Leaders in the Delaware Senate have revealed the body’s committee assignments for the 152nd General Assembly which begins in January. Senate President Pro Tempore-Elect Dave Sokola announced the assignments Monday. āLegislative committees are an essential part of the legislative process where senators gather public input and determine which bills should move forward,ā Sokola said in a news release. āThe assignments …
Lawmakers take oaths Jan. 10 but already working
Even though Delawareās state senators and representatives wonāt be formally sworn in until Jan. 10, their work begins the day after election day — and so do their paychecks.Ā 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 …
ICYMI: Delaware GOP needs to change, leaders say
Republicans did not fare well in Delawareās 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 …
Senate Republicans unveil mini-doc on Delaware farmers
When you think about āgovernment communications,ā you might automatically tune out. Press releases, statements, political jargon — it can all be a bit dull. When the Delaware Senate Republican Caucus decided to focus on the challenges being faced by the First Stateās agricultural community, its members knew a press release wouldnāt cut it. Thatās why Matt Revel, the caucusās communications …
3 vie for longtime GOP seat in Dem-heavy district
Voters in Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey will have three choices on the ballot when they vote for their next state senator in the Nov. 8 general election.Ā One familiar name will not be on the ballot — that of Sen. Ernie Lopez, the 10-year incumbent Republican who opted against seeking re-election.Ā Republican State Rep. Steve Smyk, Democrat Russ Huxtable …
Bonini faces 2 GOP challengers for seat heās held 27 years
Thereās a race to the right in central Delawareās 16th Senate District, and incumbent Republican Sen. Colin Boniniās 27 years of experience have become a focal point of the bitter challenge.Ā Bonini has long been regarded as one of the most conservative members of the Delaware General Assembly, but that may not be enough to stave off primary challengers Kim …
$69.4 million grant-in-aid bill signed by Carney
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. …
Delaware’s 2023 budget signed, starts July 1
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 Delawareās history, reflecting a rise in spending of 6.9% in spending over the previous year. It also will increase Delawareās Rainy Day …
Same-day voter registration bill heads to Carney
The Delaware Senate on Wednesday voted along party lines for a same-day voter registration bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 25, sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey-Walker, D-Wilmington, will allow residents to register at the polls on election day and immediately vote. The bill already passed the House and now goes to Gov. John Carney for his signature. When he …
Bill OKing medical marijuana patients owning guns heads to Senate floor
A bill that would allow medical marijuana patients to obtain a firearm will head to the Senate floor. The bill, which passed the House on June 14, continued to draw strong public support before it was passed 6-0 by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee Wednesday. Under House Bill 276, a patient registered in Delawareās medical marijuana program would …