Delaware

Delaware working on universal internet coverage

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2022

Delaware working on universal internet coverage

A $110 million grant is bringing high-speed web to Delaware houses with out it, and anybody who needs it simply wants to use.

Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, held a discussion board April 12 to elucidate the grant that has given hundreds of thousands of {dollars} to Comcast, Verizon and Mediacom to put fiber optic cable – a fabric that gives the trade’s quickest web speeds – for last-mile connections to greater than 11,000 houses.

“It’s been a precedence of mine, and that of the final two administrations right here in Delaware, to perform that,” Pettyjohn stated. “With the funding we have been in a position to get from the federal authorities, we’re just about being the primary state that has common connectivity for each enterprise, each house, each handle inside our state.”

Over the following 36 months, the three web suppliers can be laying fiber-optic cable to houses and companies that at present wouldn’t have web entry. Houses that have already got copper or coax connections, nonetheless, received’t be eligible for an improve. The grant is just not meant to create competitors within the web market, although officers stated they often hear client complaints over the dearth of competitors in what’s as a rule a single-provider web market in Delaware.

That is just for houses with no connection, stated Chris Cohan, chief of coverage and communications for the Division of Expertise and Data. “That is all fiber to the houses, so we’re enthusiastic about that,” he stated. “I feel that is the primary within the nation.”

Below the grant, houses in rural areas, even these with mile-long driveways, Pettyjohn stated, can now get the fiber optic cable put in professional bono.

On this case, Jason Clarke, chief info officer for DTI, stated Delaware’s small dimension is an actual benefit. “We don’t have mountains to cross. We don’t have rocky soil to dredge by means of,” he stated.

Residents and companies that need a high-speed connection can attain out to DTI on its web site at broadband.delaware.gov. By typing in an handle, the positioning will present the web velocity on the property. A map of web protection throughout the state additionally reveals useless zones the place there isn’t a protection, and anybody uncertain of their web standing can discover extra info on the DTI web site.

Legislative wrap

Newest marijuana payments transfer out of committee

Two marijuana payments – the newest iterations of three earlier makes an attempt to legalize marijuana for adults and create a regulated market in Delaware – have been moved out of committee April 13.

Home Invoice 371 would take away all penalties for adults 21 and older for possession as much as 1 ounce of marijuana, and the invoice wants solely a easy majority to go.

A second invoice, HB 372, offers a framework for regulating a marijuana trade in Delaware, however requires a three-fifths majority due to tax and payment implications.

Each payments await motion within the Home.

Tax rebate invoice passes Home

A invoice that might give all Delaware resident taxpayers a $300 rebate handed the Home April 7 by a 35-3 vote. Three representatives have been absent.

Below the invoice, cost of the $300 can be made by the Delaware Division of Finance to resident taxpayers who filed a 2020 private earnings tax return. This cost can be made to every taxpayer, together with those that collectively filed. No motion on the a part of a taxpayer is required to obtain the $300.

The invoice awaits motion within the Senate Finance Committee.

Abuse of Energy Prevention Act strikes out of committee

A invoice to replace official misconduct by public officers moved out of a Senate committee April 13 and awaits motion within the Senate.

Senate Invoice 256, referred to as the Abuse of Energy Prevention Act, would guarantee acceptable accountability of public servants who abuse their positions of energy and public belief. The statute establishes a grade within the penalty for the official misconduct to be commensurate to the gravity of the misconduct. As well as, this statute conforms the discrimination language to the language used within the hate crimes statute.

Elevated damages for loss or harm of pet proposed

A invoice that might amend Delaware legislation in circumstances the place an animal is killed or injured was launched April 6.

Sponsored by Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, Senate Invoice 258 would broaden damages associated to injured or deceased pets which can be tortiously injured by a 3rd social gathering or a 3rd social gathering’s animal.

Below present legislation, an proprietor is simply permitted to get well the truthful market worth of a pet, whatever the quantity of veterinary payments or bills associated to care stemming from a tortious harm. This act offers for damages of as much as $15,000 in veterinary payments for accidents, the truthful market worth of a deceased pet, and as much as $15,000 for emotional trauma suffered by the pet’s proprietor. Below this Act, the utmost recoverable sum accessible as compensation for tortious harm to a pet is $30,000 plus the truthful market worth of the pet within the occasion the pet’s demise is attributable to tortious harm.

Paid go away invoice passes

The Wholesome Delaware Households Act, giving eligible staff as much as 12 weeks of paid parental go away a 12 months, and as much as six weeks of paid go away for household caregiving, handed the Home April 14 by a 29-11 vote with one absent.

The invoice handed the Senate in March, and now wants Gov. John Carney’s signature to turn into legislation.

Throughout their go away, staff would obtain as much as 80% of their common weekly wages by means of the state insurance coverage program.

A one-time value of $17.7 million can be wanted to arrange this system for fiscal 12 months 2023, with $3.4 million in ongoing prices. Ongoing prices enhance to $6.6 million in FY2024, however can be cut up in FY 25 – the 12 months this system kicks off – with $3.7 million popping out of the final fund and one other $3.7 million out of particular funds largely made up from payroll taxes.

Employers and staff would every pay .04% in payroll taxes to assist fund this system; future prices are anticipated to extend 2% a 12 months, based on the controller basic’s fiscal observe.

The Division of Labor is tasked with administering and imposing this system. Companies with fewer than 25 staff are given some breaks. Companies present in violation of the legislation could possibly be fined as much as $5,000 and face civil litigation.

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Delaware

Delaware State Fair announces 2025 stars. Taylor Swift won fewer Grammys than one here

Published

41 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Delaware State Fair announces 2025 stars. Taylor Swift won fewer Grammys than one here

This holiday season, the Delaware State Fair wants to warm you up for summer 2025 with headliners CeCe Winans and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Tickets for both shows are now on sale.

Here’s what you need to know about legendary singer CeCe Winans and the acclaimed entertainer Fluffy, plus how to secure tickets to their performances.

Who is Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias?

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is arguably the cuddliest comedian in the world. This jolly giant is coming back to Harrington this summer with more shenanigans.

Fluffy, who headlined the Delaware State Fair in 2023 and 2017, has over 25 million followers across his social media platforms. The comedian’s ability to dish up clean while still making all ages laugh has separated him from the pack. Fluffy will work his magic to squeeze big laughs out of the audience when he returns to the Small Wonder.

How much are tickets to see Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias?

Fluffy’s show at the Delaware State Fair starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Tickets are $48-$84. For tickets, visit delawarestatefair.com.

Who is CeCe Winans?

CeCe Winans is recognized as the best-selling and most award-winning female gospel artist of all time. She has won 15 Grammy Awards, plus 27 Dove Awards and 16 Stellar Awards, according to her bio.

Beyond being a respected gospel singer, CeCe has established a legacy as one of the most accomplished female music artists of all time. She currently has one more Grammy Award than superstar singer Taylor Swift.

Some of the notable songs CeCe is known for singing include “Goodness of God,” “Holy Forever,” and “Count on Me” with Whitney Houston.

In October, CeCe dropped her new Christmas album titled “Joyful, Joyful.”

CeCe is one of 10 siblings in the famous musical family, The Winans, and is widely known for performing alongside her brother Benjamin in the acclaimed duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. In addition to BeBe & CeCe, her parents and siblings have released music under a wide variety of names including Mom and Pop Winans (CeCe’s parents) and The Winans (four of CeCe’s brothers).

How much are CeCe Winans tickets?

CeCe Winans’ show at the Delaware State Fair starts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. Tickets are $38-$73. For tickets, visit delawarestatefair.com.

When is the Delaware State Fair?

The 106th Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) launches for 10 summer days, starting Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 26 2025. For more updates on headliners and other information, visit delawarestatefair.com.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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Delaware

Sussex County blocks state-approved plan for medical marijuana biz to open store

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Sussex County blocks state-approved plan for medical marijuana biz to open store

Chip Guy, the Sussex County spokesman, said Stark was mistaken in believing the county was awarding her a building permit.

“To be clear, the county DID NOT issue a building permit,’’ Guy said in an emailed response to questions about The Farm’s bid to put astore in Sussex.

Guy said an official “notified the applicant that the building plan review [tenant fit-out] had cleared initial steps. That is but one step that is part of the process in determining whether to issue a building permit in the first place.”

Guy said the county’s “due diligence’’ found that The Farm’s location simply did not qualify for approval.

Stark remains flabbergasted by the decision, saying she had relied on the state’s approval of the location as well as the state’s identified patient need for that area of Sussex.

“In my mind, when they approved that location and we started spending money and had rent to pay, and drawings put together, and had to start seeking other approvals and permits, it was an established use,” Stark said.

Robert Coupe, the state’s marijuana commissioner, said the state’s hands are tied as long as the current state law remains in effect.

“There’s nothing for me to do. They have to fight that fight,’’ Coupe said of Stark.

Coupe, whose office will soon issue 30 licenses for retail recreational marijuana stores statewide, added that Sussex’s “three-mile buffer, as it currently exists, definitely presents challenges for our selected applicants” in Sussex, where 10 retail licenses will be granted.

“If it appears that it will be difficult for them to find areas to operate, probably a focus for them will be on specific towns that have said they will allow operations,” he said.

Guy, who has not agreed to do any interviews on the Sussex law, wrote last month that he disagrees with the assertion that no parcels exist in unincorporated Sussex for retail stores. Yet he would not identify any permitted sites, or consent to a request by WHYY News to analyze the zoning map to find any.

Stark said she has spoken to a lawyer about her options, and if her efforts fail, is also considering whether to find a site elsewhere in Sussex, perhaps within the town limits of Frankford, which hasn’t banned cannabis stores.

“It’s ridiculous,’’ Stark said of her company’s predicament in Sussex. “And more people just need to know it’s ridiculous.”

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Delaware

U.S. House GOP bans Delaware’s U.S. Rep. from same-sex bathrooms

Published

16 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

U.S. House GOP bans Delaware’s U.S. Rep. from same-sex bathrooms

From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, has introduced legislation that would bar transgender women from using women’s restrooms and other facilities on federal property.

It comes just a few days after she filed a resolution intended to institute a bathroom ban in parts of the U.S. Capitol complex that she said was targeted at Delaware Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride, a Democrat, who First State voters elected to serve as the first openly transgender person in Congress just two weeks ago.

Mace said to reporters Monday that McBride, who she misgendered during her comments, didn’t “belong in women’s spaces, bathrooms and locker rooms.”

While not specifically mentioning Mace’s bills, House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement Wednesday dictating that House policy in January would ban transgender women from using facilities — like bathrooms and locker rooms — that do not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth.

“All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” Johnson said in a statement. It was not clear how the policy would be enforced.

“Each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol,” he added.

Mace’s resolution, which she said she wanted to be included in the rules package for the next Congress, requires the House sergeant at arms to enforce the ban.

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