The Delaware Department of Insurance reported this month on the initial impact of HB 371, legislation sponsored by Representative Kim Williams and Senator Jack Walsh in the 152nd General Assembly. HB 371 was filed in order to solve an issue brought forth by the Delaware Volunteer Fire Company (DFVA) and the Department of Insurance (DOI) relating to Fire Tax.

Insurance companies pay taxes on the total premiums reported during the previous calendar year. These taxes are collected by the DOI and distributed by the Treasurer to specific entities as directed by law, with the remainder deposited to the State of Delaware’s General Fund. Fire Tax represents a percentage of premium taxes that is to be disbursed via geographic allocation to volunteer fire companies throughout the State and to the City of Wilmington Fire Pension.

The DOI and fire companies noticed in recent years a discrepancy surrounding the Fire Tax, caused by insurers reporting geographic location via Wilmington addresses that are not actually within the city’s jurisdiction. This reduced the accuracy of the funds sent to New Castle County fire companies.

HB 371, signed into law in October 2024, permanently corrected that problem by creating a zip-code based system simplifying geographic designation, ensuring that allocations are determined in a clear and consistent manner from year to year between the City of Wilmington and New Castle County. The solution was tested by the DOI for a year prior to codification to ensure the outcome appropriately solved fire company concerns.

“Every year the General Assembly passes hundreds of bills, so it’s important that we follow up and ensure those laws are working as intended and truly serving Delawareans,” said Rep. Kim Williams.

“Thanks to data from the Department of Insurance, we know that HB 371 is doing exactly that and providing our brave firefighters with more resources to keep our communities safe. This has been a decades-long issue and I’m glad that we were able to come together with the Delaware Volunteer Fire Association, the Department of Insurance, the Treasurer, and the Controller General’s Office to address the problem.”

On May 15th, the Department of Insurance reported that since reform went into effect, each New Castle County fire company received about $381,000 more in funding, inclusive of an $174,000 year-over-year increase following enactment.

Over this period, there has been a roughly $8 million increase in allocated fire taxes across the county. The decrease in Wilmington’s pension allocations has only been approximately $1 million, which speaks to the growth of funds via non-Wilmington new developments, premium changes, and other factors. The Pension had been receiving higher-than-appropriate allocations for several years.

“Throughout the implementation of this reform, each of New Castle County’s volunteer fire companies are receiving more accurate funds for their services protecting residents and insured properties. This year, their total disbursement from this portion of premium tax will be more than $1.25 million each. We are grateful that Rep. Williams, Senator Walsh, and the General Assembly took action to make permanent the improved method of calculating these funds,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro.

“These dollars serve those that save lives, and I couldn’t be more proud to play a part in that process, which this year alone will provide more than $57 million dollars to companies up and down the state, and to the City of Wilmington Fire Pension.”

In addition to employing a zip-code based system, HB 371 also reduced the number of payments per year from two to one, and gave the Insurance Commissioner more time to ensure the accuracy of insurer-reported geographic data.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. As legislators, it’s our duty to ensure they have the resources they need to do their life-saving work as safely as possible,” said Sen. Jack Walsh.  “I am glad to see that House Bill 371 is working as we had hoped.”

Bill would return program suspended in 2008 and increase monthly match contributions to a maximum of $20 per pay period 

As part of a continued focus on her three main priorities – bolstering retirement security and readiness, creating pathways to economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of financial excellence – Treasurer Colleen Davis has joined with Senator Trey Paradee and Representative Bill Bush to reintroduce bipartisan legislation designed to help Delaware state employees save for retirement.

The bill, supported as a key strategic objective of the Delaware Plans Management Board, would reinstate the employer match for state employee contributions to its deferred compensation program, DEFER. The State suspended the match in July 2008 during the early part of the Great Recession. DEFER is a voluntary retirement savings plan designed to help state employees build long-term financial security. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars to 457(b) or 403(b) retirement savings accounts, which offer a range of investment options to suit individual retirement goals.

“It has always been the intent of the General Assembly to revive the match after lawmakers reluctantly put it on hold in order to cut costs, and we are now in the right financial position to bring the match back,” Treasurer Davis said. “In fact, every budget bill since Fiscal Year 2008 has contained language reading, ‘It is the intent of the General Assembly that this program be reinstated when funding becomes available.’”

Sponsored by Sen. Paradee (D-Dover) and Rep. Bush (D-Dover), Senate Bill 20 restores the State’s match and adjusts it for cost-of-living increases by setting the maximum match at $20 per pay period. The previous maximum was set at $10 in the year 2000.

“State employees play an essential role in keeping our state running smoothly and providing the critical services that our constituents rely on,” said Sen. Paradee. “Having a match for the state employee retirement plan would help us attract and retain quality employees. Over the past four budget cycles, our focus has been on increasing employee pay and shoring up the pension plan and the health insurance plan. This bill helps the State of Delaware remain competitive with other employers, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this over the finish line this session.”

During the years that the State offered the match, employee participation in the deferred compensation program grew by more than 3% each year. But following suspension of the match, employee participation steadily declined and has never recovered.

“With the rising cost of living and the ongoing need to pay off student loans, most public educators have very little left over for retirement,” said Stephanie Ingram, president of the Delaware State Education Association, which represents nearly 14,000 public school educators throughout the First State. “I’m grateful that our lawmakers are fighting for our future by fulfilling Delaware’s 17-year-old promise to its workers and finally restoring the state match on retirement savings accounts.”

The bill includes a specific provision for state employees with student loan debt who are struggling to save for retirement. It authorizes the State to contribute to the retirement accounts of employees who are unable to afford contributions because they are making payments on student loans.

“We as legislators came to Dover to get things done for our constituents. Not just for our districts, but for all Delawareans – which includes state employees,” Rep. Bush said. “With bringing back the match, we’ll be doing just that. As it stands, only 37% of our state employees feel prepared for retirement, and I feel strongly that this bill would increase that number significantly. Delaware’s state employees give so much to our state, and it’s only right that we get this match done for them.”

For more information on Delaware DEFER, visit https://treasurer.delaware.gov/deferred-compensation-plans/.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined Senator Stephanie Hansen, other members of the General Assembly and advocates on Thursday, September 5, to sign a package of bills that further Delaware’s efforts to protect the environment and support clean energy.

Legislation included Senate Bill 265, House Bill 9, House Substitute 2 for House Bill 13, Senate Bill 237 and House Bill 402. The bills were signed at the DuPont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington.

“Delaware is the lowest lying state in the country, and we have seen climate change affecting our communities. I’m proud of the work that we have done to mitigate those impacts, reduce greenhouse gases, and find cleaner ways to generate energy. We know that the work must continue,” said Governor John Carney. “Senate Bill 265 gives us options to move forward on purchasing wind-generated renewable energy in a fiscally responsible way. House Bill 9 converts our state fleet to electric vehicles. Each piece of legislation that we signed today will help us keep that progress going. It also represents a lot of really good work by our General Assembly, our environmental advocates, and our state employees. I want to thank them for their support.”The Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024, created by SB 265, authorizes processes necessary to help meet the net zero goals of the Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023. The bill facilitates a transition to carbon-free energy sources by preparing for offshore wind to be a significant element of Delaware’s energy future and increasing options for interconnecting renewable energy resources to the transmission grid. 

“Just a few short years ago, we were working from a 2009 State Energy Plan that no one had given much thought to since it was finished,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen, prime sponsor of SB 265. “But in the past few years, we have made tremendous strides. We now have a new, energized Governor’s Energy Advisory Council that is concluding its work on our new State Energy Plan after an exhaustive and inclusive process. We also have a thriving community solar program, have passed a significant amount of electric vehicle bills, and are at the threshold of embracing wind energy. We should be proud of the work we have done, but continue to make progress for our state’s renewable energy future.”

“The passage of SB 265 will open the door to offshore wind energy procurement in our state. This is a monumental step toward embracing a cleaner, more sustainable future, and helps to ensure that we stay on track to meet the targets outlined in the Climate Solutions Act,” said Representative Debra Heffernan. “It will take time before we see a turbine in Delaware, but this is still a huge feat. We have now begun the process to ensure that Delaware is ready to make the switch to clean energy when the best opportunity presents itself. Thank you to all of my colleagues who have worked with me to ensure this bill reflects the best interests of our environment and the citizens of our beautiful state.” 

“As we look toward 2030 and beyond, offshore wind will be a vital part of helping us reach our emissions reduction goals as outlined in the Delaware Climate Solutions Act,” said Dayna Cobb, Director of DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy. “Ensuring the best possible outcomes for ratepayers, businesses, the utilities and other stakeholders has been a guiding principle from the beginning, and the collaboration involved shows in the Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024 that the legislature passed, and that Governor Carney signed today.”

Senate Bill 237 amends the Delaware Code relating to municipal comprehensive plans to require municipalities with populations greater than 2,000 to increase community resiliency and address the impacts of climate change in their comprehensive plans. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 13 requires the Director of the Sustainable Energy Utility to administer a program to provide financial assistance to Delaware residents for the cost of purchase and installation of electric vehicle supply equipment.

“Sustainability and equity go hand-in-hand,” said Representative Sophie Phillips.  “In order for us to reach our state’s zero emission goals we must make sure that everyone is given the tools to reduce their carbon footprint. House Bill 13, which makes charging equipment more affordable, especially for lower income households, complements last year’s House Bill 12, which codified Delaware’s electric vehicle rebate program into law. Together, these financial incentives will accelerate the electrification of our transportation sector, while also helping ensure nobody gets left behind.”

House Bill 9 requires that all passenger vehicles and light duty vehicles owned and operated by the State be zero-emission vehicles by 2040.

“We are grateful to the community of advocates, the legislators, and the governor and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they put into the energy bills that were signed at the DuPont Environmental Education Center today, especially the Energy Solutions for Delaware Act,” said Jen Adkins, Executive Director, Delaware Nature Society. “This package of legislation will improve public planning, incentivize the use of electrical vehicles and make way for offshore wind energy – three huge needs for a clean and renewable energy future for Delawareans.”

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney was joined by Senator Darius Brown, other members of the General Assembly, and advocates on Thursday, August 29, to sign Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254, which creates the Delaware Grocery Initiative and addresses food insecurity in urban and rural food deserts. The bill signing was held at the Kingswood Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry.

“Healthy eating and proper nutrition are critically important to the health and welfare of our communities. This legislation and the Delaware Grocery Initiative will help eliminate food deserts in our urban and rural areas by ensuring food is more readily available,” said Governor Carney. “I want to thank Senator Brown and the General Assembly for supporting this legislation.”

“Far too many Delaware families do not have readily available access to healthy foods. As a result, we have seen health care costs go through the roof, our obesity and diabetes rates hit record levels, and we see worsening inequities in our life expectancy,” said Senator Darius Brown. “My passion and vision for a healthier Delaware is why I sponsored Senate Bill 254 (S), establishing a holistic, statewide strategy for reducing food insecurity, while creating a new grant program called the Delaware Grocery Initiative to help strengthen the existing network of small businesses, nonprofits and other organizations currently providing underserved communities with some of their only access to fresh, healthy food. The Delaware Grocery Initiative will give our community partners the ability to deepen and broaden their reach. It will also yield innovative economic tools allowing our multi-ethnic businesses to have an active role in solving the problems that impact the communities they serve. I thank Governor Carney for signing Senate Bill 254 into law today, a policy I am confident will get more nutritious and healthy foods to the neighborhoods that need them the most.”

As created in Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254, the Delaware Grocery Initiative is a healthy foods initiative that will provide financial assistance to eligible food resources outlined in the bill.

“Food is one of our most basic survival needs, yet thousands of Delawareans still do not have access to fresh, healthy options in their communities,” said Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha. “The quality of our food directly impacts our quality of life, with healthier options leading to better health outcomes and overall wellbeing. We must continue to seek creative and comprehensive solutions to ensure everyone has access to the foods and markets they need to thrive, and the signing of this bill is a significant step toward that goal.”

“Today’s signing of Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254 marks a transformative moment for our community. The Delaware Grocery Initiative is not just a policy change—it’s a lifeline for the thousands of families in Northeast Wilmington and across the state who struggle daily with food insecurity. For far too long, urban and rural food deserts have deprived our communities of access to fresh, nutritious food, exacerbating the challenges of poverty and health disparities,” said Logan Herring, Chief Executive Officer, WRK Group. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Carney, Senator Darius Brown, and the members of the General Assembly for their leadership and commitment to addressing these critical issues. At The WRK Group, we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift and empower our community, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to create sustainable, healthy futures for the residents of Northeast Wilmington. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable Delaware.”

“Signing this bill into law is a milestone and demonstrates the State’s prioritization of food access and commitment to address food insecurity in our communities. We know what the gaps are, where the needs are, and which organizations are playing key roles in the food system. The Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy created the First State Food System grant program using state ARPA funds,” said Allison Karpyn, Member, Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy. “Awarding grants to directly support Delaware farmers, retailers, restaurants, food pantries, faith-based and community organizations builds resilience in our food supply chain and feeds Delawareans. The Delaware Grocery Initiative will not only ensure continuity of this grant program, but gives us necessary tools to address challenges, and hold ourselves accountable through a new Delaware Food Access Strategy.”

“Food insecurity is very real in the state of Delaware,” said, Chad Robinson, Vice President of External Affairs, Food Bank of Delaware, citing statistics that show 120,000 Delawareans struggle with food insecurity, roughly 1 in 8 Delawareans and 1 in 5 Delaware children. “Achieving our goal of a community free of hunger requires a commitment from all of us and this is what this bill represents.”

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined members of the General Assembly including sponsor Representative Sherae’a “Rae” Moore, leadership from the Delaware Department of Education, and administrators of the Red Clay School District to sign House Substitute 2 for House Bill 125 on Tuesday, July 23. This legislation expands access to free breakfast and lunch to students who would receive a reduced-price meal under the federal School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.

“Foundationally, there’s nothing more important than making sure our young children can perform and can learn. The future of our state depends on it,” said Governor John Carney. “To set our students up for that success, we have to make sure they are well fed and have good nutrition. I want to thank Representative Moore, Senator Tizzy Lockman, and all those who supported this bill to help make that possible.”

According to the Delaware Department of Education, approximately 2,500 students statewide will now receive breakfast and lunch free of charge. The bill will take effect for the 2024-2025 school year.

“Our leaders of tomorrow are sitting in our classrooms today. No child should have to go to school hungry. I commend Rep. Moore for her leadership on this important measure to ensure children have a bright future. The evidence is clear, when our students have access to nutritious meals at school they perform better academically, improve behaviorally, and achieve higher levels of success in and out of the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

“We know that education is about more than just what happens in the classroom; it’s influenced by a range of factors outside of school that can impact a student’s ability to learn and succeed. One critical factor is hunger, and HB 125 directly addresses this issue by ensuring our most vulnerable students have access to nutritious meals,” said House Speaker Valerie Longhurst. “I commend Rep. Moore for her commitment to supporting our students and creating a more equitable and supportive learning environment for all our children.”

“As a teacher, I saw firsthand that food insecurity affects not only the body but also the mind. We simply cannot expect our students to perform at their best when they are not properly fueled,” said State Representative Sherae’a “Rae” Moore. “With the signing of HB 125, we have taken an important step toward supporting our most vulnerable learners by providing access to healthy, nutritious meals. I want to thank all the advocates and community members whose efforts and hard work helped to make this day possible. Together, we are easing the worry of hunger, allowing students to focus on their education and reach their full potential.”

“By eliminating the reduced price meal fee for students, Delaware is increasing access to nutritious meals for families in need,” said Delaware Department of Education Nutrition Director Aimee Beam. “This change helps ensure all children are given a chance to meet their daily nutrition goals as well as focus on academics – not hunger – throughout the school day.”

“Nemours Children’s Health supported this legislation because we are deeply invested in addressing children’s health well beyond medicine. By eliminating the financial barrier to school meals, Delaware is ensuring all students in our public schools have access to food, which is imperative for their future,” said Dr. Kara Walker, Executive Vice President, Chief Population Health Officer of Nemours Children’s Health.  “Research consistently shows that proper nutrition is critical for children’s growth, development, and ability to learn. As the first pediatric health system to become a USDA MyPlate National Strategic Partner, we applaud this important step forward in addressing childhood hunger in Delaware.”