First State Focus

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia is weighing whether to grant requests by gun rights advocates to bar Delaware laws they argue are unconstitutional.

"Permit-to-purchase laws work,” said Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown. “States with permit laws have 25% lower gun homicide rates, 50% lower gun suicide rates.”

Carney called on lawmakers to pass some of his priorities in his last year in office to set up the next governor for success.

State funding for high school wellness health has remained stagnant, and there’s no financial support to expand centers in elementary schools.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings said she’ll ask the Delaware Supreme Court to stay the ruling narrowing access to the voting booth.

The ruling also found permanent absentee voting unconstitutional; The court said lawmakers can’t change voting rules by statute.

Delaware’s health care benefits have run deficits for years. The state spends about $2 billion on health care annually.

The state’s policymakers cautioned against following Pennsylvania’s lead.

State Rep. Cyndie Romer (D) is considering sponsoring legislation that would allow the city of Newark to levy this new tax.

The Delaware newsroom expansion is part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s efforts to increase statehouse coverage around the country.