DOVER – House Democrats issued comments Thursday on Governor Carney’s proposed fiscal 2024 operating budget.
Rep. William Carson, Joint Finance Committee Chair:
“Governor Carney has provided us with his roadmap for the fiscal 2024 budget, which the Joint Finance Committee will use during the next four weeks during our budget hearings. We are looking forward to diving into the details and hearing from state agencies, advocacy groups, nonprofits and residents about these various programs and the needs facing our state.
“I was particularly pleased to see the governor include meaningful raises for our dedicated state workers, many of whom have been deserving of such an increase for some time. It shows a commitment by this state to the thousands of workers who make our government run and provide excellent services to residents across Delaware.”
Rep. Kim Williams, House Education Committee Chair and Joint Finance Committee member:
“I am thrilled by Governor Carney’s budget presentation that showed such meaningful investments in our educational system including early childhood education. The funding for lowering preschool special education student-teacher ratios, investing in our teachers, early childhood assistance program and increase in scholarships are just some of the many education priorities that were announced today.
“Students of all ages and abilities deserve access to the resources and services they need to thrive in the classroom. Educating our children is one of the most important jobs our state has, and these investments show that we’re honoring that commitment. I commend Governor Carney for his support of both our students and educators and look forward to working in the Joint Finance Committee and with all my colleagues on passing a budget later this year.”
Rep. Kendra Johnson, House Housing Committee Chair:
“For far too long, housing issues have languished in Delaware and been at best a secondary concern. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs says that housing should be a basic, fundamental right for people. Without that need being met, it is nearly impossible for people to achieve other needs such as love and belonging and self-actualization. This proposed budget includes a significant investment in affordable housing that will make a serious difference in the lives of thousands of families who are struggling to find safe, affordable housing.
Rep. Paul Baumbach, House Revenue & Finance Committee Chair and sponsor of the law establishing refundable Earned Income Tax Credit program in Delaware:
“I think Governor Carney hit this ball out of the park with bringing tax relief to those who need it the most in a very simple way. These proposals to increase the standard deduction by 75% and boost the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit to 7.5% will help hundreds of thousands of Delaware residents. It’s going to provide critical dollars to taxpayers, very well targeted to the lower and middle class, which isn’t easy to do with tax policy.
“We know that EITC is the most effective way to help the working poor climb the rungs of the economic ladder. When we made the EITC refundable in Delaware a few years ago to provide direct relief, we knew it was a first step. Today, the governor has unveiled a plan that will further elevate Delaware families most in need.”
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