Governor Carney introduces his Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal

Governor John Carney's proposed his 2018 budget for the first state on March 23, 2017 in Dover.

The general fund is proposing a $4.1 billion budget.

Between the expected revenues and expected expenses, there is an estimated $385 million shortfall.

Now his proposal plans to attack issues such as education, health, and safety.

Governor Carney says he has been traveling up and down the state addressing issues through ten public hearings.

He even states that while many did not want any increases; others said they were willing to pay more as long as the revenue package is balanced and fair. 

An important key investment discussed in the presentation is public education.

As enrollment continues to increase, the addition of teachers is also needed for those students.

$25 million is aimed at funding costs. It will not only provide funding for the current enrollment growth, but it will also add 333 teachers.

The director of the office of management and budget says these funds are important, as enrollment rises year by year.

Enrollment has grown to the point in Delaware, that they are off by 143 teaching units just in the current year. The growth for next year is an additional 190.

Beyond that, $4.7 million will maintain investments in Early Childhood Education and $1 million will head to opportunity grants for schools serving disadvantaged students.

If this budget passes, it will be effective July 1st.