When Bridgeville resident Debra Dawson learned that Delaware lawmakers had announced a plan to give every Delawarean $300 in direct financial relief, she was elated. Dawson, 61, relies entirely on Social Security Disability Insurance to live. She worked since she was 16 and paid into the system for decades. In 2012, a series of debilitating health events forced Dawson into …
Bill ordering K-12 mental health curriculum on way to Senate
A bill that would require a statewide mental health curriculum has passed the House. Photo by Unsplash A bill that will require the state to provide mental health education in every grade level passed the House and is headed to the Senate Education Committee. House Bill 301 would require the Delaware Department of Education to establish a statewide …
Three mental health bills filed in General Assembly
Lawmakers have filed a package of bills in the General Assembly aimed at addressing Delawareans’ mental health issues. House Bill 300, sponsored by House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, D-Delaware City, would create new positions for school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists in all Delaware middle schools. Longhurst said in a press release that the state is in the midst …
Female lawmakers launch Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus
Left to right: Sen. Kyle Evans Gay (D-Brandywine Hundred), Sen. Marie Pinkney (D-New Castle) Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown (D-New Castle South), Rep. Valerie Longhurst (D-Delaware City). Facebook/Rep. Valerie Maglio Longhurst A group of female legislators on Wednesday announced the formation of a new caucus to focus on issues affecting women. The Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus will include lawmakers from both parties …
Mail-in ballots, paid leave, police reform top 2022 legislative agenda
State legislators will be back in session in a little more than a month. Photo by Aimintang/Getty Images Signature In five weeks, Delaware’s 151st General Assembly will kick off its 2022 legislative session with many Democratic legislators looking to advance progressive causes that have previously struggled to gain traction. Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly by wide margins. …
New Del. ‘ghost gun’ law violates 1st, 2nd Amendments, suit says
Two Delawareans have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. John Carney and Attorney General Kathy Jennings alleging that a state law signed last month violates their First and Second Amendment rights. Photo courtesy of Everytown Research and Policy. Two Delawareans have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. John Carney and Attorney General Kathy Jennings alleging that a state law signed …
Dems, others call for McGuiness to resign or take leave of absence
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 …
Proposed House redistricting offers more changes than Senate
Sussex County House districts will change a lot if proposed plan goes forward. House Democratic leadership has released their proposed redistricting maps and Sussex County will pick up a seat — that of embattled Representative Gerald Brady, a Democrat from Wilmington. The House of Representatives will convene in a special session on Nov. 1 to finalize the maps that …
Darius Brown follows other legislators into job partly funded by state
State Sen. Darius Brown State Sen. Darius Brown seems to be the latest in a line of Delaware legislators who take jobs with organizations that receive state funds voted on by the General Assembly. Brown, D-Wilmington, has been hired as executive director of a group focused on reducing recidivism in Wilmington. He is expected to go to trial in …
Brady announces he will not run in 2022 after using racial slur
Rep. Gerald L. Brady Democratic State Rep. Gerald Brady will not seek re-election in 2022, he announced Monday. Brady has represented the 4th district, which includes Greenville, in the House of Representatives since 2007. His statement comes a week after he was caught using a racist slur to refer to women of Asian descent. He said in a statement Monday …