |
Speaker
Terry Spence, accompanied by his wife Nancy, addresses the opening
reception of the 2007 National Speakers Conference meeting in Dover
Downs. Speaker Spence, in his role of Chairman for the organization,
used the meetings as an opportunity to showcase the best of Delaware
to the NSC and their guests.
The Annual meeting
was an opportunity for Speakers, Chiefs of Staff, and members of
the business community to share ideas and experiences. The National
Speakers Conference is one of the few occasions for officials to
speak candidly about their jobs, report ideas and innovations, and
share what has and has not worked in their home states. |
 |
| 2007
National Speakers Conference opening reception. From right, Speaker
Terry Spence, John O'Connor from PhRMA, Father Tom Protack from Delaware,
and Nancy Spence. |
 |
| 2007
National Speakers Conference opening reception. From right, Rick Lynch
representing Informatica, Christine Iglesias from Broadcast Music
Incorporated, Speaker Spence, and Dan Greening from Informatica. |
 |
| Speaker
of the House Terry Spence with the 2007 Legislative Fellows. Begun
in 1982, the Legislative Fellows Program provides first hand experience
to U. of D. students in research and the public policy making process
in the General Assembly. |
 |
| (from
left) State Attorney General Joseph “Beau” Biden, State
Sen. Patricia Blevins, State Rep. Helene Keeley and Speaker of the
House Terry Spence at the signing of HB 60 in Legislative Hall. |
 |
| House
Speaker Terry Spence was honored at the annual Kent County Region
Lincoln Day Dinner at the Dover Sheraton Hotel. The Lincoln Day Dinner
is a gathering place for the leaders and workers of the Republican
Party in Kent County and all of Delaware.
A brief bio of Speaker Spence as presented at the event notes the
following achievements:
First elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 1980
Appointed president of the National Speakers Conference in September,
2006 and will be hosting the conference this coming September
Is currently the longest serving Speaker in the history of Delaware
and is the longest sitting Speaker in the Nation
Received the National Republican Legislators Association "Leader
of the Year" award in 1999
|
 |
| Speaker
Spence accepted a Senate Tribute in recognition of his long service
to the state during the Kent County Lincoln Day Dinner. Terry Spence
was the main honoree on the evening program. |
 |
| Friends
and organizers of the Speaker's 9th Annual Charity Golf Outing enjoyed
a great day of golf for worthy causes. Each year the Speaker picks
a non-profit Delaware charity to receive funds raised through the
tournament. This annual event has given over $450,000 in profit to
these non-profit charities over the past 9 years. |
 |
| Outgoing
National Speakers Conference President, Alabama Speaker of the House
Seth Hammett (left), officially passes the gavel to Delaware Speaker
of the House Terry Spence. Speaker Spence will lead the organization
until September 2007. |
 |
| Terry
Spence invited NFL Hall of Fame player Jim Brown to Wilmington recently
to discuss the Amer-I-Can program. Mr. Brown founded the program nearly
20 years ago to help turn-around the lives of Los Angles gang members.
Speaker Spence is seeking state funding to pilot the program in New
Castle County next year to help at-risk youths. |
 |
| Speaker
Spence was instrumental in securing funding for the new Delaware Veterans
Home, currently under construction in Milford. Terry Spence also sponsored
a new law that will give Delaware veterans a leading role in overseeing
operations at the new facility, which will open next spring. |
 |
| The
Delaware State Education Association recently gave Terry Spence
their "Legislative Friend of Education Award" in recognition
of his support of public education.
|
 |
| Terry
Spence recently had a opportunity to pay tribute to retiring legislator
and close friend, State Rep. Jerry Buckworth. |
 |
Terry
Spence recently took time to read to a group of kids at a daycare
center. Earlier this year, Speaker Spence successfully sponsored a
version of "Jessica's Law" that'll better protect Delaware
children from pedophiles.
|
 |
| Speaker
Terry Spence, left, joins fellow lawmakers and activists at the
signing of a bill creating a mandatory pre-adoption spay/neuter
program that will reduce the number of unwanted pets throughout
Delaware. |
| House
Speaker Terry Spence addresses a large crowd of veterans who turned
out to rally in support of Veterans Home legislation championed by
the Speaker and the Republican House caucus. |
 |
| Governor Minner
signed legislation that will make a Delaware Veterans Home a reality
in 2006. From right, Sen. Thurman Adams, House Speaker Terry Spence,
Sen. George Bunting, Governor Minner (front, center), Rep. Bruce Ennis,
Rep. Biff Lee, Rep. Joseph Booth and Rep. Nancy Wagner. |
 |
| Speaker Spence
comes from a family with a long heritage in law enforcement. He is
recognized as one of the leading proponents of public safety issues
in the General Assembly. |
 |
| Speaker of the
House Terry Spence holds a press conference in front of Legislative
Hall to call for increased staffing for the Delaware State Police.
During 2004, Rep. Spence repeatedly voiced concerns that the Delaware
State Police were having difficulty meeting their minimum staffing
and patrol requirements. |
 |
