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Senate Republicans Urge Federal Delegation to Support Clean CR, Prevent Shutdown

The following release was issued on Tuesday, September 30 ahead of the current federal government shutdown.

DOVER, DE - With the federal government hours away from a shutdown, Delaware Senate Republicans are calling on U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester to put aside partisan politics and support the clean Continuing Resolution (CR) already passed by the U.S. House.

The measure, which maintains spending levels signed into law under former President Joe Biden, would keep government open through November 21 while allowing Congress time to debate broader policy issues through the normal appropriations process. Despite its bipartisan intent, Democrats in D.C. have attempted to hold the federal government hostage by tying unrelated demands to the CR such as permanently extending temporary COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies and allowing illegal immigrants access to taxpayer-funded Medicaid.

“Delawareans have seen this before,” Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View) said. “In 2019, Senator Coons and then-Representative Blunt Rochester warned about the real-world damage caused by shutdowns such as federal employees missing paychecks, Coast Guard families struggling, and risking vital services like food assistance programs. They were correct then, and they should stand by those words now.”

Earlier this month, Representative Sarah McBride joined nearly all House Democrats in voting against the clean CR. If her position holds, it will directly contribute to a shutdown that will hurt Delaware families, small businesses, and federal workers.

“Shutdowns don’t serve the people of Delaware or this country,” said Joint Finance Committee member Senator Dave Lawson (R-Marydel). “They create unnecessary chaos and uncertainty, especially when there is already a clear, responsible path forward. A clean CR is not a Republican plan or a Democratic plan. It is a stopgap to keep the lights on while the larger debates continue. Delaware’s federal elected officials should remember their own words about putting people over politics and work to avoid an avoidable crisis.”

Pettyjohn, Buckson Raise Concerns After Initial Special Committee Meeting

DOVER, DE — The Joint Special Reassessment Process Committee held its first meeting today (Tuesday, Sep. 30) in response to concerns raised by constituents, business owners, and local governments about the recent property reassessments in each of Delaware’s three counties.

Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) and Senator Eric Buckson (R-South Dover), who represent the Senate Republican Caucus on the committee, thanked participants for providing testimony and answering questions.

“I appreciate the New Castle County and City of Wilmington officials, as well as representatives from Tyler Technologies, who appeared before today’s Special Committee to answer questions,” said Sen. Pettyjohn. “These discussions are critical to ensuring fairness and transparency in Delaware’s property tax system. While I am grateful for their participation, I was disappointed that Tyler Technologies was unable to provide clear answers to many of the questions raised. This included questions about the methodologies used to assess certain properties, such as poultry farms in Kent County compared to other counties. I hope Tyler’s representatives are better prepared at our next committee meeting.”

Sen. Buckson noted that the committee also uncovered new information regarding decisions made during the New Castle County reassessment.

“We learned today that the previous New Castle County administration, led by current Governor Matt Meyer, chose to delay the issuance of assessment values until November 2024, despite Tyler Technologies’ recommendation to send them out months earlier in July,” said Senator Buckson. “That decision, which placed the issuance of these notices after the General Election, raises important questions that will need to be answered.”

Both senators emphasized that the committee’s work is ongoing and pledged to continue pushing for accountability in the reassessment process.

Swearing-in Ceremony for

Brigadier General Karen Berry

Pictured left to right: Senator Dave Lawson, Senator Brian Pettyjohn, House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, Senator Dave Wilson, and Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha.

Members of our caucus were honored to take part in Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony for Brigadier General Karen Berry as the first Secretary of the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs, held at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, in the heart of the 18th District.

The creation of this new cabinet-level agency is a promise to the more than 70,000 veterans who call Delaware home that their service will never be forgotten and their needs will always be a priority.

Our caucus looks forward to working with Secretary Berry as she builds this department and ensures every veteran in Delaware has the support they deserve.

Click here to hear Senator Pettyjohn's remarks or here for Senator Lawson's.

Grant-in-Aid Applications Now Being Accepted

The Office of the Controller General has opened the application period for General and Veterans Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding for Fiscal Year 2027.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. Eligible organizations can log in and apply through either the GIA website or the Grants Management System.

Applicants are encouraged to review the GIA website for step-by-step guides, FAQs, and additional resources. Questions about the application process may be directed to the Office of the Controller General at (302) 744-4200 or GIA_Support@Delaware.gov.

Please note that due to recent legislation, GIA payments will no longer be issued by check. Awardees are encouraged to selected ACH (Automated Clearing House), also known as direct deposit, via the State of Delaware’s eSupplier Portal.

Senior Center GIA applications will open separately on January 5, 2026, with a deadline of March 13, 2026.

Fall Community Resource & Job Fair

Looking for employment or want to make a career change? Want to connect with community resources? Join the Food Bank of Delaware and Delaware First Health for our Fall Community Resource and Job Fair!

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