Joint Finance Committee

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

The Joint Finance Committee holds its first budget hearing for fiscal year 2026, and discussions on budgetary cuts are already underway.

Delaware’s budget writing committee begins solidifying changes to the state’s budget before it heads to the full General Assembly for approval.

Legislation to codify Gov. John Carney’s budget smoothing process heads to the Senate Floor, but Republican State Rep. Danny Short (R-Seaford) calls for more.

The Department of Health and Social Services Division of Health Care Quality is facing a growing backlog in granting home care agency licenses.

Gov. John Carney is recommending the Department of Health and Social Services receive an 8.4% budget increase, with close to $95 million in Medicaid costs.

DNREC is only requesting a 1.4% budget increase from the general fund, but asks for support on legislation to increase department-wide fees.

The Delaware Veterans Home has 115 authorized nursing positions and only 37 of those are currently filled.

Del Tech requested an $8 million increase in funding for fiscal year 25 with $2.5 million going to expanding the associate degree nursing program. Gov. Carney’s budget plan recommends $6 million - with $1.25 million for the nursing program.

Gov. John Carney opted out of recommending funding to support a clinical psychology program at DSU, but the Joint Finance Committee believes the funding should be a priority.