The state legislature will not move to override the governor's veto of the assisted suicide bill. (Photo from iStock Getty Images)

GA will not override Carney’s veto of assisted suicide

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Delaware House Speaker Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, announced  Friday that she will not convene a special session to try to override a veto of a bill that would legalize physician-assisted suicide in Delaware. “While I remain fully supportive of House Bill 140 
 the necessary votes for a veto override are not present in either the House or the Senate,” Longhurst …

First State Educate's latest community action meeting highlighted the importance of public comment. (Photo by THANANIT/Adobe Stock)

Ed. group, legislators share tips, importance of public comment

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

In their latest edition of an informative and interactive webinar series, First State Educate gave the inside scoop about all things public comment during school board meetings. Yvonne Johnson, the main speaker Thursday night and the organization’s school board consultant, outlined the basics: that public comment is usually limited to a few minutes, that it’s not a conversation and board …

The Delaware General Assembly has unanimously voted to override Gov. John Carney's veto on HB 282.

With Senate vote, Carney veto overridden; 1st time in 47 years 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

It’s official – the Delaware General Assembly has overridden a veto by Gov. John Carney. And House Bill 282, sponsored by Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, has become state law. It will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, altering the membership, leadership, structure and procedures of the State Employee Benefits Committee, which controls health insurance and more for employees and retirees. Carney …

In an uncommon procedure, the House voted to override a governor veto.

House votes to override Carney veto; now on to Senate

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

For the first time since 1977, the Delaware House of Representatives has overridden a governor’s veto on a bill.  Gov. John Carney issued a letter to the General Assembly Tuesday saying he is vetoing House Bill 282, sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark. The bill aims to shift membership, leadership, structure and procedures of the State Employee Benefits Committee.  Wednesday, …

retiree benefits veto

Carney vetoes bill to rework employee benefits committee

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

Gov. John Carney on Tuesday vetoed a bill to restructure the state committee that tried to move state retirees from a rich health plan to a Medicare Advantage one to save money. House Bill 282, sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, is one of several that grew out of a year’s worth of committee hearings. It promised to revise the …

legislators House

Delaware House to salute 6 departing members

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

Among the last week’s work in the 2024 session will be Delaware House of Representatives saluting six legislators who are leaving or have left the Delaware House. They include Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, D-Wilmington; Rep. Sean Matthews, D-Middletown; Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark; Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach; Rep. Michael Ramone, R-Newark/Pike Creek; and former Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown. On …

If the bill passes the Senate, Delaware would be the 11th state with legalized assisted suicide.

Assisted suicide finally passes House, despite GOP concerns

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

A unique method of death by self-administered medication that has been discussed by the General Assembly for several years has once again made into this year’s legislative session. And, once again, the Republicans pushed back in full swing, with a myriad of concerns with both logistical and moral concerns. The concept made Rep. Rich Collins, R-Milsboro, question the religious morality …

A proposed law would cap processing fees by car dealers at $475. (Photo by Antoni Shkraba/Pexels)

Bill capping car dealership processing fees head to House

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Whether it be buying tickets to a favorite artist or sports team, paying a parking ticket, or even gifting a car to a family member, the public is hit with pesky processing fees that inflate their purchase costs. Delaware has no cap on motor vehicle dealer processing fees, which permits dealers to arbitrarily charge whatever amounts they wish leading to …

Retirees

Retirees to health insurance committee: Thank you.

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

A joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees only needed half the time it had allotted to listen to a proposal about changing state employee healthcare. Apparently mindful of the deluge of retirees who reacted angrily to news in 2022 that the state was moving retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan, the joint meeting planned to run from …

tax

Bill to change state tax brackets halted in committee

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

A bill that would alter Delaware’s tax code in a way the sponsor says would ultimately lower tax payments for everyone was put to death Tuesday by the House Revenue and Finance Committee. Another was delayed for consideration until the next meeting. Votes for House Bill 233, sponsored by Majority Leader Mike Ramone, R-Newark/Pike Creek, split along party lines in …