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 Valley picked up five bonus point wins to take a 40-29 home dual win over High Point in Frenchtown.
Luke Cyphert started the dual at 215 with a pin over High Point’s Kaleb DeFalco. Julian Bednar (120), and Tristian Fawthrop (132) also won via pin.
Oliver Paul gave the Terriers (3-0) five points off a 21-6 tech over John McCarthy at 175, Michael Hasson took a 23-7 tech over Tyler Brarman at 144 and state qualifier Sebastian Dobak earned a 7-1 decision over Gerard Empirio at 150. Vincent Rainey outlasted Thomas Jaust at 113 for a 7-4 sudden victory win.
Trey Falkenstein picked up a forfeit at 138 to make it a four match sweep for Del Val between 132 and 150.
Luke Tompkins recorded a pin for the Wildcats (1-1) at 157 while Jack Kitchart picked up a pin at 190. Region 1 third place finisher Gavin Mericle took a 2-1 decision win over Luken Alberdi at 285, Logan Takach recorded a 7-3 decision over Tanner Donaruma at 126 and Jayden Ruplall earned five points at 165 with a 17-1 tech over Rylan Bush.
Primo Maschio won the $110,000 DSBF series championship for sophomore male pacers Thursday at Bally’s Dover
Photos by Quenton Egan Photography
DOVER — Following decisive wins in both preliminary legs, Primo Maschio dug deep to head off Lew Not Lou for a 1:52.3 triumph in the $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DSBF) series championship for 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Bally’s Dover.
Primo Maschio and driver Trae Porter landed second-over on the first turn behind Shore Not Beach (driven by Pat Berry), who worked to clear early leader Lew Not Lou (Jason Thompson) for the lead at the end of a :27 first quarter. Left uncovered off the first turn, Primo Maschio drove on to assume control of the terms with a circuit to go, and the Badlands Hanover-Primadonna gelding rolled to the half in :55.
Up the backstretch and through the far turn, Primo Maschio faced sustained pressure from Lew Not Lou, who re-emerged from third to force a :28.2 third quarter and pose an even bigger threat off the home turn.
“I was a little worried,” said Porter of Lew Not Lou taking aim at Primo Maschio off the corner. “He got to my saddle pad, but as soon as we got to the top of the stretch, my colt dug in deeper. He’s such a nice horse.”
Primo Maschio kept Lew Not Lou a neck at bay while Shore Not Beach stayed on from the pocket to finish third, just a length shy of the top pair.
Walter Callahan trains Primo Maschio, now a 19-time winner with $414,618 in earnings from 27 career starts, for Forrest Bartlett. As the overwhelming 1-10 favorite, Primo Maschio paid $2.20 to win.
Tommy Denvir scored a game-high 30 points for Delaware Valley in its 61-51 win over Bernards in Alexandria.
Delaware Valley (2-0) led 40-27 at halftime against Bernards.
Lochlyn Marsh scored 12 points for Delaware Valley. Peter Dubljevic had eight points.
Ryan Frame and Richie Jobs each scored 16 points for Bernards (0-3). Ricky Giebel tallied 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals. Casey Hoeckele recorded 12 rebounds with four points and three blocks.
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