Delaware lawmakers whittle away at governor’s proposed budget

Public schools see biggest cut from proposed budget.

Legislative budget writers are whittling away at Gov. Jack Markell’s proposed budget as they continue nailing down a spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1.

The Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday cut $3 million that was earmarked by Markell to expand internet capacity in public schools. They also eliminated $500,000 in his budget proposal for a state rental assistance program, $350,000 for a pilot body camera program for Delaware State Police, and $120,000 for new libraries.

But while eliminating spending for some programs, lawmakers have also added or restored funding in other areas, including adding $1.2 million in general fund appropriations for state police patrols in Sussex County that had been paid for last year with one-time settlement money.