Delaware
Hall-Long Highlights Historic Investments, Action for Delawareans – State of Delaware News
News | Date Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2024
DOVER, Del. — As the 152nd General Assembly comes to a close, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Sunday highlighted historic investments in early education, protections for reproductive justice, and actions that support a safe, healthy, and thriving Delaware.
“As second in command for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Governor Carney and working with the Delaware General Assembly to deliver solutions for Delawareans. We’ve persevered in some of the most challenging times. Delaware reversed a $400 million budget deficit and passed the largest infrastructure investments in state history, created more than 30,000 new jobs since 2017, navigated a global pandemic, and expanded protections for our residents even as progress at every level of government was attacked,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“While I know there is much more to do to ensure all residents thrive, I want to take a moment to reflect on our state’s accomplishments and thank my legislative colleagues for never backing down from a fight to do what’s right for Delaware. Since 2017, as President of the Senate I’ve been pleased to support a variety of General Assembly initiatives that have supported the quality of life all residents deserve.”
Key General Assembly Initiatives Include:
-
Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis by strengthening background checks, raising the age to purchase most firearms, and mandating safe storage of guns. Just this year, permit-to-purchase legislation became law to keep our communities safe.
-
Preserving our natural resources and preparing the First State for green technology and clean energy, including wind power.
-
Raising the minimum wage and implementing comprehensive paid family leave statewide.
-
Increasing economic opportunities and second chances through the adult expungement and clean slate laws so all residents can thrive.
On June 30, Governor Carney signed four robust budget bills for Fiscal Year 2025. The $6.1 billion operating budget includes $132 million for state employee and state retiree health costs, $17 million for continued mental health support in Delaware public schools, $10 million for Purchase of Care childcare financial assistance, and $10 million for Opportunity Funding for multilingual learners and low-income students. Opportunity Funding has reached $63 million since 2017, providing dedicated funding for our must vulnerable students in public schools.
Additionally, the $168 million supplemental budget bill consists of one-time expenditures and contingency funds like $56 million to the Other Post Employment Benefits Fund to cover the cost of future retiree healthcare needs.
“It is an honor to chair the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee, where we have heard loud and clear from our state retirees and workers about their concerns regarding their health benefits and the processes to administer those benefits,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“Our group laid out a clear roadmap to protect and preserve the best healthcare not only for our retirees but for current and future generations of state workers. I’m pleased to say that Delaware has made investments that keep our promises to state retirees – including no Medicare Advantage – and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for our state.”
The $1.1 billion capital budget covers projects to enhance roadways, school construction, state parks, beach and dredging needs, and more. Governor Carney also signed a $98.4 million grants-in-aid bill.
Historic Investments in Education
“Education is the foundation for our families and children. I’m proud that this administration has invested in our students and professionals — raising starting teacher salaries to $60,000 during the next four years. Since 2017, we have we have more than doubled investments in both Purchase of Care and Early Childhood Assistance Program to ensure all Delaware families have opportunities for a high-quality education,” continued Lt. Governor Hall-Long, who chaired the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee and created the Basic Needs Closet program so students in high-needs schools will have the basic necessities to effectively participate in class.
“The workforce of tomorrow is in our classrooms today. With continued investment in early education, our children will have high-quality learning in the classroom and throughout life. The first 1,825 days of a child’s life is when 90% of the brain is developed, so we have a window of time to make a difference.”
Protecting Reproductive Justice
“Delaware has led on reproductive justice measures well before the Dobbs decision. When attacks on reproductive care came down across the country, Delaware was one of the few states that could stand strong. Here in the First State, reproductive health services and freedoms continue to be prioritized and protected so that regardless of income, race, or experience no one faces barriers to care. Healthcare is a right – and abortion is healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, a career nurse who has held jobs as a childbirth educator and perinatal grief counselor.
Strengthening Behavioral Health and Wellness
Leaning on her experience as a public health nurse, Lt. Governor Hall-Long championed several efforts to address the behavioral health crisis that has gripped the state. Working together, the General Assembly and the lieutenant governor have:
-
Established the Behavioral Health Consortium, an advisory body of advocates, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that addresses prevention, treatment and recovery for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, which she chairs.
-
Led the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee and convened public and private leaders.
-
Created the first overdose system of care in the country.
-
Stood up an opioid impact fee structure and ensured insurance parity for mental health services.
“Too many Delawareans have an empty seat at their kitchen table. Whether it’s due to COVID, suicide, illness or overdose, we must continue to attack the root causes of these issues and fight for strong policies that will make meaningful improvements in the health and wellness of our residents,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “We’ve faced the first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years, but it is far from a celebration. With statistics showing a 147% increase in opioid use disorder for Black residents, we must continue to throw the kitchen sink at this issue and fight for equitable access to treatment, care, and healing free from stigma.”
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
News | Date Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2024
DOVER, Del. — As the 152nd General Assembly comes to a close, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Sunday highlighted historic investments in early education, protections for reproductive justice, and actions that support a safe, healthy, and thriving Delaware.
“As second in command for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Governor Carney and working with the Delaware General Assembly to deliver solutions for Delawareans. We’ve persevered in some of the most challenging times. Delaware reversed a $400 million budget deficit and passed the largest infrastructure investments in state history, created more than 30,000 new jobs since 2017, navigated a global pandemic, and expanded protections for our residents even as progress at every level of government was attacked,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“While I know there is much more to do to ensure all residents thrive, I want to take a moment to reflect on our state’s accomplishments and thank my legislative colleagues for never backing down from a fight to do what’s right for Delaware. Since 2017, as President of the Senate I’ve been pleased to support a variety of General Assembly initiatives that have supported the quality of life all residents deserve.”
Key General Assembly Initiatives Include:
-
Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis by strengthening background checks, raising the age to purchase most firearms, and mandating safe storage of guns. Just this year, permit-to-purchase legislation became law to keep our communities safe.
-
Preserving our natural resources and preparing the First State for green technology and clean energy, including wind power.
-
Raising the minimum wage and implementing comprehensive paid family leave statewide.
-
Increasing economic opportunities and second chances through the adult expungement and clean slate laws so all residents can thrive.
On June 30, Governor Carney signed four robust budget bills for Fiscal Year 2025. The $6.1 billion operating budget includes $132 million for state employee and state retiree health costs, $17 million for continued mental health support in Delaware public schools, $10 million for Purchase of Care childcare financial assistance, and $10 million for Opportunity Funding for multilingual learners and low-income students. Opportunity Funding has reached $63 million since 2017, providing dedicated funding for our must vulnerable students in public schools.
Additionally, the $168 million supplemental budget bill consists of one-time expenditures and contingency funds like $56 million to the Other Post Employment Benefits Fund to cover the cost of future retiree healthcare needs.
“It is an honor to chair the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee, where we have heard loud and clear from our state retirees and workers about their concerns regarding their health benefits and the processes to administer those benefits,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long.
“Our group laid out a clear roadmap to protect and preserve the best healthcare not only for our retirees but for current and future generations of state workers. I’m pleased to say that Delaware has made investments that keep our promises to state retirees – including no Medicare Advantage – and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for our state.”
The $1.1 billion capital budget covers projects to enhance roadways, school construction, state parks, beach and dredging needs, and more. Governor Carney also signed a $98.4 million grants-in-aid bill.
Historic Investments in Education
“Education is the foundation for our families and children. I’m proud that this administration has invested in our students and professionals — raising starting teacher salaries to $60,000 during the next four years. Since 2017, we have we have more than doubled investments in both Purchase of Care and Early Childhood Assistance Program to ensure all Delaware families have opportunities for a high-quality education,” continued Lt. Governor Hall-Long, who chaired the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee and created the Basic Needs Closet program so students in high-needs schools will have the basic necessities to effectively participate in class.
“The workforce of tomorrow is in our classrooms today. With continued investment in early education, our children will have high-quality learning in the classroom and throughout life. The first 1,825 days of a child’s life is when 90% of the brain is developed, so we have a window of time to make a difference.”
Protecting Reproductive Justice
“Delaware has led on reproductive justice measures well before the Dobbs decision. When attacks on reproductive care came down across the country, Delaware was one of the few states that could stand strong. Here in the First State, reproductive health services and freedoms continue to be prioritized and protected so that regardless of income, race, or experience no one faces barriers to care. Healthcare is a right – and abortion is healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, a career nurse who has held jobs as a childbirth educator and perinatal grief counselor.
Strengthening Behavioral Health and Wellness
Leaning on her experience as a public health nurse, Lt. Governor Hall-Long championed several efforts to address the behavioral health crisis that has gripped the state. Working together, the General Assembly and the lieutenant governor have:
-
Established the Behavioral Health Consortium, an advisory body of advocates, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that addresses prevention, treatment and recovery for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, which she chairs.
-
Led the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee and convened public and private leaders.
-
Created the first overdose system of care in the country.
-
Stood up an opioid impact fee structure and ensured insurance parity for mental health services.
“Too many Delawareans have an empty seat at their kitchen table. Whether it’s due to COVID, suicide, illness or overdose, we must continue to attack the root causes of these issues and fight for strong policies that will make meaningful improvements in the health and wellness of our residents,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “We’ve faced the first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years, but it is far from a celebration. With statistics showing a 147% increase in opioid use disorder for Black residents, we must continue to throw the kitchen sink at this issue and fight for equitable access to treatment, care, and healing free from stigma.”
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Delaware closes basketball season with lopsided Conference USA loss
Ingelsby determined to return Blue Hens to success after 10-21, injury-marred season
Historical calamities notwithstanding, what occurred inside the Carpenter Center in the early afternoon of March 7 should not be the total measure of the Blue Hens.
Certainly, an unsightly 81-38 basketball loss to Louisiana Tech was in some ways emblematic of Delaware’s 2025-26 basketball season, during which it endured unprecedented misfortune.
But the Blue Hens also frequently rose above their hardships, and even periodically excelled despite them.
First-year Conference USA member Delaware needed to win its game against Louisiana Tech, plus have Florida International and New Mexico State lose theirs later to make the CUSA Tournament, which includes just the top 10 of the 12 league schools.
As that final score hints, it turned into a failure of epic proportion for Delaware, which finishes the season in last place.
The 38 points Delaware scored were its fewest in a game in more than 61 years, since a 77-34 setback against Penn at the Palestra Dec. 9, 1964.
Delaware had scored fewer than 40 points just twice since, in a 46-39 defeat at Rider Feb. 19, 1983, and a 60-39 loss at VCU Jan. 16, 2008.
Ingelsby determined to improve situation
The Blue Hens played their fifth straight game with just six of the 13 scholarship players with whom they began the season, including two freshmen. They’d played the nine games before that with seven.
It caught up with them.
So they’re stuck with their 10-21 record, making these Delaware’s first back-to-back 20-loss seasons since it went 10-20 in 2014-15 and 7-23 in 2015-16 under former coach Monte Ross and 13-20 in Martin Ingelsby’s first UD season in 2016-17.
But the final showing was not representative of who’d they recently been. Delaware was coming off an 83-80 victory over Sam Houston State, which will be the league tournament’s second seed.
They’d also won four of eight before Saturday, which followed a near home upset of regular-season champion Liberty and included an excruciating overtime home loss to Western Kentucky in which the Hens trailed only in the opening seconds of the game and the final moments of OT.
“We’ve dealt with a lot this year,” Ingelsby said. “Obviously, the injuries, adversity, clarity on our roster.
“I’m a competitive dude. So it doesn’t sit well with me. You’re not happy with how overall this season went, obviously going into the league and trying to figure it out.”
Critical offseason looms
In the end, too many players playing too many minutes was part of those struggles. Christian Bliss was first nationally, Justyn Fernandez was fifth and Macon Emory eighth in minutes per game entering Saturday
But those three, in particular, showed how good they are, which is why Delaware won as much as it did. Same with Tyler Houser, though the knee injury he sustained in that WKU game could sideline him all next year.
So Delaware has several very good players. It just needs to retain those it has, such as the aforementioned group, and get more.
That is, of course, easier said than done. But it will be up to Ingelsby, whose contract extends through the 2028-29 season, and his staff to ensure it does, when the transfer portal opens after the Final Four.
“I’m optimistic,” Ingelsby said. “I think we were damn close this year with being dealt a tough hand with all the injuries. We put a good team together but never got a sense to see that team kind of play and grow and learn through the ups and downs of the season.
“But I’m confident that the right players, the right coaching staff, the right support, which we’re getting, that we can be very good in this league.”
“I’ll thank them forever”
Houston Emory, feted in Senior Day ceremonies Saturday, is the only one of Delaware’s remaining 12 scholarship players after Nnanna Njoku’s departure who has completed his eligibility. What a modern-day oddity he is, having spent his entire career at one school.
Delaware has signed one incoming freshman, Jafet Valencia, a 6-7, 200-pound guard from Leesburg, Virginia, and Evergreen Christian School. Ingelsby said he’ll likely be the only one.
“Today was not a semblance of what this team was able to do and how they competed for Delaware men’s basketball,” Ingelsby said, “the University of Delaware, with as tough of a hand as I’ve experienced in my 20-plus years in college basketball.
“We got six scholarship guys out there, two freshmen. Those guys that were there every day, I’ll thank them forever for everything that they gave this program.”
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
This library lets kids read books to dogs to practice fluency
PAWS for People brings therapy dogs to the Milton Public Library where kids can practice reading out loud and spend time with the dogs, Jan. 31, 2026.
Delaware has a several items that represent the state.
The First State has a state bird (Blue Hen chicken), a state flower (peach blossom), a state fish (weakfish) and a state dessert (peach pie). Delaware even has a state bug (ladybug), state wildlife (gray fox) and state butterfly (tiger swallowtail).
While all the symbols have their place, few tug at the heartstrings like the state dog.
What is Delaware’s state dog?
The state dog of Delaware is the rescue dog, which replaced the golden retriever in 2023.
Then-Gov. John Carney signed Senate Bill 37 into law in May 2023 to make the change. The designation was made to help bring attention to rescue animals in the hope of getting them adopted.
“That just elevates all animals in shelters,” Sara Smith, a Brandywine Valley SPCA spokesperson, said during an adoption event in 2024.
What are the country’s other state dogs?
Delaware is one of 16 states with official dogs.
- Alaska — Alaskan malamute
- Delaware — rescue dog
- Georgia — adoptable dog
- Louisiana — Catahoula leopard dog
- Maryland — Chesapeake Bay retriever
- Massachusetts — Boston terrier
- New Hampshire — Chinook
- New Jersey — seeing eye dog
- New York — working dogs
- North Carolina — Plott hound
- Pennsylvania — Great Dane
- South Carolina — Boykin spaniel
- Tennessee — bluetick coonhound
- Texas — Blue Lacy
- Virginia — American foxhound
- Wisconsin — American water spaniel
The widow of a Delaware state trooper killed in the line of duty last year has launched a foundation in his memory to support families of law enforcement officers.
Two months ago, Lauren Snook’s world looked different. Her husband, Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, a devoted father, husband, and friend, filled their house with laughter and love. Then in an instant, everything changed.
“He just went to work one day and didn’t get to come home,” Lauren told NBC10.
Two days before Christmas, Cpl/1 Snook, a 10-year veteran, was killed while working an overtime shift at the DMV in Wilmington, Delaware.
Lauren said that she was at their home, making salt dough ornaments in the kitchen with Letty, their 15-month-old daughter.
“When the two Tahoes pulled up out in front of my house. You know it, you see it in movies, you hear about it, and I knew. But I didn’t want to, and it took about 7 times for them to tell me he’s gone,” Lauren shared.
Lauren said the life they built together is now marked by a painful reality, learning to live without him. She clings to the memories and a bear with his uniform that Letty calls “Dada Bear.”
“On a quiet day, it’s totally ugly. I’ll grab his clothes that no longer have his scent, wear them, hold them, cry in his closet, grab his deodorant, dryer sheets, his cologne and make this scent cocktail, and I’m like bring me Ty back for a second and I’ll look at pictures, and then I look over at that cute little girl and see her smile and immediately see him because they share the same smile,” said Lauren.
Lauren explains that the grief isn’t just in the big moments; it’s in the quiet ones, too. She said Letty can feel it also.
“She knows. She waits by the baby gate at the top of the stairs. She grabs his shoes and sits in them so she knows. Before she knows her name,” Lauren said.
Lauren said that following Cpl/1 Snook’s death, she leaned on her faith and the support from others to help her through it.
“People have given so much of themselves, their heart to us, it’s a gift I know I can never repay, but it’s forever touched and shaped who I am,” said Lauren.
Through heartbreak, Lauren is choosing to turn pain into purpose by starting the “Ty Snook Foundation,” a community for families and children of law enforcement officers navigating life after losing a parent.
Lauren said, “Headlines fade, people go back to real life, but this is going to be Letty’s forever, it’s forever going to shape who she is, and I’m a firm believer that the community shaped us, and she needs her own community to talk about loss.”
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