Gov. Meyer Vetoes $35M Appropriation for Legislative Hall Expansion, Citing Affordability Concerns

DOVER, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer vetoed expansion plans for Legislative Hall on Tuesday, citing affordability concerns throughout the state and greater costs associated with the project.

On Jul. 7, Governor Meyer exercised a line-item veto of House Bill 500, also known as the Fiscal Year 2027 Bond and Capital Improvements Act. By doing so, he removed the $35 million appropriation for the proposed expansion, and subsequently returned the bond bill to the General Assembly with his objections.

In his veto statement, Meyer noted that the multi-million dollar appropriation represents only the initial funding for a project expected to cost at least $116 million. Further, he said that while improvements to Legislative Hall’s security, accessibility and public participation are important, those needs can be addressed at a lower cost while allowing the state to focus on higher priorities.

“Everywhere I go, Delawareans tell me the same thing: life costs too much,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “At a time when families are struggling to afford housing, healthcare, and energy bills, I can’t justify spending $116 million on a Legislative Hall expansion. Affordability demands accountability, and accountability demands that we put taxpayers first.”

The veto applies only to the $35 million appropriation for the Legislative Hall expansion project. The remainder of House Bill 500, which funds schools, affordable housing, transportation, clean water infrastructure, parks, libraries, agriculture and other statewide capital priorities, remains intact.