WDEL | by Mark Fowser Progress made in cleaning up the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and Christina River could be in jeopardy under the Trump administration’s proposal to cut the Environmental Protection Agency’s Budget, according to a report from an advocacy organization. Environment America released its findings at a news conference along Wilmington’s Christina River. A deadline for Congress to approve a federal budget is approaching. “Over the last few years, Delaware has made a concerted effort to reduce pollution from industrial activities and clean up our waterways. This effort […]
Kowalko: Taxpayers should fight corporate welfare
The News Journal | Opinion | by Rep. John Kowako Delaware taxpayers are once again being asked to close their collective minds and open their collective wallets. Another grotesque giveaway to another wealthy corporation has been proposed. Instigated, orchestrated and supported by the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, Delaware’s State Department, Gov. John Carney’s administration and a vast number of corporate shills that occupy the General Assembly, we are once again being cajoled to give millions of dollars to a profitable company under the guise of economic development. In […]
It might be described as ‘a night of horrors’
Delaware State News | by Andrew West DOVER — The tumult and shouting over Delaware’s operating budget ended early Monday at Legislative Hall. Gov. John Carney signed the budget — totaling $4.1 billion — in the wee hours, and there was high-fiving and applause amongst the observing legislators. It took an unprecedented two-day overtime session. We certainly appreciate the tireless efforts our reporter, Matt Bittle, as all of the wrangling unfolded, mostly behind closed doors. Not everyone was happy, when the budget was presented. Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, was one […]
AG’s Office routinely violated open records laws
The News Journal | by Margie Fishman Greenwood kettle corn maker Dan Kramer appreciates life in the slow lane. Except when it comes to state government. All told, the septuagenarian has spent more than four years waiting for the Attorney General’s Office to rule on his public information requests, making him the longest-running petitioner in recent memory. “You’re just sitting here, wondering what in the world is taking so long for them to come to a conclusion,” drawls Kramer, who has filed six appeals with the state attorney general since 2011, four of […]
Latest State To Repeal Estate Tax: Delaware
Forbes | by Ashlea Ebeling Despite facing a $400 million budget hole, Delaware is the latest state to repeal its estate tax—as of Jan. 1, 2018. Democratic Governor John Carney Jr. signed a stand-alone estate tax repeal bill today, just two days after signing the 2018 state budget, which includes tax hikes on real estate transfers, tobacco and alcohol. “The very wealthy don’t have to move down to Florida,” says Jocelyn Borowsky, an estate lawyer with Duane Morris in Wilmington, Del. The thinking is that if wealthy folks stay in […]
Kowalko: General Assembly ignores alternatives for Delaware
Delaware State News | Letter to the Editor | by Rep. John Kowalko Some of Friday’s House activity needs further explanation and clarification. There have been excuses made, and aspersions cast. I will not attempt to justify or excuse the failures of the entire General Assembly, its leadership and the governor throughout this self-created crisis. However, I do think that the public and all Delawareans deserve to be made aware of all of the options available to our elected officials and how we abdicated and continue to abdicate our responsibilities […]
Budget passed: new tax plan breaks through extraordinary session
Delaware Public Media | by James Dawson After forging a new tax deal late Sunday night while operating under an unprecedented continuing budget resolution, Delaware lawmakers balanced their $4.1 billion spending plan through boosts to real estate, alcohol and tobacco taxes. Democrats and Republicans agreed to hike the realty transfer tax levied on each home sale by one percent, raising about $45 million this fiscal year. House and Senate lawmakers signed off on the bill with little debate. Higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco products are also part of the […]
Nonprofit supporters: ‘Save Our Services’
Delaware State News | by Craig Anderson DOVER — Teen mothers arrived cradling their babies who were months, if not weeks or days old. Some senior citizens needed assistance walking to the rally point, others moved slowly on their own. Approximately 200 Delawareans of all generations gathered at Legislative Hall to voice concerns about the looming elimination of nearly $46 million in nonprofit funding provided through the state budget. Loud chants of “Save Our Services” punctuated the 25-minute show of support on Thursday for a grant-in-aid bill imperiled by legislative […]
Delaware House approves changes to Coastal Zone Act
WHYY | by Zoë Read Legislation that aims to revamp the Coastal Zone Act and make way for the repurposing of abandoned industrial sites in an attempt to make Delaware more business-friendly has moved forward in the General Assembly. The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark, and State Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, passed with a 34-7 vote in the House Tuesday. “It sends a clear message. My colleagues understand the importance of the environment here in Delaware, but still, I think they realized we addressed the environmental concerns […]
Income, alcohol and cigarette tax hike bills move to House floor
Delaware Public Media | by James Dawson Nonprofits led the charge Wednesday against efforts to change Delaware’s income tax structure. One proposal would eliminate itemized deductions – meaning charitable donations could no longer be written off – while also increasing rates for all earners. “Nonprofits face the grim reality that fundraising might take a hit,” said Alex Eldrith, policy director for Autism Delaware. State grants to organizations such as his could potentially face cuts already, Eldrith said, and dropping itemized deductions could lead to fewer spots in programs. Others, from […]