While the General Assembly tackled some hefty issues this session, including stricter gun controls and marriage equality, some smaller issues were swept to the wayside.
One such issue was a failed bill that would allow dairy farmers to sell raw milk, which in recent years has gained support across the country. Many people say they prefer raw milk, which is unpasteurized, because it preserves milk's natural bacteria.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Bobby Outten (R-Harrington), says he’s not particularly fond of milk in general, but he took up the cause for a constituent in his district.
“It’s been years [since I drank it]. When my grandmother and grandfather had a farm in Laurel, I used to go down there and they’d milk cows and we’d drink the milk, but I’m not a big milk drinker. Occasionally I’ll drink chocolate milk [guffaws], but it’s hard to get it raw [milk] out of that.”
The bill ultimately failed in the House last week after Representative John Mitchell (D-Elsmere) attached an amendment to expand raw milk sales to retail stores in Delaware.
Outten says he will try again when the 147th General Assembly reconvenes next year.
“What I probably will ask is that Representative Mitchell not put his amendment on it," said Outten. "I think the retail sales may have hurt it more than the sale of raw milk itself. But there’s quite a few states that have it -- and Pennsylvania is one of them and this is where my constituent is going to get his milk.”
Delaware's Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee opposed the measure saying raw milk causes illness and poses a public health risk.