This story was originally published in July 2022. An outgoing Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives says House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf blocked his bill to create an office of the inspector general. Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, said the move was typical of Schwartzkopfâs leadership style. That leadership style can be characterized by âcoercion, intimidation, incentivizing and reward,â Kowalko …
When state Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown won election to the General Assembly in 2018, she knew right away that she wanted to be in leadership. The Democrat from New Castle got her wish this November when the House Democratic Caucus elected her majority whip, making her the first person of color in Delaware history elected to a leadership position in the …
Even though Delawareâs state senators and representatives wonât be formally sworn in until Jan. 10, their work begins the day after election day — and so do their paychecks. Delaware is one of just four states where lawmakers assume office the day after an election. Three other states’ lawmakers assume office on election day, while eight others assume office sometime …
Republicans did not fare well in Delawareâs Nov. 8 election. Democrats widened their majority in the state Senate, maintained the balance of power in the House, and won every election for statewide elected offices. In the wake of the Republican wallop, some party leaders are hoping the party will begin to move in a more productive direction — one that …
An outgoing Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives says House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf blocked his bill to create an office of the inspector general. Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, said the move was typical of Schwartzkopfâs leadership style. That leadership style can be characterized by âcoercion, intimidation, incentivizing and reward,â Kowalko said, and the inspector general bill is just …
The Delaware Senate passed a $69.4 million grant-in-aid bill about 6 p.m. Thursday, just hours before it was set to end the annual session of the Delaware General Assembly. Two hours later, the House passed it, too, making the bill’s next stop the desk of Gov. John Carney, where he signed it June 30. Senate Bill 252, sponsored by Sen. …
On the wings of another staggering surplus, Gov. John Carney on Tuesday signed the $5.1 billion 2023 operating budget for Delaware. It takes effect Friday, July 1. The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, is the largest in Delawareâs history, reflecting a rise in spending of 6.9% in spending over the previous year. It also will increase Delawareâs Rainy Day …
A bill to establish an âindependent and nonpartisanâ inspector general’s office moved forward Wednesday in a Delaware House committee. The House Administration Committee also moved along a bill to encourage filming in the state by offering tax credits. The committee started discussion to create a constitutional right of a clean environment, but, citing time, continued discussion to Thursdayâs committee meeting, …
Under a proposed law unanimously released from the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Tuesday, Delawareans who are prescribed medical marijuana could own firearms without fear of being prosecuted by the state. It is currently illegal under federal law for medical marijuana patients to purchase or own firearms. That wouldnât change under House Bill 276, although the state would …
Democrat McBride cites âinequities in our justice system, a climate crisis at our shores and a crisis of trust.â Republican Pettyjohn seeks âcommon ground.â
