Leg Hall

Senate Dems pick up committee seats with larger majority

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

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. “Legislative committees are an essential part of the legislative process where senators gather public input and determine which bills should move forward,” Sokola said in a news release. “The assignments …

6th SD Candidates

3 vie for longtime GOP seat in Dem-heavy district

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

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.  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.  Republican State Rep. Steve Smyk, Democrat Russ Huxtable …

Science of reading bill sails through Senate, heads to House

Jarek RutzEducation, Headlines

A day after being released by the Senate Education Committee, a bill that refocus the way reading is taught sailed through the Senate. A bill that requires the state to establish a curriculum aligned with the science of reading is on its way to the state House after being unanimously supported by all 21 senators. Senate Bill 4, which passed …

Dems won’t need GOP votes to pass recreational marijuana bill

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A new bill to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana in Delaware is likely to make its way before the General Assembly this year. House Bill 305 — also known as the Delaware Marijuana Control Act — builds on last year’s House Bill 150, which was released from committee but never heard on the House floor.  The Marijuana …

Senate cancels session, asks former judge for advice on ousting McGuiness

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Democratic Party legislators have asked former Superior Court Judge Randy Holland, right, to help it determine how to handle the case of state Auditor Kathleen McGuiness. The State Senate has canceled today’s special session.  The session would have brought senators to Legislative Hall to consider a resolution asking the Delaware Supreme Court to provide guidance on the General Assembly’s authority …

Republican Sen. Colin Bonini announces re-election bid

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover, has announced he will seek another term in the Delaware State Senate. Longtime Republican State Senator Colin Bonini has announced he will seek another term in the Delaware Senate. First elected in 1994, Bonini has forged a firebrand image of staunch conservatism and fiscal scrutiny. He is best known for never once voting in favor of …

Sen. Ernie Lopez will not seek re-election in 2022

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Sen. Ernie Lopez   Republican State Senator Ernie LĂłpez will not be seeking re-election in 2022, according to a press release issued by the Senate Republican Caucus Friday afternoon.  He didn’t cite a reason why. LĂłpez’s district includes Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Harbeson. “It is with a great deal of thanks and humility to the people of …

List of Bond Bill’s community projects still unpublished

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

When the General Assembly passed a record-setting $1.3 billion bond bill last week, the spending package did not include a list of the $70 million in projects chosen by legislators for their districts. The Community Redevelopment Fund includes one-time allocations which legislators earmark for nonprofits, schools, and community agencies in their districts. Ordinarily, each organization receiving funding would have its …