Milford Live | by Jarek Rutz For a hot second, it looked like a bill that would require schools to tell the public exactly what materials are being used for teaching, among other things, was going to be released to the House floor. After a contentious hearing in the House Education committee Wednesday on House Bill 326, sponsored by Rep. Charles Postles, R-Milford, it looked like the committee votes were enough to send it through. Eight of those present voted for it and seven voted against what is being referred […]

Bay to Bay News | by Craig Anderson Maybe one of the latest proposals for an Office of the Inspector General will succeed this year. Two pending bills to create an IG in the state are scheduled to be filed prior to April 5. State Rep. Mike Smith, a Pike Creek Republican, is sponsoring a bill in which “The inspector general would be charged with investigating complaints of waste, fraud, abuse or corruption regarding state employees or state agencies. “While we have a state auditor and a state attorney general, […]

Bay to Bay News | by Logan B. Anderson The Delaware General Assembly demanded that Russia immediately cease its invasion of Ukraine, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order Tuesday by unanimously voting for House Concurrent Resolution 53. The measure doesn’t have actual power to change anything, but it is a declaration of the feelings of the leadership and the people of the First State. “It may only look like words, but these are the words that we need to defeat terrorist activities in this world, to defeat […]

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 […]