Delaware Republicans are preparing for the upcoming General Assembly.
In their weekly message, they say the budget and education will be two of their top priorities.
The latest state revenue forecast projects a $201 budget deficit compared to this year’s spending plan. That climbs even higher to $350 million based on three percent budget growth and automatic spending hikes.
Rep. Joe Miro (R-Pike Creek Valley), who sits on the budget writing Joint Finance Committee, says they’ll also need to find a spending solution to better fund underperforming schools.
“Eliminating the disadvantages of children in underfunded rural and urban school districts will be a top concern of the 149th General Assembly,” Miro said.
Last year, state senators rejected a plan to redistrict Wilmington schools. The proposal called for increased spending on flailing city schools, but rural lawmakers wanted more state money going to their schools as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2F23PuTPwg&feature=youtu.be
Below you can read a full transcript of the Delaware GOP weekly message:
Hi, I’m State Representative Joe Miro speaking to you from Legislative Hall.
Lawmakers will return to Dover in less than three weeks to begin what promises to be a hectic legislative session.
Money will be a top concern.
According to the recently released Fiscal Survey of States, Delaware is one of 24 states reporting that General Fund revenues are coming in below projections.
Delaware state revenue forecasts that will be delivered late this spring will determine the scope of our fiscal challenges, but early signs suggest we will face some difficult choices ahead.
Our state will also need to wrestle with two topics we were unable to settle earlier this year: the proposed re-organization of Wilmington schools; and reforming the way the state finances public education. At the heart of both issues is ensuring all public school students have equal access to educational resources. Eliminating the disadvantages of children educated in under-funded rural and urban school districts will be a top concern of the 149th General Assembly.
Another provocative debate is expected on the Coastal Zone Act. The 45-year-old law prohibits new heavy industry within a designated buffer along Delaware’s coast. The debate will focus on whether to allow previously developed industrial property in northern New Castle County to be used for manufacturing. Proponents argue redeveloping brownfields would pay economic dividends. Environmentalists may not agree.
Lastly, Delaware is already one of 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana. In 2017, we are expected to debate if we will become the ninth state to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
As we head into 2017, I urge all Delawareans to track what’s happening in the General Assembly and to make your opinions heard by your elected officials as they discuss decisions that will impact your state, community, and family.
