House Bill 74 would privileged secrecy that priests have in sacramental confession in cases related to child abuse or neglect. (Cottonbro Studio photo from Pexels)

Bill would remove confession privileges for child abuse

Sam Haut Government, Headlines

A new bill would remove the privileged secrecy that priests have in sacramental confession in cases related to child abuse or neglect. In response, the Diocese of Wilmington put out a statement that calls the idea “non-negotiable.” House Bill 74 is sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, with 10 other Democrats and Republican Rep Dave Wilson, R-Seaford, listed as additional …

No means testing is done for the disabled veterans and senior property tax credits. (Unsplash)

Legislators call for means testing for property tax credits 

Jarek Rutz Headlines, Education

Calls to consider means testing before granting veteran and senior housing tax breaks shocked a legislative committee last month. Delaware’s secretary of finance doesn’t think an income-based means test for property tax breaks is likely.  Even so, Rick Geisenberger did say that a means test based on property values not only could happen, but should.  “Seniors get a lot of …

152nd General Assembly Ruth Briggs King

Oaths of office open most diverse General Assembly ever

Jarek Rutz Government, Headlines

Delaware’s 152nd General Assembly officially began Tuesday, as Delaware’s 62 representatives and senators were sworn into office in what is the most diverse legislature yet. “We’re finally looking like Delaware’s population,” said Rep. DeShanna Neal, D-Wilmington. The first nonbinary and first Buddhist to serve in Delaware’s legislature, they are starting their first year in office. “One of the most amazing …

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Primary election starts with uneven crowds, few problems

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

Delaware’s primary election day seemed off to a slow start Tuesday, but with only a few problems reported. An early morning storm knocked power out to 1,500 people in Rehoboth Beach, including voting machines there, and machines wouldn’t work in Selbyville prompted poll officials to call for help. By 8:30, one machine was back online in Rehoboth Beach. Election officials …

Polling place

What to know before Tuesday’s primary election

Charles Megginson Headlines, Government

Just one statewide incumbent and eight sitting members of the Delaware General Assembly will have a primary opponent when the polls open Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Incumbent Auditor of Accounts Kathy McGuiness will face off against attorney and accountant Lydia York.  Eight incumbent members of the General Assembly have primary opponents, including Sen. …

Transparency advocates push for campaign finance reform

Transparency advocates push for campaign finance reform

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

With weeks to go before the first votes are cast in Delaware’s 2022 election cycle, advocates for government transparency are pushing for better campaign finance reporting. Common Cause Delaware, a nonprofit group that lobbies for open, honest and accountable government, has called for more frequent and detailed reporting of campaign funds collected when candidates run for office.  “It’s common knowledge …

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Ruh-roh: Bill filed to fine barking dogs in Delaware

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

Image: Getty Images Pro Delaware dog owners could soon be slapped with barking tickets if their pups don’t shut up. A bill filed in the House of Representatives would ban dogs from terrierizing communities by barking, whining or howling for a period of 15 minutes — or intermittently for 30 minutes or more. The bill is set to be considered by …

a close up of a green plant

Recreational marijuana moves one step closer to becoming legal in DE

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

A bill to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana in Delaware was released from the House Health and Human Development Committee Wednesday by a margin of 10 to four. All 10 Democrats on the committee voted in favor of the bill’s release. Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, was the lone Republican to support the bill. The bill will …

State Auditor Kathleen McGuinness

Dems, others call for McGuiness to resign or take leave of absence

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness   Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives won’t pursue the impeachment of State Auditor Kathy McGuiness or encourage her to step down in the wake of her criminal indictment. That hasn’t stopped mounting calls for her resignation from fellow elected officials, community members and party leaders. McGuiness was indicted Monday on a slew of felony …

Madinah Wilson-Anton and her family.

151st General Assembly opens an era of virtual gatherings

Ken Mammarella Featured, Government & Politics, Headlines

Democrat McBride cites ‘inequities in our justice system, a climate crisis at our shores and a crisis of trust.’ Republican Pettyjohn seeks ‘common ground.’