Joint Finance Committee Meeting [Source] Translate

The meeting began with an orientation for the Fire Prevention Commission, covering the fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes 28.5 ASFFTEs, 60.5 general fund positions, a spending authority of $3,167,400, and a general fund appropriation of $9,164,400, with a personnel contingency of $315,900. The Delaware State Fire School requested funding for a senior administrative specialist position, which was not recommended, along with other requests from the State Fire Commission for personnel costs, an investigator position, and a mental health wellness program, all of which were also not recommended. The governor's budget included $10,000 for technology software licensing, while discretionary requests for the Delaware State Fire School and the State Fire Prevention Commission were not included. A proposed reduction of $44,600 for the education assistance program was due to underutilization. Members expressed concerns about the lack of funding for critical positions, especially for mental health support for first responders. Director Maxwell explained the budget process and the prioritization of requests. The meeting also covered budget requests for the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. DelDOT's base budget includes 296 trust fund capital positions and 1,586 trust fund operating positions, with key requests totaling over $5 million for various programs and adjustments. DHSS's budget includes 915.8 non-state funded positions and 2,845.1 general fund positions, with significant requests for Medicaid funding adjustments and mental health programs. Concerns were raised about staffing needs at the Delaware Psychiatric Center and the importance of funding for substance use disorder services. Representative Griffiths inquired about funding for direct support professionals, which was confirmed to be included in the governor's budget. The meeting also discussed the implications of declining tobacco settlement funds and the need for clarity on various rate studies. Child care funding for FY26 is at $76 million, increasing to $102 million for FY27. There were inquiries about the implications of a 300% income threshold for assistance programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of flexible funding for lead remediation and the need for ongoing support for fire services, including recruitment challenges and mental health programs for personnel. The State Fire Marshal's report indicated no vacant positions and highlighted increased daycare inspections. The Delaware State Fire School reported improvements in training programs and youth engagement initiatives. The commission is seeking strategic investments to enhance operational capacity and address mental health needs. The meeting also addressed improvements in emergency medical services (EMS) and fire services, with discussions on the need for an IT manager and a Deputy Attorney General position. The importance of legislative support for volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention was emphasized. Public comments included concerns about job classifications and salary disparities among fire commission employees. Recommendations for funding mandatory training and increasing rescue tool grants were made. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation presented updates on safety initiatives, recruitment efforts, and budget requests, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement. The meeting concluded with discussions on infrastructure projects, change orders, and the need for compliance with state standards for new developments. Concerns about workplace safety and the challenges faced by individuals leaving the correctional system were also addressed. The meeting ended with a statement honoring Black History Month and a reminder for the next meeting.