Del. Governor Proposes $3.7 Billion Spending Plan - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

Del. Governor Proposes $3.7 Billion Spending Plan

DOVER, Del. - Gov. Jack Markell is proposing a $3.7 billion operating budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.
    
The spending plan unveiled Thursday is 3.5 percent higher than this year's budget. It includes $40 million in additional spending for personnel costs and $35.8 million in new Medicaid spending.
    
Markell also proposed $7 million in new initiatives, including $3.3 million for school mental health services and $2.2 million for after-school and summer programs for at-risk youth.
    
To pay for the spending plan, Markell wants to keep increases in corporate franchise and estate taxes approved in 2009 from expiring as planned. He also wants to keep personal income and gross receipts tax increases in place, with minor modifications.
    
Lawmakers will use Markell's proposal as a starting point in developing a fiscal 2014 budget.

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