FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn issued the following statement regarding the introduction of the βdu Pont-Cook Financial Responsibility Actβ:
βThe introduction of the du Pont-Cook Financial Responsibility Act represents an important and long-overdue step in strengthening Delawareβs commitment to fiscal discipline and transparent governance. For nearly five decades, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council has provided the objective, nonpartisan revenue and expenditure projections that form the foundation of our stateβs budgeting process. Codifying DEFAC in statute ensures that this critical function is preserved, strengthened, and protected for future generations. οΏΌ
I have long supported the concept of codifying DEFAC. Doing so sends a clear and necessary signal that responsibility for accurate, timely, and independent financial projections does not rest solely within the executive branch. The General Assembly must place the same level of importance on DEFACβs role, and this legislation reflects that shared commitment.
This bipartisan effort appropriately honors the legacy of Governor Pete du Pont and Senator Nancy Cook, whose leadership established the culture of balanced budgets and long-term financial planning that continues to guide Delaware today. By formalizing DEFACβs role in law, we are reinforcing the principles they championedβfiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountabilityβwhile ensuring that both branches of government remain equally invested in maintaining Delawareβs strong financial foundation.
I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation and advancing a policy that strengthens confidence in Delawareβs budgeting process and long-term fiscal stability.β
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Happy Easter to you and your family. A day that reminds us of renewal, hope, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. May God bless you and I hope you enjoy this special time with those closest to you.
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Happy Passover to those observing. May this special time bring renewal, hope, and time well spent with family. Chag Sameach!
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You get text reminders about dentist appointments, restaurant reservations, and much more, so why not court appearances?
My SJR 13 creates a pilot program where the JP Court can send individuals text reminders ahead of a scheduled court appearance. Studies from other states show such a system can decrease warrants for missed court dates by up to 50%.
We talk about this and other topics on the latest episode of For The Record, available now on Spotify, YouTube, and more!
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The Delaware Department of Transportation announces there will be daytime lane closures on Shortly Road starting on Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 17th (weather permitting) for work related to extending the eastbound turn lane from Shortly Road onto southbound Route 113, as well as roadway patching.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones and to expect minor delays while traveling in the area.
For more information, visit DelDOT's website at www.deldot.gov
View full press release at: www.deldot.gov/About/news/index.shtml?dc=release&id=10923
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senate Advances Pettyjohn Bill Addressing Mental Health Provider Shortage
DOVER, DE β Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) to modernize Delawareβs psychology licensing laws and expand access to mental health services has cleared the Delaware Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.
Senate Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 208 (SB 208) establishes a regulated licensure pathway for masterβs-level psychology clinicians, helping to address ongoing workforce shortages and improve access to care across the state, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
βTodayβs vote is an important step toward strengthening Delawareβs mental health care system,β said Senator Pettyjohn. βBy creating a clear pathway for qualified masterβs-level clinicians, we can expand the workforce and help more Delawareans get the care they need in a timely manner.β
SB 208 does not replace or reduce existing professional licenses, but instead adds a complementary role within the broader mental health care framework, with appropriate oversight and standards in place.
βDelaware is facing a growing demand for mental health services, and we need practical solutions to meet that challenge,β Senator Pettyjohn said. βThis legislation supports a more responsive system while maintaining strong safeguards for patients and providers alike.β
The measure has received support from the Delaware Psychological Association and aligns Delaware with licensing approaches adopted in other states.
SB 208 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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I had a great visit at Sussex Central High School yesterday, meeting with students in their Youth in Government Club ahead of this weekendβs conference in Dover.
Students had the opportunity to present their proposed legislation and receive feedback directly from the Senator. Topics ranged from intersection and stop sign safety to regulating AI data centers in Delaware, firearm safety, and more. Their ideas were thoughtful, well-researched, and clearly presented. Impressive work all around!
Programs like Youth in Government give students a hands-on look at the legislative and judicial process, allowing them to step into roles like lawmakers, attorneys, and journalists while developing leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
Best of luck to these students as they head to Dover this weekend!
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This past January, following a session day, Nancy and I spent some time together upstairs sharing a conversation. She always had a memorable story to tell. I valued her perspective on issues and was especially grateful for her willingness to share her deep institutional knowledge of Legislative Hall. Even though we served on different sides of the aisle, it was always clear that her focus was not on party, but on what was best for the state.
Her presence in that building will be greatly missed. I extend my condolences to her family and to all those she touched throughout her nearly four decades of public service. Thank you, Kim, for capturing one final photo of us.
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Yesterday on the Senate floor, I had the privilege of recognizing Mason Furman of Cape Henlopen High School for receiving a Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy.
The Naval Academy in Annapolis is one of our nationβs premier service institutions, and earning a Principal Nomination is no small feat. Iβm proud to see a student from our community rise to this level of accomplishment.
Congratulations to Mason, and thank you to the educators, mentors, and the entire Cape Henlopen School District who helped support him along the way. I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the future.
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2026 Little Miss Delmarva Savannah Howard was recognized in the Senate for her incredible work supporting our active-duty military. Through her platform, Operation We Care, Savannah has collected more than 5,000 items for service members deployed overseas. Her efforts are a powerful example that compassion and service have no age requirement.
Delaware is proud of you, Savannah!
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