More than 50 people read in unison for 30 seconds the story of the Industrial School for Colored Girls Thursday morning in Wilmington. It’s a tradition the Delaware Public Archives keeps whenever it unveils a new historical marker. “We walk through history every day…and very few of us have an idea of what was once here,” said David Battafarano, a …
2025 grants budget that benefits nonprofits rises 27% over ’24
The record-busting $98.5 million grants-in-aid budget bill for fiscal year 2025 sailed unanimously through the Delaware Senate Sunday, even though it is nearly 27% higher than the last one. The 2024 budget, which ends today, June 30, was $98.5 million. Senate Bill 327 was one of hundreds before the Delaware House and Senate on the final day of the 2024 …
Senate moves to address school funding study with commission
After a couple of briefings on the landmark December 2023 report on school funding that says Delaware should invest up to $1 billion more into it, the state legislature is moving to take action. Tuesday, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 201, sponsored by Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Hockessin and chair of the Senate Education Committee, which establishes the Public Education …
State forfeiture limits bill gets bipartisan appreciation
A new bill that would limit the power of the state to seize assets from Delawareans was applauded in the House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Tuesday. House Bill 280, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton, prohibits assets from forfeiture if they are near controlled substances or with trace amounts of such. The bill points out that legal presumption …
Updated state landlord/tenant guide could become law
After some healthy discussion, a bill creating a one-stop guide for both tenants and landlords is on its way to the House floor. House Bill 381, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton, requires the Delaware Real Estate Commission to create a comprehensive, statewide rights and responsibilities guide for landlords and tenants. The seven representatives present in the House Housing Committee …
Military students could get priority in school choice
Military families in Delaware could receive a scholastic perk in the world of school choice with a new bill that unanimously was voted for in the House Education Committee Wednesday afternoon. House Bill 354, sponsored by Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington, gives the dependent children of active military members, full-time Delaware National Guard members, and active duty members of a reserve …
College sexual assault prevention training could be required
A bill aimed at reducing the widespread problem of sexual assault on college campuses soared through the House Education Committee Wednesday. House Bill 308, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton and committee chair, mandates that employees of institutions of higher education and students receive training in sexual assault prevention. Although the current law makes training available, it has not been …