7/1/2020 Update
CICD Zoom Call with New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer
CICD has organized a Zoom call for members with New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, where we will be discussing a New Castle County Land Use Ordinance that impacts expansion and construction to industry in Heavy Industrial zones. This NCCo Ordinance 19-046 was passed in August 2019 and imposes several steps including steps such as a public hearing and determining an environmental and community impact and benefit. County Executive Meyer will be sharing more information on how this impacts our industries and the status of Ordinance 20-008 to undue the consequences of the previously mentioned ordinance.
2020 Legislative Brief from Ruggerio Willson & Associates
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate just adjourned for this session. We wanted to share an end-of-session Legislative Brief for the second half of the 150th General Assembly. As session wraps up, we reflect on the past six months of session.
2020 started out as a typical legislative year until March, when the COVID-19 outbreak came to Delaware. The news changed by the hour and we all adjusted to the new normal. The restrictions imposed by Governor Carney on Delaware’s economy lead to drastic increases in unemployment claims, a decline in our state’s revenue estimates and a struggling business sector.
Despite these unprecedented times, there is much to reflect upon as we strategize for the reconvening of the General Assembly in January 2021. Due to COVID-19, Legislative Hall was closed in the middle of March and legislators met virtually and voted on legislation under suspension of rules. Most of the bills that were voted on were related to COVID-19 or budget related. With that being said, there were many bills that were not heard this session as a result, SB 250 (RPS) included. Any legislation not acted upon by the General Assembly this session will not be carried over next year and will need to be reintroduced in January 2021. We expect many of the bills that we planned to play defense on, to likely be reintroduced next session.
Revisions to the appropriations bills proposed by Governor Carney in January were the result of the $531 million lost in revenue caused by COVID-19. After 3 months of not meeting, lawmakers met for the daunting task of balancing the budget. Despite the challenge that Delaware faced, lawmakers were able to pass a balanced budget which appropriated over $4 billion in funds. This number represents an increase of $95.1 million over the Fiscal Year 2020 budget but $100 million less than what was proposed by Governor Carney in January before the shutdown. This was done without any cuts to state employee pay and without any reduction in state offered services.
Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Include:
$13.1 million added back into the budget stabilization fund which put it at a 50% level prior to what is was for this year.
Delaware was able to maintain its triple A bond rating which in turn saves taxpayers a significant amount of debt funding costs. In the beginning, discussions revolved around taking funds from the state’s savings accounts which would’ve significantly impacted this bond rating.
$708 million capital budget for construction, maintenance and transportation projects. This was cut from the $893 million originally proposed by Governor Carney in January before the shutdown.
$54.4 million awarded in grants to community organizations, non-profits and volunteer fire companies. The Joint Finance Committee made a unilateral decision not to grant any first-time applicants with funds.
There were numerous task forces created last session that were extended into the 151st General Assembly. Additionally, two task forces were created that will report to the 151st General Assembly; the African American Task Force and the Law Enforcement Accountability Task Force.
Fiscal Year 2021 Operating Budget: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=48159
Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Infrastructure Budget (Bond Bill): https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=48170
Fiscal Year 2021 Grants-in-Aid Bill: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=48180
While we saw numerous retirements in the last General Assembly, this session presented two. We said farewell to Senator Harris McDowell who retired after 43 years in office and Representative Quinn Johnson who retired after 12 years. These two legislators served as chair and co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee which is the committee tasked with writing the annual operating budget and grant in aid. Their retirement means that we can expect significant changes to this committee in the 151st General Assembly.
Over the next several months we must continue to maintain the great relationships we have with our allies in the legislature. Moving into the fall, we are expecting a unique election. A few important dates to keep in mind are the September 6th primary election as well as the November 6th general election.
We have much to be proud of looking back over the past six months. On behalf of Ruggerio Willson & Associates, we look forward to continuing these relationships and increasing our legislative presence as we plan for 2021 including the reintroduction of legislative priorities derailed by COVID 19.
Respectfully,
Rhett, Kim, Verity, and Bailey
Ruggerio Willson & Associates
Governor Carney Issues Modification to State of Emergency
On Tuesday, June 30, Governor John Carney issued the 23rd modification to the State of Emergency declaration, closing bars in eastern Sussex County to limit spread of COVID-19 in Delaware’s beach communities. The modification also includes consumer protections for Delawareans who may face foreclosure or eviction filings.
Click here to read Governor Carney’s modified State of Emergency.