DOVER – House officials announced several membership changes on the legislative committees that write Delaware’s operating and capital budget Friday, increasing diversity on the panels and providing new opportunities for members to take on leadership roles.
House Speaker Valerie Longhurst named Rep. Kim Williams as the new co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, a 12-member panel of representatives and senators from both parties charged with drafting the state’s operating budget. She replaces Rep. William Carson, who served as the House’s top member on the group since 2021. She also tapped Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha to serve as a JFC member.
Additionally, Rep. Sean Matthews has stepped down from the Joint Bond Bill Committee, a 12-member panel of lawmakers from both parties charged with drafting the state’s capital budget. Rep. Longhurst has appointed Rep. Franklin Cooke to serve in his place.
“As we evaluate the structure and makeup of several House institutions, we are going to be constantly looking for ways to increase diversity and improve effectiveness across all levels of this chamber,” said Rep. Longhurst, who was elected speaker in June. “Our chamber looks more and more like Delaware every session, and our money committees, which make important decisions about funding critical programs across our state, should reflect that diversity and give a bigger voice to communities that often rely on state services.
“I want to thank Rep. Carson for his dedicated service on the Joint Finance Committee these last several years. He has guided the budget-writing process with diligence and integrity, helping to write smart, responsible budgets that increased pay for state workers, improved public safety and addressed the behavioral health crisis facing our students. I also want to thank Rep. Matthews for his service on the Bond Bill Committee. I understand the commitment and diligence it requires, and he gave a lot of his time to help oversee some of the largest capital budgets in Delaware history.”
“I’m confident that these new members will bring a fresh perspective to the budget process and be excellent advocates for all Delawareans. I’m excited to see the work they produce for all residents across the First State.”
Rep. Williams has served on the Joint Finance Committee since 2021. Prior to that, she served as a member of the Bond Bill Committee from 2019-20. Representing the Newport, Stanton and Marshallton areas, Rep. Williams was first elected in 2012.
“I am honored to be named co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee,” said Rep. Williams. “Over a decade of service as a legislator, I have always focused on what matters most to my constituents and Delawareans. The budget touches every community in our state and is one of the most important measures we pass each year.
“I take great pride in my relationships with colleagues in the General Assembly, Agencies, Stakeholders and Advocates, everyone that is crucial to passing and improving the budget. I know with my passion for making a difference that both JFC and the House Appropriations Committees will continue the great work and will do even more to improve the lives of all families throughout Delaware.”
A community-based master social worker and U.S Army veteran, Rep. Chukwuocha was first elected to the House in 2018, representing North Wilmington. He also is a former Wilmington City Councilman and is one-half of Delaware’s Poets Laureate, the Twin Poets, with his twin brother Al Mills.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Joint Finance Committee and add my voice to budgetary process,” said Rep. Chukwuocha. “I’m excited at the prospect of advocating for underserved communities and areas of our state that might not always be heard. This includes our veterans, who served our state and our nation honorably and often don’t have the resources they need to lead healthy, productive lives when they return home. I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
A retired New Castle County police officer, Rep. Cooke was first elected to the House in 2018, representing parts of New Castle City and the Route 9 corridor.
“Serving on the Bond Bill Committee will be a great experience and allow me to have a direct say in providing resources for underserved areas of our state, like the Route 9 corridor where I’ve lived my whole life,” said Rep. Cooke. “Having that kind of representation from different parts of Delaware and from different walks of life will only make our capital budget stronger and more equitable so everyone feels the positive effects of our investments. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Delaware Legislative Black Caucus founder and chair Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, a longtime member of the Joint Finance Committee, lauded the decision to increase diversity on the two committees.
“It’s so important that we have representation on critical committees such as Joint Finance and Bond Bill,” said Rep. Bolden, who has served on JFC since 2019. “Given the composition of our caucus and our state, it’s truly heartening to witness this diversity mirrored in our money committees. Increasing diversity by adding smart, caring people will only make these committees stronger and more able to meet the challenges and needs of all residents in the First State. I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Chukwuocha to JFC and am happy to see Rep. Cooke take a seat on Bond Bill.”
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