A budget that includes a 3% raise for most state employees is only missing Governor Matt Meyer's signature.
Delaware's House of Representatives voted 36-3 (1 not voting, 1 absent) to support the $6.9 billion budget, after it passed the Delaware Senate unanimously.
State Rep. Kim Williams (D-Marshallton) noted that many public school employees, not just teachers, will see additional raises, with a goal of eventually having the first-year teacher salary in Delaware start at $60,000.
"These investments make sure that we're able to recruit and retain state employees, and make sure that our state can remain competitive in the years ahead."
The budget features 6.3% in increased spending, with $128.5 million going to cover state Medicaid needs.
37 vacant positions that were open for at least three years were eliminated, saving the state about $2 million.
The Budget Stabilization Fund will hold at $469 million, but there is a $27 million increase to $392 million in the Rainy Day Fund.
Concerns about the budget were raised from some Republican lawmakers, including State Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford), who noted the $6.3% increase of spending is offset by just a 2% increase in revenue.
"I can't vote for a budget that continually has the growth of spending outpacing the growth of money coming in, it's just not sustainable."
Shupe said the budget has increased by 37% over the past five years, but taxpayer revenue has increased by just 20%.
State Rep. Charles Postles (R-Frederica) chose not to vote, despite being on the Joint Finance Committee, because of his concerns over 1/3 of Delaware's revenue coming from the corporate sector, at a time when several corporations have chosen to leave Delaware.
"Because corporate is so significant in the revenue stream, it's strength is vital in the future tax and spending decisions. We don't know the implications, because we don't know the true, complete, picture."
