Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark. It may not be the end of the line for recreational marijuana legalization in Delaware. While Rep. Ed Osienski’s House Bill 305 was defeated in the House of Representatives after a stunning series of events Thursday, the Newark Democrat said he’s still hopeful that cannabis prohibition could come to an end in 2022. “I hope there’s …
Bill would remove earnings cap on police, firefighter disability pay
A bipartisan bill released from committee today would allow disabled officers and firefighters to earn more money without being penalized. Photo/Getty Images. On Dec. 10, 2020, Milford Police Cpl. T.J. Webb was shot six times while attempting to arrest a fugitive near Rehoboth Beach. The man who shot Webb was killed by police during the incident, but it was only …
Proposed bill would allow public to see course outlines, materials
A Republican State Representative plans to file a bill in the General Assembly to give parents a better idea of what their children are being taught, and how, in Delaware schools. It comes as one Smyrna parent’s complaint about a sexually explicit required reading has been rapidly making the rounds on social media and local radio. The proposed bill, sponsored …
Dem. bill would guarantee health insurance for undocumented children
Left: Rep. Krista Griffith, D-Fairfax. Right: Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington North. Democratic lawmakers plan to file a bill in the General Assembly Friday that would guarantee health insurance for all Delaware children who are not otherwise covered, including undocumented immigrant children. House Bill 317, sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington North, would direct the Department …
Republicans tap attorney Ted Kittila to run for Gerald Brady’s seat
The Republican Party of Delaware has selected Wilmington attorney Ted Kittila to serve as their nominee in the upcoming special election to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Gerald Brady. In 2014, Kittila received the nomination of the Delaware GOP to be the Republican candidate for attorney general, ultimately finishing second in the five-way race to Democrat Matt Denn. The …
Republican bill would increase senior property tax credit to $750 max
A Republican-backed bill to nearly double the tax break for senior citizen homeowners is pending action in the Delaware House of Representatives. House Bill 287, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Hensley, R-Odessa, would increase the Senior School Property Tax Credit to a maximum of $750 annually. Currently, homeowners ages 65 and older are eligible for a 50 percent tax credit against …
Special election to fill Brady’s House seat set for March 5
A special election to fill the vacancy left by embattled former Rep. Gerald Brady has been scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022. The Wilmington Democrat from the 4th District tendered his resignation Wednesday triggering a state law that requires a special election to be set by the Speaker of the House. Whoever wins the special election won’t hold the seat …
Female lawmakers launch Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus
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 and both chambers of the General Assembly and “will focus primarily on advancing the shared interests of women by advocating for policies that will make Delaware a better place …
Progressive Rep. John Kowalko will not seek re-election
Firebrand progressive Rep. John Kowalko will retire at the end of his term in November after spending nearly 16 years in the Delaware House of Representatives. The 76-year-old Democrat from Newark made the announcement on the House floor Thursday afternoon to the surprise of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. “I am proud of my continuous and resolute support, …
Recreational marijuana moves one step closer to becoming legal in DE
A bill to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana in Delaware was released from the House Health and Human Development Committee Wednesday by a margin of 10 to four. All 10 Democrats on the committee voted in favor of the bill’s release. Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, was the lone Republican to support the bill. The bill will …