Governor Matt Meyer’s proposed changes to the state’s operating budget has drawn negative reaction from House Republicans. In a break from traditional practices, Meyer unveiled his “Budget Reset” for Fiscal Year 2026, outlining new spending priorities and revenue-generating measures. Traditionally, the governor’s office collaborates with the Office of Management and Budget throughout the fall to draft a budget proposal, which …
State moves to control hospital budgets to lower health costs
Delaware’s hospitals soon could be governed by a politically appointed state board charged with examining and approving hospital budgets and invested with the power to demand changes and punish those that don’t meet its guidelines. House Bill 350 would create the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board under the Department of Health and Social Services. It will try to keep …
New bill could penalize those lying about service animal
A proposed law in Delaware would punish residents who lie about their animal being a service or assistance animal. Sponsored by Sen. Dave Lawson, R- Marydel, and Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, Senate Bill 219 would create penalties for misrepresentation of a service animal under the Delaware Equal Accommodations Law and misrepresentation of an assistance animal under the Delaware Fair Housing …
State heading into years of near-level revenues, board says
Delaware can expect a revenue surplus of $364.8 million heading into the 2025 fiscal year. It can also expect a few years of plateaued revenues instead of the nearly $1 billion surpluses of recent years. Some legislators would argue the state doesn’t have surplus in reality, because that money will be needed for expected rises in costs for a number …
Panel: Keep state budget benchmark, make it part of code
A state review panel will recommend that Delaware not only keep a budget benchmark appropriation that limits the growth of the state budget, but also put it into law. The Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council‘s Benchmark Evaluation and Review Panel also agreed to suggest that incoming legislators undergo training in how the state budget works. DEFAC chairman Michael Houghton …
Legislature to reconvene to tackle Medicare Advantage
In response to protests by state government retirees who say they were left in the dark over a significant change to their health insurance, the General Assembly unveiled a bill Monday aimed at creating additional oversight. The House of Representatives and Senate will hold a special session in Dover on Oct. 26 to debate and vote on the bill. Pensioners …
House committee OKs semi-automatic, under 21 purchase ban
Bills to ban semi-automatic firearms and restrict the purchase of guns by Delawareans 21 and older were released from a House committee Wednesday and will advance to the House floor for a vote. The hearing attracted a crowd of well over 100 concerned citizens on both sides of the issue, many of whom filled lawmakers’ seats in the House chamber. …