Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the first responders and service members who answered the call in the days and years that followed. We will never forget the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the strength and unity our nation showed in the face of tragedy. | | SB 219 Event @ AMC Museum | | |
On Wednesday, we celebrated a win for Delaware’s military retirees.
Senate Bill 219, sponsored by Senator Eric Buckson and Representative Jeff Hilovsky, was officially signed into law during a celebration at the Air Mobility Command Museum.
The legislation will phase in an increased military pension tax exemption, reaching $25,000 for all military pensioners beginning in 2029. It builds on Delaware’s previous efforts to provide greater tax relief to those who dedicated their careers to serving our nation.
It was fitting to celebrate this milestone surrounded by veterans, advocates, elected officials, and members of the General Assembly at a place that honors Delaware’s proud military history.
Click here to watch a recap of the event and also an overview of what you can see when you visit the AMC Museum at the Dover Air Force Base.
| | Veterans Suicide Prevention Month | | |
September is Veterans Suicide Prevention Month in Delaware.
Earlier this year, Senator Brian Pettyjohn introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 222 to officially recognize September 2026 as Veterans Suicide Prevention Month in our state. Our veterans answered the call to serve our country. We have a responsibility to make sure they know they never have to face a crisis alone.
Throughout September, we will be sharing resources and information that veterans, their families, and all Delawareans can use to recognize when someone may need help and connect them with support.
Call 988 and Press 1
Text 838255
Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net
| | Patrolman Chad Spicer Wreath Laying Ceremony | | |
Last week, Senate and House Republicans joined Patrolman Chad Spicer’s family, law enforcement officers, friends, and members of the community to remember Chad and honor his service and sacrifice.
Chad was killed in the line of duty on September 1, 2009. Each year, the wreath laying ceremony provides an opportunity to remember his service, celebrate his life, and reflect on the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.
For our caucus, the evening was especially meaningful as we stood alongside Chad’s mother, Ruth Ann. Ruth Ann has been a part of our caucus family for the past few years, working alongside us during legislative session. We are grateful to have her as part of our family and were honored to stand with her and the rest of Chad’s loved ones as we remembered him.
Seventeen years later, Chad’s service and sacrifice have not been forgotten. We will continue to remember his life, honor his legacy, and keep his family in our prayers.
| | Delaware Grocery Initiative Grant - Bennett Orchards | | |
In 2024, Senator Gerald Hocker co-sponsored SB 254 that established the Delaware Grocery Initiative. Two years later, it’s great to see that work translate into a tangible investment right here in Sussex County and the 20th Senate District.
A couple weeks ago, he visited Bennett Orchards in Frankford with SB 254's lead sponsor Senator Darius Brown, representatives from the Division of Small Business, and the Bennetts to see firsthand how a $54,000 Delaware Grocery Initiative grant is helping a family-run farm invest in the future.
Hale and Henry Bennett, who are the sixth generation of their family to farm their 200+ acres, will use the grant to purchase a third wind machine to help protect their peach crop from frost. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees, the machines automatically turn on and circulate warmer air toward the peach trees. The two currently in the orchard helped save approximately 70% of this year’s peach crop from late-season frost.
The Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program provides funding to Delaware farmers and other food supply chain businesses for equipment, capital expenses, operations and other projects that strengthen our local food system.
| | Milford Eleven Marker Rededication | |
Senator Wilson, Senator Buckson, and Representative Shupe attended the rededication of the historical marker honoring the Milford Eleven and the role they played in Delaware’s history.
September 8 marks the anniversary of the day eleven Black students entered Milford High School in 1954, taking a courageous step toward integration in the face of significant opposition. Their story is an important reminder of how far we have come and why preserving our history matters.
Also in attendance was Orlando Camp, one of the Milford Eleven. His presence made the occasion especially meaningful as the community remembered the students whose courage helped move Delaware closer to educational equality.
| | Delaware Needs More Power, Not More Mandates | | |
Delaware families deserve electricity they can afford and count on.
During the 153rd General Assembly, Republicans in the legislature proposed and supported a number of solutions aimed at lowering energy costs, increasing power generation and strengthening the electric grid.
From reducing Delaware's Renewable Portfolio Standard and pursuing an exit from RGGI, to encouraging new natural gas generation, supporting nuclear energy and requiring massive new data centers to help provide the power they consume, we believe Delaware needs a different approach to energy policy.
The goal is simple: more reliable power, more generation and lower bills.
We've put together a look at what Republicans proposed and supported during the 153rd General Assembly and what we believe needs to happen next.
Click here to read the full piece on our Substack.
| | Early Voting & Primary Election | |
Early voting for this year's primary election continues through this Sunday, September 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Primary Election day is Tuesday, September 15th with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For polling locations and more information, click here.
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