Tax Reform and Your Delaware Itemized Deductions

Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), individuals were permitted to claim an unlimited amount of state and local real property and income taxes paid as itemized deductions. Starting with tax years 2018, those deductions will be limited. Delaware follows federal law regarding itemized deductions, and taxpayers will be entitled to an itemized […]
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Wells Fargo Consumer Redress Review Program Mandated By National Settlement With AGs Starts

Program allows consumers, who have not been made whole through other remediation programs, to have inquiry reviewed by escalation team Wells Fargo has begun a consumer redress review program through which consumers who have not yet been made whole through other remediation programs already in place can seek to have their inquiry or complaint reviewed […]
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Water Infrastructure Advisory Council to meet Wednesday, March 13 in Dover

The Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC) will meet Wednesday, March 13 at 9 a.m. in Conference Room 400B, Del Tech Terry Campus.
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Delaware Native Species Commission rescheduled to March 8 in Dover

Delaware's Native Species Commission will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, in Room 220 at the Kent County Administrative Building, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE.
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Department of Education seeks Summer Fellows

The Delaware Department of Education is accepting applications for summer fellowships for promising future leaders and current educators who have a passion for education and want to gain hands-on exposure to policy work.
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Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted through April 5

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 26, 2019) – Nominations for the Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards, which recognize the contributions of Delaware's volunteers age 17 and younger in their communities, are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism now through April 5. Award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, at […]
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Site of Purported African-American Cemetery Discovered

Archaeologists working at a property near Frankford, Sussex County, have discovered what appears to be the site of a cemetery known to the local community to contain the remains of African Americans who lived in the area.
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DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to host photography workshop at the Grass Dale Center in Delaware City

DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation will host a photography preservation workshop from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5.
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New Pre-Apprenticeship Program Begins

Wilmington, DE February 26, 2019– Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training, Office of Apprenticeship and Training has developed a new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program to complement its existing Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Office will approve the program providers and will post a list of qualified pre-apprenticeship programs on its website. Being a part […]
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Delaware forestry banquet is March 21 in Felton; College scholarship offered

The Delaware Forestry Association's 2019 Annual Meeting and Banquet will be Thursday, March 21 at the Felton Fire Hall. Highlights include the Delaware Tree Farm Committee's 2019 "Tree Farmer of the Year" Award and recognition of 25-Year Delaware Tree Farmers. The DFA is also offering its annual forestry scholarship. Application deadline is April 1. Details can be found at http://delawareforest.com
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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 11-17

DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Feb. 11-17 made 1,668 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public.
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Prison Sentence for Hockessin Killing

Prosecutors also secure guilty pleas to drug, weapons, and rape charges The New York man who shot and killed a Hockessin man was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Deputy Attorneys General Brian Robertson, Cari Chapman, Matthew Keating, and Abby Adams prosecuted the case against Benjamin Rauf, 29, of Westerlo, NY. In August 2015, Shazim […]
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Overstated Withholding May Delay Your Tax Refund

With tax season well underway, Division of Revenue officials are noting an uptick in Delaware returns reporting overstated Delaware income tax withholding. The appropriate amount to report is limited to the total in Box 17 of the W-2 form provided by your employer (or the sum of those amounts if you have multiple employers), plus […]
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Media Alert: 2019 Poetry Out Loud State Finals – Tuesday, Feb. 26

Twelve Delaware high school students to compete for the state title MEDIA ADVISORY February 22, 2019 WHAT: Twelve Delaware high school students will participate in the state finals for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest at Smyrna Opera House. The winner of this competition will represent Delaware and advance to the National Finals in Washington, […]
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New Claymont Train Station Project to Begin in Spring 2019

Governor Carney was joined by Senator Tom Carper, Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester, and other state and local officials today as he announced plans for the new Claymont Regional Transportation Center at First State Crossing, with initial construction scheduled to begin this spring. "Across our state, we are investing $3.2 billion to modernize our transportation system through […]
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DNREC’s First State Heritage Park First Saturday focuses on women’s history for March

First State Heritage Park will explore the stories and contributions of Delaware women for the park's monthly "First Saturday in the First State" program. The day's schedule will feature a variety of free events and activities marking Women's History Month, with the focus on how women have changed the state in many different ways.
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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest Smyrna man for firearm felonies and deer poaching

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a Smyrna man Feb. 18 for multiple felony firearms charges and deer poaching.
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Delaware Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish to meet Thursday, Feb. 26 in Dover

Delaware's Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 in the DNREC Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
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State of Delaware Offices in Kent, New Castle Closing at 1:30 P.M.

Drivers should exercise caution on Delaware roadways  WILMINGTON, Del. – State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle counties will close at 1:30 p.m. due to inclement weather. Non-essential State employees who live or work in Kent or New Castle counties may leave work at 1:30 p.m. when offices close. "Thank you to our […]
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Women’s History Month events among special programs at the museums of the State of Delaware in March 2019

Activities honor and celebrate women's lives and historic achievements.
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Source Water Protection Subcommittee to meet Feb. 28 in Dover

The Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) Subcommittee of the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 28.
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Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Opens First Integrated Treatment Homes in Delaware

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 19, 2019) – The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) marked the opening of its first integrated treatment home in Delaware on Friday, Feb. 15, with a ribbon-cutting event in Bear featuring Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and DSAMH Director Elizabeth Romero. The event was held at the site of The […]
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Attorney General Jennings Joins Lawsuit Challenging President Trump’s Declaration of National Emergency

WILMINGTON – Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has joined 15 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to block President Trump's unilateral spending of federal defense funds for construction of a border wall under the guise of an "emergency." The complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for Northern California. […]
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Delaware’s Launches Girls Go CyberStart Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2019 Media Contact: Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI (302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us   GirlsGoCyberStart offers innovative online cybersecurity program, plus prizes and recognition for Delaware's young women in grades 9-12 DOVER, Del. — Governor John Carney and Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Collins today announced that Delaware is again […]
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Attorney General Jennings Unveils Internal Reform Measures for Criminal Prosecution

Prosecutors encouraged to divert more low-level offenders to treatment, ask for low end of sentencing, support commutations and expungements Citing incarceration and recidivism rates that outstrip the national average, an unprecedented opioid epidemic, and a groundswell of public support for reform, Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Monday morning more than 30 internal protocols and positions […]
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DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife 2019 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers now available

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife 2019 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers for measuring catches are now available.
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Mountaire Farms’ Millsboro facility completes cleanup of Feb. 13 accidental wastewater release

MILLSBORO – Mountaire Farms of Delaware reported to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today that the company's cleanup of an accidental release of partially treated wastewater Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Mountaire's Millsboro poultry facility has been completed under DNREC's direction. DNREC Groundwater Discharges Section staff were onsite at Mountaire today to verify the status of cleanup efforts.
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Delaware’s Office of Unclaimed Property Website Is Moving

State Escheator and Office of Unclaimed Property Director Brenda Mayrack this week announced that Delaware's Office of Unclaimed Property will be moving its website to unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov. By federal policy, U.S. government-related domain names (".gov") are only available to official governmental organizations in the United States. Originally launched in October of 2015, delaware.findyourunclaimedproperty.com has provided the […]
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DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2019 trout stocking and opening for downstate ponds

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that Delaware's spring 2019 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 2.
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Driver Sentenced For Injuring Two Pedestrians In Dover

Other defendants guilty on weapons and assault charges A man who ran over two teens as they crossed Route 13 in Dover has pled guilty and been sentenced to prison. In August 2018, William Smith, 52, of Dover, hit the girls with his vehicle while they were in a pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of […]
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The National Endowment for the Arts Announces $27 Million in Grants to Support the Arts

Three Delaware organizations will receive $54,000 in federal grants Wilmington, Del. (February 15, 2019) — As the only funder in the country to support arts activities in all 50 states and five U.S. jurisdictions, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that three Delaware organizations will receive $54,000 in federal grants. This is the […]
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State, Christina collaborate on future of Delaware Autism Program

The Delaware Autism Program will continue to be administered by the Christina School District. Please see the attached letter to legislative leadership that outlines the agreement between the four agencies.
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DNREC’s Brandywine Zoo caring for American alligator recovered during recent Pennsylvania drug bust

Brandywine Zoo assisted Pa. law enforcement by taking into the zoo's care a juvenile American alligator that was found inside a Coatesville, Pa. home.
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Governors Carney, Murphy Announce Agreement on DRBA Toll Increase, Infrastructure

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Wednesday, Delaware Governor John Carney and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a resolution related to the proposed Delaware Memorial Bridge toll rate increase, to fund necessary safety and infrastructure projects. The new proposal will generate $32M in increased annual toll revenue compared to the previous $34M proposal. The modified proposal […]
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DPH to distribute overdose reversing medication naloxone March 2, 2019 at AtTack Addiction 5K

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 13, 2019) – In an effort to reduce the number of individuals overdosing, and dying from drug overdoses in Delaware, the Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the Community Naloxone Distribution Initiative. DPH will distribute free naloxone kits to members of the general public, at events in each county in March. […]
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Governor’s Office seeks nominees for Delaware’s appointed seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council

The Office of Governor John Carney is seeking candidates to be nominated for Delaware's Obligatory Seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.
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DSHA Announces Downtown Development Districts Funding Awards

SMYRNA – Building on progress in Delaware's downtowns, Governor John Carney and the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) announced today that eight new downtown revitalization projects in Milford, Dover and Wilmington will receive $4.6 million in rebate funding through Delaware's Downtown Development Districts (DDD) program. Established in May 2014, the DDD program was created to […]
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Heart 2 Heart Hugs Spreading Love Across Delaware

DOVER — Valentine's Day is not just for sweethearts. Thursday, February 14 is the day that Schools and Foster Care Programs throughout Delaware will be able to pick up all the warm winter clothes collected by GACEC in their Heart 2 Heart Hugs annual campaign. Donations can still be dropped off at the GACEC office […]
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Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act Regulatory Advisory Committee to meet Feb. 19 in New Castle

The Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act Regulatory Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the DNREC Lukens Drive Office.
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Underground Railroad exhibit to open at the New Castle Court House Museum on Feb. 23, 2019

Exhibit-opening on Feb. 23, 2019 to include a lecture, historical re-enactment and music
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2/11/19: State offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m.

Monday, February 11, 2019 – 5:00 AM Due to icy conditions on the roadways, State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. — Motorists may monitor real-time […]
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DNREC’s Massey’s Ditch Channel maintenance dredging project to be rebid later this year

DOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Shoreline & Waterway Management Section conducted the bid opening for the Massey's Ditch Channel Maintenance Dredging Project as scheduled on Jan. 30. DNREC did not receive an acceptable bid. As a result, DNREC will update the design specifications and contract documents, and rebid the project later this year. DNREC anticipates that the second invitation to bid, to be announced this spring, will allow a four-month dredging window between Nov. 1 and March 1, 2020.
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Police Chief Pleads Guilty

Other defendants plea to gang activity, weapons, murder, rape, and theft charges Michael Capriglione, Chief of police for the Town of Newport, has pled guilty to charges stemming from official misconduct. In May 2018, Capriglione ordered the deletion of a surveillance video, which depicted him striking another vehicle in the parking lot of Newport Police […]
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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 28-Feb. 3

Fish & Wildlife Police officers between Jan. 28-Feb. 3 made 1,152 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 16 citations.
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Program on George Washington’s 110 rules of civility at Dover, Del.’s Old State House on Feb. 17, 2019

Program explores Washington's 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior and discusses how they were practiced by subsequent American presidents together with their relevance to contemporary American politics.
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Cold Days…. Warm Hearts…

Dover, Delaware-January 2019 – Help us give a child that is homeless or in foster care a warm hug! Cold weather is still in the forecast and everyone deserves to stay warm. Who doesn't like getting a hug or knowing that someone cares? The GACEC and its community Partners are doing just that for the […]
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DNREC seeks input on Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act Regulatory Advisory Committee’s preliminary recommendations

DNREC will hold three public open houses in February, seeking input on preliminary recommendations made by the Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act RAC.
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Killing of Hockessin Man Resolved With Guilty Plea

Benjamin Rauf, the New York man charged with the 2015 killing of a Hockessin man found shot in his car, has pled guilty to the fatal shooting. Rauf, 29, of Westerlo, NY pled guilty yesterday to Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the shooting death of […]
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The Division of the Arts to Host Annual State Employee Art Exhibition

More than 270 state employees and their family members have registered to show artwork at Delaware State University Art Center/Gallery Dover, Del. (February 5, 2019) – The free exhibition will be open to the public from February 25 to March 18, 2019 at the Art Center/Gallery at Delaware State University, Dover. The reception and awards […]
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DNREC soliciting RFPs for projects to benefit Delaware’s environment through VW Mitigation Plan settlement funds

DNREC will host a public meeting Wednesday, Feb. 13 in Dover to solicit requests for proposals on projects benefiting the state's environment to be funded by lawsuits settled against Volkswagen and Audi for installing emissions "defeat devices" on the automakers' vehicles in violation of the federal Clean Air Act.
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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 21-27

DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 21-27 made 1,209 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 56 citations. Officers responded to 42 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public.
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Ellendale Man Sentenced for 2017 Murder

Fatal shooting sends Wilmington man to prison; two others plead guilty to raping minors in two separate cases An Ellendale man received a 35-year-prison sentence for murdering another man. Deputy Attorneys General Susan Schmidhauser and Stephen Welch secured the sentence for 36-year-old Don Martinez. In July 2017, Martinez fatally shot Kevin King in the parking […]
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DNREC announces revised sediment and stormwater regulations for Delaware will go into effect Feb. 11

DOVER – Revised Delaware sediment and stormwater regulations from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will become effective Feb. 11, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced today. The regulations were developed with diverse public participation through a Regulatory Advisory Committee (RAC), Secretary Garvin said, with RAC members forging a consensus on a range of regulatory issues. The revised sediment and stormwater regulations announced today correct a previous procedural flaw in the prior adoption of regulations by DNREC, as initially determined by the Delaware Superior Court, and later upheld by the State Supreme Court. Revisions to the regulations that go into effect this month included incorporating parts of the former DNREC Technical Document guidance into the actual regulations, consistent with the judicial opinions.
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Delaware continues focus on trauma-informed practices

Over the past three years, more than 7,000 Delaware educators have participated in professional development opportunities around trauma, including book studies, workshops, strategic planning and the multi-district Compassionate Schools Teacher Test Lab. So far this year, more than 400 educators have engaged in free DDOE training to better understanding why adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are so threatening and how they rewire the brain.
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