A typically commonplace measure that would have added 17 projects to this year’s Bond and Capital Improvements funding got mired in controversy Tuesday over wording that required union and minority participation in four bids. That requirement in a four-project pilot program would mean that some minorities, including Hispanics, would be left out, Senate Republicans maintained. Rep. Jack Walsh, D-Newport/Stanton, sponsor …
Despite vehement opposition from a state retirees’ group, a bill that would add retirees to committees that help determine health care options overwhelmingly passed the Senate Wednesday, just moments after it had cleared a committee hearing. Voting against it were three Republican senators. Senate Bill 29, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, would give retirees a voice by …
Leaders in the Delaware Senate have revealed the body’s committee assignments for the 152nd General Assembly which begins in January. Senate President Pro Tempore-Elect Dave Sokola announced the assignments Monday. “Legislative committees are an essential part of the legislative process where senators gather public input and determine which bills should move forward,” Sokola said in a news release. “The assignments …
Even though Delaware’s state senators and representatives won’t be formally sworn in until Jan. 10, their work begins the day after election day — and so do their paychecks. Delaware is one of just four states where lawmakers assume office the day after an election. Three other states’ lawmakers assume office on election day, while eight others assume office sometime …
Republicans did not fare well in Delaware’s Nov. 8 election. Democrats widened their majority in the state Senate, maintained the balance of power in the House, and won every election for statewide elected offices. In the wake of the Republican wallop, some party leaders are hoping the party will begin to move in a more productive direction — one that …
When you think about “government communications,” you might automatically tune out. Press releases, statements, political jargon — it can all be a bit dull. When the Delaware Senate Republican Caucus decided to focus on the challenges being faced by the First State’s agricultural community, its members knew a press release wouldn’t cut it. That’s why Matt Revel, the caucus’s communications …
Voters in Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey will have three choices on the ballot when they vote for their next state senator in the Nov. 8 general election. One familiar name will not be on the ballot — that of Sen. Ernie Lopez, the 10-year incumbent Republican who opted against seeking re-election. Republican State Rep. Steve Smyk, Democrat Russ Huxtable …
There’s a race to the right in central Delaware’s 16th Senate District, and incumbent Republican Sen. Colin Bonini’s 27 years of experience have become a focal point of the bitter challenge. Bonini has long been regarded as one of the most conservative members of the Delaware General Assembly, but that may not be enough to stave off primary challengers Kim …
The Delaware Senate passed a $69.4 million grant-in-aid bill about 6 p.m. Thursday, just hours before it was set to end the annual session of the Delaware General Assembly. Two hours later, the House passed it, too, making the bill’s next stop the desk of Gov. John Carney, where he signed it June 30. Senate Bill 252, sponsored by Sen. …
On the wings of another staggering surplus, Gov. John Carney on Tuesday signed the $5.1 billion 2023 operating budget for Delaware. It takes effect Friday, July 1. The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, is the largest in Delaware’s history, reflecting a rise in spending of 6.9% in spending over the previous year. It also will increase Delaware’s Rainy Day …
