ARTICLES IN THIS EDITION

• Project to Expand the State Capitol Building Suspended
• Bill to Ban Potentially Harmful Food Additive from Public Schools Clears Committee
• Fallen Officers Memorialized in Annual Ceremony
• Rep. Jesse Vanderwende Selected as Legislator of the Year

Project to Expand the

State Capitol Building Suspended

Plans to enlarge Legislative Hall in Dover were officially shelved this week following a vote by the group overseeing the project.

At a meeting on Monday, the Legislative Building Committee voted overwhelmingly to postpone the expansion indefinitely. The action follows a letter issued on April 2 by the leaders of the House and Senate majority caucuses, along with their appointed co-chairs on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee, asking for the pause.

Several years in the planning, the three-part project has been the target of criticism, mostly centered on the need for the undertaking and the $122 million price tag.

Director of the Division of Legislative Services Mark J. Cutrona, who sits on the 17-member committee, said the expansion was intended to address critical shortcomings of the current complex in accommodating public participation. He noted that more than 25,000 people visit the State Capitol Building during the legislative session. "Our rooms are not [appropriately sized] for the crowds we receive here at Legislative Hall,” he said.

State Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford South), in photo, who was an outspoken opponent of the proposal, credited citizen opposition for pressuring lawmakers into mothballing it. "Your voices made it clear that Delawareans expect their elected officials to prioritize the immediate needs of our communities—rising utility costs, declining literacy rates in our schools, and concerns about public safety—before investing in upgrades for themselves," he said. "Your advocacy reinforces the importance of keeping our focus on the people we serve." 

While the addition plans are on hold, along with a controversial proposal to build a tunnel linking a secure parking area directly to the new complex, work on a new parking garage will proceed.

To be sited on the southeast side of the building, the new parking structure (in photo) will include 345 new spaces, of which 248 will be available to the public, with the balance reserved for lawmakers and staff. An additional 75 parking spaces on the street will also be created during the work. The garage will cost an estimated $22 million.

The parking facility is set for completion by December 2026, but the committee heard testimony on Monday that delays in the process could easily push this date into 2027.

Bill to Ban Potentially Harmful Food Additive from Public Schools Clears Committee

State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky testified before the House Education Committee earlier this week in support of a measure to prevent children and teens from being exposed to a potentially harmful food additive while in school.

Rep. Hilovsky is one of the prime sponsors of Senate Bill 69, a bipartisan proposal to prohibit the sale of any food in public schools containing Red Dye 40.

Derived from petroleum, Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food coloring found in cereals, beverages, gelatins, puddings, popsicles, chips, dairy products, and confections. It is used solely to enhance appearance and provides no nutritional value. 

Consumption of Red Dye 40 has been associated with hyperactivity, aggression, and other neurobehavioral problems in some children. It may also contribute to migraines and learning difficulties. 

At least six other states have introduced similar legislation. SB 96 has already cleared the Senate and was released from the House Education Committee on Wednesday. It is now eligible to be considered by the full House of Representatives.

If enacted, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Fallen Officers Memorialized in Annual Ceremony

The 52nd Annual Delaware Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service occurred on Legislative Mall in Dover on Wednesday.

The event honored the Delaware 59 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and those officers who passed from other causes while actively serving in law enforcement.

Police from throughout the state, as well as dozens of elected officials, participated in the one-hour service, which included a 21-gun salute, a laying of wreaths, and a fly-over by police aviation units.

Rep. Jesse Vanderwende Selected as Legislator of the Year

At a recent ceremony at the Delaware State Ag Museum, State Rep. Jesse Vanderwende was recognized as Legislator of the Year as part of the 2025 Governor’s Conservation Awards.

The state's conservation district leaders cited the following factors in selecting Rep. Vanderwende as this year's honoree:

"Rep. Vanderwende champions policies that enhance agricultural viability, promote conservation, and improve drainage and flood control—critical issues for Sussex County farmers. He has been a tremendous advocate for funding cover crop programs and voluntary conservation practices that protect water quality and soil health. He is also a strong supporter of Delaware’s tax ditch system, recognizing its vital role in both residential and agricultural areas across his district. Known for his quiet but effective leadership, Vanderwende prioritizes problem-solving over publicity, earning the trust and respect of his constituents. His commitment to agriculture, conservation, and the people of Delaware makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s Legislator of the Year award."

In photo, from left: State Reps. Ron Gray & Tim Dukes, Taylor Vanderwende, State Reps. Jesse Vanderwende & Rich Collins, and State Sen. Dave Wilson.