During the mark-up of the state’s operating budget Tuesday, the Joint Finance Committee approved $4.1 million to pay for regulation of a new marijuana industry in Delaware, including 28 new state jobs. Of the $4.1 million allocated, $2.2 million is expected to be ongoing funding and $1.9 million is expected to be for one-time costs, as provided by the bills …
Republicans point out high costs, chance of fire in EV debate
Republicans led a charge Thursday to derail a bill that requires new homes and multi-family dwellings to be wired for electric vehicles, a move that Democrats say will help ensure the sale of more cars and help the environment. They failed. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 103, sponsored by Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, would require all new single family …
Bill would ban landlords from evicting tenants for crimes
A bill that would strip crime-free housing ordinances from Delaware sparked conversation about domestic abuse, racist motives and local control in the Senate Housing and Land Use Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-New Castle, would ban municipal ordinances from requiring the eviction of tenants for criminal activity by a tenant, member of the tenant’s household …
Senator questions whether state health crisis board meets
A bill that would add legislators to the state commission that oversees public health emergencies left one senator confused in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee meeting Wednesday. Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, adds the Senate minority leader and the House minority leader as members of the Public Health Emergency Planning Commission. It works with …
Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – Mar. 16, 2023
Click on the image below to view the PDF This Week’s Top Headlines Include: Business Bioscience leaders prime legislators on growth of sector Tenant right to lawyers bill held for changes by committee Food & Dining Do you fondue? There’s a new Milford restaurant for you Jimmie Allen, Frozen Farmer partner for new ice cream flavor Government Bill would set …
Education leaders fight bills adding days off for teachers
Bills that would expand the reasons and days for teachers to take days off from work divided legislators and public commenters in the Senate Education Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 60, sponsored by Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Hockessin, who is chair of the committee, would give teachers and other school employees the same protection to be absent without a loss of pay …
JFC asks for return on investment on educational spending
Several members of the Joint Finance Committee asked the Department of Education officials on Wednesday when and if they would ever see a return on the state’s investment in public education. Student achievement metrics like standardized test scores have fallen off a cliff over the past decade and the state still faces a teacher shortage. Education Secretary Mark Holodick and …
Does school board public comment bill go far enough?Â
A bill that blew through the House unanimously got some blowback Wednesday in the Senate Education Committee. House Bill 34, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton, chair of the House Education Committee, would require district and charter school boards to hold a public comment period before the board moves on to action items requiring a vote. It will not require …
DOE owns lead testing blunder, expects new results by May
A Senate committee hearing Tuesday heard the state Secretary of Education apologize about the way lead testing in schools was handled and that trained pros will handle testing instead of school staff. Through a federal grant, the Department of Education began a sampling initiative in October, 2020 to identify the levels of lead within drinking water at schools. “While well-intentioned, …
3 Sussex charters ask for more legislative help
Officials from three Sussex County charter schools told state representatives Thursday they need more legislative support to best support their students and communities. “We don’t have the available resources for a wellness center,” said Eric Anderson, head of Sussex Academy. “Our kids are like any other, and they need these supports.” His school hosted a joint breakfast that included Sussex …
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