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.
Carney added that like lawmakers, he’ll look at it from various angles.
“I think every member looks at it from their own perspective in terms of their moral compass, in terms of their religious background in terms of their own personal experience,” he said. “I think everybody has that both personal perspective, which comes from kind of their moral compass, and their experience, and that’s the approach I’ll take.”
If Carney vetoes the legislation, it’s not clear if the legislature would have the votes to override the veto. The bill did not pass with veto-proof majorities. Lawmakers would need 3/5ths of each chamber to vote yes to overturn a veto.
The legislation is called the Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End-of-Life Options Act, named in honor of two advocates of the legislation.
Supporters say it includes a number of safeguards, including ensuring patients are self-administering the medication, moral objection opt-outs for medical providers, waiting periods and mandatory mental health evaluations. Two doctors would be required to certify that the patient is mentally capable, making an informed decision and is acting voluntarily.
Democratic Sen. Stephanie Hansen, of Middletown, who supported the bill in the Senate, talked about her father enduring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, which leaves people unable to eat, breathe or move.
“Every day after he got to a particular point, he would say to my mother ‘Sara Lee, please take the pistol out of the nightstand that we keep next to our bed and shoot me. This needs to be over,’” Hansen said. “Every single day.”
A number of groups representing the disability community have opposed the legislation. They said they are concerned disabled people could be manipulated to end their lives, instead of receiving what could be expensive medical care.
If it becomes law, Delaware would be the 11th state nationwide to enact an end-of-life provision, joining other states like New Jersey, Vermont and Oregon.
Delaware
*Update – Suspect in Custody* Detectives Investigating Shooting at Rehoboth Restaurant Parking Lot – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
Delaware State Police continue to investigate a shooting that occurred at the Big Chill Surf Cantina parking lot in Rehoboth. Through investigative means, detectives identified the suspect responsible for the shooting as 28-year-old Jonathan Blackwell of Milford, Delaware and obtained a warrant for his arrest for several felony offenses.
On June 30, 2024, Blackwell was taken into custody in Pennsylvania. Upon extradition to Delaware, he will be charged with the following crimes:
- Assault 1st Degree (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony)
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact Detective J. Hill at 302-752-3792. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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100 Years Ago, 1924: When officers handling fireworks, seized under instructions of Mayor S.E. Turner, were storing them in a cell last night, one of the packages containing several dozen boxes of torpedoes dropped to the floor and exploded. Prisoners were greatly excited as the torpedoes let go, and the corridors of the cell room began to fill with acrid smoke. There were shouts of “let us out” heard from men locked up. For a time it was feared more fireworks would go off and the officers hurriedly moved them from the cell into the corridor. Windows were lowered and the smoke soon cleared.
75 Years Ago, 1949: Bumper-to-bumper traffic lined highways through Chester on Friday night and again this morning as the big 4th of July race to the shore, the mountains, Shangri La … anywhere but home … began for thousands of travelers. Second of the three-day holidays of 1949, this Independence Day will see more cars on the road than at any time in the postwar period, according to traffic engineers of Keystone Automobile Club. Pennsylvania Railroad officials have placed 48 additional trains into service over a five-day period starting Friday to take care of “near-peak” train travel. Louis Kapelski, manager of Chester-Bridgeport Ferry Co., says he has geared his four-ferry service to handle 1,000 cars an hour during the holiday.
50 Years Ago, 1974: Delaware County motorists will find plenty of gasoline for the July 4 holiday period, but users of one brand will be paying four cents a gallon more. “The supply of gasoline is plentiful,” said James Breslin of Media, a director of the Pennsylvania Service Station Dealers Association. While plenty of gas was reported available, Gulf Oil Co. Monday announced a four cents across-the-board price hike.
25 Years Ago, 1999: By tonight, Newtown Township will have a brand new road — and fewer traffic woes, it’s hoped. The Winding Way Bypass, linking Route 252 to West Chester Pike across a 22-acre portion of the SAP America Inc. property, is scheduled to be open to traffic tomorrow morning.
10 Years Ago, 2014: Chichester School Board passed the 2014-15 final budget totaling nearly $68.7 million in expenditures. The budget includes a 1 percent property tax increase, raising the school district’s millage rate to 39.0708 mills. Last month’s preliminary version of the budget had proposed a 2 percent tax increase. The predicted increase is due to rising health care costs, an increase in pension payments owed to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, and an increase in charter and cybercharter school enrollments.
— COLIN AINSWORTH
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