DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $5.0 billion Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for the State of Delaware, a sustainable financial plan that makes investments in Delaware public schools and education programming.

The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, includes pay increases for state employees, including 2% to 9% increases for all merit employees and increases for public school transportation drivers. All state employees will also be receiving a $500 one-time bonus.

The operating budget also includes increases in education programs including K-12 mid-year unit count and programming at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College.

Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney signed a $378.6 million one-time supplemental appropriation which includes funding for the implementation of paid family leave, funding for the Library Connection program – which will connect school libraries with the Delaware library catalog – and various contingency mechanisms.

“This is a sustainable budget that makes investments where they’re needed most, including public education and our higher education institutions,” said Governor Carney. “We’re also making historic movement of the merit pay scales in state government to make our workforce stronger and to further recognize the great work that state employees do every day. We also will be funding the statewide paid family leave program. All of these steps will help ensure Delaware is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I want to thank the chairs and members of the Joint Finance and Bond Bill committees for their thoughtful work on this budget.”

Click here to view the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget.

Click here to view the Fiscal Year 2023 one-time supplemental appropriation.

Click here to view photos from the signing ceremony.

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On Thursday, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022 in memory of the more than 1 million Americans who have died from COVID-19.

In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022, and issued the following statement:

“More than 1 million Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19, including 2,928 Delawareans. Each person had family and friends. And each one was a precious life. We are thinking about those individuals and all of the families and friends who lost loved ones to COVID. We will continue to remember, honor, and pray for them.”

Additionally, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 in accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 136-137), we pay tribute to peace officers across our country who have died, or who have been disabled in the line of duty. Flags will already be lowered on May 15, 2022, and are to remain lowered until sunset on May 16, 2022.

As a mark of respect for the passing of Madeleine Korbel Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, and in recognition of her tremendous life of service to this nation, President Biden has ordered that the U.S. flag be immediately flown at half-staff until sunset on March 27, 2022. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff.

On March 15, 2022, Delaware will lay to rest Clayton Town Manager and Clayton Fire Company Chief John Pridemore, who passed away on March 8, 2022. For 31 years, he served his community as a member of the Clayton Fire Company, where he held leadership positions and was elected chief in 2021.

In recognition of Chief Pridemore’s service to the State of Delaware, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 15, 2022.

In recognition of the passing of former State Senator Robert “Bob” L. Venables, Sr. and former State Senator and Representative Winifred Theodora “Winnie” Spence, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff through Sunday, January 2 as a mark of respect for their service to the State of Delaware. The Delaware flag is to be returned to full staff on Monday, January 3.

More information can be found at the below links:

Robert L. Venables, Sr.

Winifred Theodora Spence