Delaware

Operating budget bill for FY25 introduced in Delaware – 47abc

Published

2 years ago

June 19, 2024

Operating budget bill for FY25 introduced in Delaware – 47abc

DOVER, Del. – The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee has introduced a $6.1 billion operating budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025.

We’re told this plan upholds the Delaware General Assembly’s commitment to state workers and retirees while also making new investments in the state’s public schools and other critical programs supporting some of the most vulnerable residents in the First State.

The committee also filed a $168 million supplemental spending plan of one-time expenditures on Tuesday. Contingency funds will also be held in the reserve to help prevent future economic downturns from disrupting core services, including a $50 million allocation aimed at helping cover future raises for educators. This is part of the ongoing effort to bring base starting salaries for teachers to $60,000.

Senate Bill 325, the operating budget bill, would fund a third year of state employee pay raises, with all merit employees set to receive a 2% increase. Additionally, negotiated collective bargaining units and statutory step increases would also be fully funded.

The 2% raise proposed for teachers and specialists means educators will have seen an 11% increase in base salary over the last two years. The base pay for paraprofessionals, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers, and food service workers will have increased by 6-18% during the same period.

SB 325 also includes $7 million in state funding for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to long term care facilities, which will unlock another $10.5 million in federal funds.

Senate Bill 326, the one-time supplemental budget, would fund cost of living increases of up to 2% for most pensioners in the state, depending on their retirement date.

The operating budget bill for July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, would also make substantial investments in critical services used by vulnerable Delawareans, including seniors in skilled nursing facilities, people with intellectual and development disabilities, and families struggling to cover the costs of childcare.

Delaware

Body found near Bowers Beach – 47abc

Published

11 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.

Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.

The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.

The investigation remains active and on-going.

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Delaware

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

Published

23 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.

The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.

Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.

The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.

“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.

Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.

Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.

Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X

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