A bill that could create a state Office of New Americans to help immigrants better integrate into life in Delaware sailed through a General Assembly committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 44, sponsored by Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, cleared the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee on a vote of two yes and two on the merits. On the merits means the legislator …
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 …
Energy bills about council, net metering head to House floor
Energy bills pertaining to the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council and how much those who own solar panels can claim back on month power bills were both released by the House Natural Resources Committee Thursday. Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, wasn’t happy with either. Senate Bill 310: Governor’s Energy Advisory Council Sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Newark, SB 310 updates the Governor’s …
Carbon emissions goals released from Senate committee
A controversial bill setting Delaware’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions was released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee Wednesday and will advance to the Senate floor for a vote. Senate Bill 305, the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act, would require Delaware to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% before 2030 and by 90% before 2050. Opponents said the …
Districts may get financial relief for minor school capital projects
Poorer Delaware school districts could soon see a drop in their financial burdens for minor school capital projects. Senate Bill 293, which would change the funding formula used by the state, passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday. It will now head to the House Education Committee for a hearing. The bill addresses the responsibility of school districts to match state-appropriated minor …
School indoor air quality bill heads to Senate floor
While a bill to make schools check air quality annually and quickly fix any problems drew support Wednesday, several legislators questioned whether it would cost more than expected to fix problems. Ultimately, Senate Bill 270 passed and will be headed to the Senate floor. SB 270 has been five years in the making, said sponsor Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Newark …
DART gets grant to add 6 more electric buses to fleet
DART is building its fleet of electric buses and soon will have 26 in service. If you haven’t already, it won’t be long before you see electric buses operating on Delaware roadways. Delaware Transit Corp., which operates Delaware’s DART buses, has received a $3.5 million grant to purchase six electric buses. This marks the fourth grant DART has received …