DELAWARE — As Delaware lawmakers prepare to fine-tune the state’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, House Republicans are urging their colleagues to cut spending.
According to a release from Joseph Fulgham, the Director of Policy and Communications for the Delaware House of Representatives Republican Caucus, Gov. Matt Meyer’s proposed $6.58 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 represents a 7.4% increase over the current $6.1 billion budget.
Republicans claim that if enacted by the July 1 deadline, state spending will have grown by more than $2 billion—an increase of over 45% compared to five years ago.
House Republicans are offering a series of proposals aimed at cutting spending:
Proposed FY 2026 Reductions:
Cut Persistent Job Vacancies: Lawmakers note 2,139 full-time state positions are vacant, with 886 open for more than six months. Republicans claim that eliminating long-term vacancies could redirect an estimated $44.3 million.
Delay Teacher Salary Increase by One Year: Extending the timeline to raise starting public teacher salaries to $60,000 from 2027 to 2028 would save $30 million, while preserving most of the planned increases.
Trim Budget Growth by One Percent: Republicans propose reducing the governor’s 7.4% increase to 6.4% by requiring each department to identify operational savings.
Long-Term Cost-Saving Suggestions:
Inventory and Sell Surplus State Assets: Conduct a comprehensive review of state-owned buildings and land to identify unused or unneeded properties.
Implement Supply Expense Reduction Plans: Agencies would be tasked with strategic cost-cutting in procurement through bulk purchasing, technology use, and supplier negotiations.
Adjust Prevailing Wage Rules: Waive prevailing wage requirements on renovation and construction projects not fully funded by the state or federal government. Republicans claim this could reduce project costs by up to 20%.
Extend Vehicle Lifespans: Lengthening the service life of state-owned vehicles by one year to reduce replacement costs.
Opposition to Proposed Fee Increases
Rep. Charles Postles, R-Milford, is also pushing back against recently introduced legislation that would increase the cost of fees, licenses and permits under the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Transportation (DelDOT).
“They could have addressed this incrementally over the last five or more years when we were flush with cash,” Postles said. “Now, I can’t in good conscience call for General Fund spending cuts on one hand while at the same time giving a green light to hikes that will cost citizens and small businesses millions of additional dollars annually.”
The Joint Finance Committee begins its formal budget mark-up process this week.