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 …
Paid family leave bill lands in the hands of lawmakers
A bill to give Delaware workers up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave was heard by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee Wednesday. It is expected to be released and head to the Senate for consideration. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, would create a statewide insurance program to …
Rep. Gerald Brady arrested, charged with two counts of shoplifting
Rep. Gerald Brady/Newark Police Department State Representative Gerald Brady has been charged with two counts of shoplifting after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Newark Acme on two occasions. The announcement from the Newark Police Department comes less than a week after Brady announced he would resign from office, citing post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his military service. On …