First State Times

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday reflected on legislative actions taken during the 152nd session of the General Assembly:

“We’ve done a lot this legislative session to move the state forward,” said Governor Carney. “We’ve signed a sustainable budget that sets aside reserves to protect for future downturns. We made investments in our youngest and most vulnerable students. We’re prioritizing safety on our roadways. These investments and actions will keep Delaware competitive, strengthen our community, and ensure every student can thrive. I want to thank the General Assembly for their hard work this session.”

Investing in Education

• 9% raises for classroom teachers 
• Increased funding to lower pre-k student-teacher ratios
• Investing an additional $10 million to increase Purchase of Care rates to 100% of the 75th percentile of the 2021 market rate, to better support programs and children in need
• Doubling funding going to the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) to $12.2 million, to serve more 3- and 4-year-olds, and provide programs with more resources
• Strengthened mentoring supports by hiring an Out of School Time Officer and dedicating funding to support the School Mentoring and Literacy Task Force’s recommendations

Keeping Delaware’s Roadways Safe

• Curbs speeding and reckless driving
• Expand “Move Over” protections
• Protect motorcyclists
• Strengthen child safety seat requirements
• Enable green lights on snow plows to increase visibility

Protecting Delaware’s Natural Heritage

• Pass the Climate Change Solutions Act to reduce greenhouse emissions
• Create the Electric School Bus Program
• Pass legislation to create an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
• Funding the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative
• Allocate $31.8 million to improve Delaware’s drainage, drinking water, and water resources
• Dedicate $7.5 million to protect shorelines and beaches

Safe and Affordable Housing

• Protect a tenants right to counsel in eviction proceedings
• The Fiscal Year ’24 budget includes the largest housing investment in Delaware history, and strengthens initiatives including:
• Catalyst Fund
• Accelerator Fund
• Market Pressure Relief Fund
• Preservation Fund

Community Safety and Security

• Preventing gun violence by banning guns in schools and polling places
• Pass legislation to curb the use of xylazine

Investing in the Economy of the Future

• Pass legislation to strengthen Delaware’s ability to attract and grow businesses
• Continue key investments in economic development programs

Original Source can be found here.