Joint Finance Committee

The fiscal year 26 budget is a 7.36% increase over the current year and does not dip into either of the state’s financial reserve accounts, but financial uncertainty remains.

Delaware’s budget-writing committee commits to another round of state employee and teacher salary raises against Republicans’ wishes.

State Rep. Kevin Hensely has been removed from the state’s budget-making committee after pleading guilty to third degree vehicular assault and DUI charges.

Gov. Matt Meyer releases his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, suggesting various tax increases and new personal income tax brackets.

DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings says the department intends to introduce a bill this year that would double the length of time before a missed toll becomes a violation, allowing drivers more time to pay.

Delaware’s Medicaid program is requesting a 7.7% budget increase for inflation and growth needs but braces for the possibility of federal funding cuts.

The Delaware Department of Justice tells the Joint Finance Committee it is “critically understaffed,” noting the agency faces a revolving door of attorneys leaving to make more money in the private sector.

The proposed fee increases are expected to add $8 to $9 million to DNREC’s base budget of $160 million.

The Delaware Department of State (DOS) is requesting a nearly $3.3 million budget increase for FY 26.

The University of Delaware and Delaware State University are seeking multi-million dollar budget increases left out of the former governor’s spending proposal.