‘Opening Day’ for Delaware General Assembly, lawmakers talk priorities

DOVER, Del. – “Being the first female speaker in the state of Delaware’s history is exciting. I’m excited to hold this position,” Rep. Longhurst said.

History and progress were made Tuesday, as Delaware lawmakers made their way back to legislative hall in Dover for the second leg of the 152nd legislative session. “Anything that was left over from last year that either people supported but didn’t get passed or opposed that didn’t go all the way through the legislative process will still be worked through and probably will be worked on until will adjourn in June,” Sen. Pettyjohn said.

Senator Brian Pettyjohn said his priorities include addressing the affordable workforce housing crisis, agriculture issues, and ways to build up Delaware’s economy. “Making an environment that’s good for job creation in Delaware and removing some of the hurdles that are out there to companies opening up here and relocating in Delaware,” Sen. Pettyjohn said.

House Speaker Valerie Longhurst told us beyond working on the states bond bill, which supports the build out of infrastructure projects, one of her biggest focuses will be on the mental health of some of the youngest Delawareans. “We’ve put more mental health professionals in our elementary and middle schools. I still have HB 200 which would put more mental health professionals in our high schools,” Rep. Longhurst said. “I’ve been talking to the governor while he’s putting in the recommended budget. I’m pretty confident that bill will get over the line.”

As lawmakers get to laying down the groundwork, we’re told the potential of a budget deficit could present some challenges. “We are showing as opposed to a -4% growth, a -2% growth,” Sen. Pettyjohn said.

“One of the things that concerns me is the number of bills being represented right now with some pretty high fiscal notes or price tags. The decisions going to have to be made by this body and the governor’s office of where the priorities are going to be. ”

Senator Pettyjohn also plans to tackle certain gun bills, which he calls unconstitutional.

Despite facing a potentially tight budget, lawmakers said funds were put into a stabilization fund. They said as the economy continues to waver, they’re able to bank some of that during good times and withdraw it when need be.

Lawmakers also told us education will also be a big focus this session. Last year, a big chunk of the state’s budget went to increasing wages for educators statewide.

We spoke with Freshman Representative Stell Parker Selby who said that was just a start. She told us her priorities are to provide more resources for home-school educators and students and making sure those educators who want to come to the first state have a place to live. “Particularly in the area of Sussex County and the eastern part of Sussex County. We’re very concerned about how we can keep our young doctors here and how can we maintain our teachers to live where they work and work where they live. That’s very important to me,” she said.

Representative Parker Selby also plans to sponsor a bill that would create a public safety tips program in partnership with state and local police.