The News Journal | by Sarah Gamard Delaware’s General Assembly doesn’t resemble the population it serves. While the 62-person General Assembly has gained a handful of younger, more diverse lawmakers, it is still disproportionately ruled by mostly white men. It’s these men who ultimately determine which bills are debated, which ones become laws and how taxpayer dollars are spent. They decide how the state addresses racially charged issues like police reform and how criminal and ethical allegations against fellow officials are handled. Voters have sent more women and people of […]

Bay to Bay News | by Glenn Rolfe Delaware’s Department of Transportation said Friday a possible violation of state code of conduct is being addressed in-house amid a connection linking Delaware Transit Corporation Chief Operating Officer Richard Paprcka’s name and state email to a funding site supporting the Freedom Convoy staged at the U.S./Canada border in protest over COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. “We are aware of the report and are addressing it internally,” said DelDOT spokesman C.R. McLeod. Mr. Paprcka continues to serve in his role as COO, Mr. McLeod […]

WDEL | by Sean Greene Newark-area State Representative John Kowalko announced he will not seek reelection and retire following this year’s General Assembly. Kowalko (D-Newark South) earned selection to the House in 2006, after he won the second of two elections against long-time Republican seatholder Stephanie Ulbrich. He kickstarted his career in the early 60s, when the machinist became involved with his Union at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. “I realized there were a lot of people down there, and a lot of people in this world, that are at a […]

Bay to Bay News | by Logan B. Anderson After 16 years of service to his constituents and the state, Rep. John A. Kowalko, D-Newark, announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of his term in November. Near the finish of a House of Representatives session, an emotional Rep. Kowalko announced his decision not to seek reelection. “There’s a time for everyone to pass the baton, and this is my time,” he said. The self-described progressive Democrat urged similar-thinking members of the House to continue his efforts after […]

The News Journal | by Sarah Gamard Longtime Newark Rep. John Kowalko, an outspoken stalwart of the growing progressive faction of the Delaware Democratic Party, announced on Thursday that he will retire by the end of the year. “There is a time for everyone to pass the baton, and this term end is my time,” Kowalko said on the House floor on Thursday afternoon. Kowalko, 76, has held the seat since 2006. His district includes the University of Delaware. Before the 2020 elections brought in a flock of progressive newcomers, […]

Delaware Public Media | by Roman Battaglia State Rep. John Kowalko (D- Newark South) announced Thursday he plans to step down at the end of this legislative session. Kowalko began representing Delaware’s 25th district, which encompasses parts of Newark, back in 2006. Over his 16 years in the General Assembly, Kowalko built a reputation as one of the most progressive lawmakers at Leg Hall, fighting passionately for government accountability and working families. “I’m especially proud of my work for the progressive movement,” he said. “Furthering its ideals, encouraging mentoring and […]

Newark Post | by Josh Shannon State Rep. John Kowalko, who has represented Newark’s 25th District since 2006, will retire at the end of his term, he announced in an emotional speech on the house floor Thursday afternoon. “There is a time for everyone to pass the baton, and this term is my time,” Kowalko said. “I’m counting on my fellow progressives to continue my efforts. I will work hard for my constituents for the next nine months but in November, I will pass my position as the 25th District […]

WBOC | by Kristina DeRobertis State retirees are speaking out about the future of their healthcare benefits once again. Earlier last year the Carney Administration planned to switch state retiree healthcare to a Medicare Advantage plan. A group of retirees, known as “RISE Delaware,” protested the change for several weeks. The switch was originally going to take effect in January 2023, but the State Employment Benefits Committee (SEBC) decided to extend the current plan for one year. On Wednesday, the Senate looked to pass SB29, a bill that would provide […]

Delaware Live | by Charlie Megginson As calls mount for the creation of a statewide inspector general’s office in Delaware, one Newark lawmaker is drafting legislation to do just that. Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, will introduce legislation in early 2022 to set the framework for the establishment of the new office, which would be tasked with investigating instances of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement within the state government. The office would also seek to root out inefficiencies within government and streamline processes and practices to save taxpayers money. The bill, […]

Bay to Bay News | by Craig Anderson The recent indictment of Delaware’s state auditor has spurred a new drive to create an Inspector General’s Office. That’s according to Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, who believes that an independent entity should monitor, investigate and evaluate state agencies receiving state funds. Since Kathy McGuiness was accused of corruption by the Delaware Attorney General’s Office in October — she pleaded not guilty to all charges — there’s been a more receptive response to the idea of an IG, the representative said. “Now, when […]