Delaware General Assembly begins 146th session

January 13, 2011

DOVER, Delaware: The 2011 session of the Delaware General Assembly officially got under way on Tuesday. The day mostly consisted of formalities, including oaths of office and taking pictures. The session is expected be dominated by the new budget for the fiscal year set to begin July 1, and redistricting.

Governor Jack Markell (D) has said that a new budget is going to be difficult as revenue has remained flat while state employee health care costs have risen. He plans to introduce his budget proposal later this month and said that job creation will be a top priority for his administration.

Prior to the start of the session, House members pre-filed the first legislation of the year. House Bills 1 though 7 were introduced on January 6, and deal with the following issues:

• HB 1 - Mandates "needs-based" funding for special education programs at all public school districts and charter schools.
• HB 2 - Expands coverage under the Delaware Children's Health Insurance Program to children of families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
• HB 3 - Limits the amount of trans-fat in public and charter school lunches.
• HB 4 - Prevents members of the legislature from becoming lobbyists for one year after their term ends.
• HB 5 - Requires state agencies to respond within 15 business days to requests for public records made under the Freedom of Information Act.
• HB 6 - Increases the possible jail time for gang activities.
• HB 7 - Changes the New Castle city charter, eliminates requirement the city be divided into four election districts.

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