The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Delaware

Delaware Votes to Legalize Gay Marriage

The Delaware legislature approved a same-sex marriage bill Tuesday, repealing the state’s ban on the unions and making it the 11th state, plus D.C., to approve gay marriage.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

States Look to Raise Standards for New Teachers

Would paying teachers more improve the quality of teaching candidates? Some states are considering that and tougher admission standards at education programs.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Governors Promote Employment for People With Disabilities

A yearlong initiative at the National Governors Association examines the roles that states and businesses can play in finding jobs for people with disabilities.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

Despite Governor’s Push, Voting Rights for Felons Fails in Virginia

A House subcommittee chose not to take up legislation that would have amended the constitution to automatically restore those rights after nonviolent felons pay their debt to society.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Delaware State of the State Address 2013

DOVER, Delaware -- Jan. 17 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Markell's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Delaware

How well is Delaware protecting kids from tooth decay?

Downwind Delaware Seeks Relief From Cross-State Pollution

Delaware’s top air regulator has challenged federal officials to find a way to limit harmful pollution blowing across state lines.

Courts Embrace Technology, Advocacy To Stay Afloat

Investing in technology has helped state courts to better weather the recession, according to a group of state chief justices, court administrators and legislators who met in Washington, D.C. on Thursday (November 15).

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Delaware

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

The State of Voter Registration in the 2012 Election

This infographic discusses the partnership among Pew and seven states to launch the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a tool which helps securely compare voter records between states to better maintain voter records, save money, and streamline processes. Additionally, 13 states now offer online voter registration.

Could a Recount of Prisoners Affect Elections?

Four states now count prisoners at their last known home address rather than where they’re incarcerated. Could this affect election outcomes?

Online Voter Registration Now Offered in 13 States—Driving Thousands of New Registrants and Updates

Since July, California, Maryland, New York, and South Carolina have introduced online voter registration, bringing to 13 the number of states that currently offer this service. Increased use of online registration and new technologies adopted in these states has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of registered voters.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts in Delaware

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. Seven of the 12 largest banks nationwide offer checking accounts in Delaware and hold 19 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Delaware may be paying.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

With New Resources, Delaware Looks to Crack Down on Child Abuse

Governor Jack Markell signed legislation aiming to boost Delaware’s ability to track child abuse — the culmination of more than two years of effort to close gaps in a system that enabled a prominent doctor to abuse children for years.

With New Fiscal Year Looming, Government Shutdowns Unlikely

A year after Minnesota’s three-week shutdown, New Jersey is the state that appears at greatest risk of starting the fiscal year without a budget.

Widening Gap Update: Delaware

While Delaware failed to consistently pay its full annual pension contribution from 2005to 2010, the system was 92 percent funded in fiscal year 2010—largely due to its strong past performance. Delaware faced a $633 million funding gap in 2010 because of its pension liabilities.

States, Feds Poised to Write New Chapter in Public Safety Communications

As a plan for a national emergency network takes shape, many questions remain unanswered.

Delaware Gov Defends Common Core

A handful of states are reconsidering their pledges to adopt the common national standards in English and math, citing concerns about federal intrusion into the states. Supporters say that’s misguided.

States Ease Financing for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Several states are experimenting with an “on-bill” loan financing program that aims to spur investment in energy efficiency for homes and businesses — even for owners who lack capital.

With Delaware Law, the Battle on 'Bath Salts' Continues

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: States have been struggling to keep up with the ever-changing chemical makeup of the latest drug to hit the streets.

Delaware State of the State Address 2012

DOVER, Delaware - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Markell's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Denn, President Pro Tem DeLuca, Speaker Gilligan, members of the 146th General Assembly, other elected officials, members of the Judiciary, members of the Cabinet, ou

Election Websites: Delaware

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provided state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia

Delaware River Basin Commission Postpones Vote on 'Fracking' Plan

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: A vote over whether to allow a controversial drilling method in a key East Coast watershed has been postponed. Energy companies say thousands of jobs are on the line. But environmentalists fear the drinking water for millions of people could be threatened.

States Ponder Sports Betting as Source of New Revenue

Right now, it's illegal to bet on a sports event in most of the country. Making it legal could bring states significant tax revenue - but there are serious obstacles in the way. New Jersey voters will consider the matter next week.

Delaware Set to Approve Medical Marijuana

TODAY'S TAKE: Delaware soon will become the 16th state to authorize medical marijuana, despite a recent warning from the federal government that everyone from licensed growers to state regulators in those states could face legal action.

Measuring Transportation Investments: Delaware

A May 2011 report, Measuring Transportation Investments: The Road to Results, found considerable differences among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Children's Dental Health: Delaware

Delaware meets five of the eight benchmarks aimed at improving children’s dental health, three more than it met in 2010. This large improvement is due to the state surpassing the benchmark for water fluoridation, and also reinstating its school-linked sealant program.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

State Hiring Freezes Tend to Melt Away

It's easy for a governor to announce a halt to new state employment. It's very difficult to maintain it.

Delaware State of the State Address 2011

DOVER, Delaware - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Markell's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Denn, President Pro Tem DeLuca, Speaker Gilligan, members of the 146th General Assembly, statewide elected officials, members of the Judiciary, members of the Cabinet, State employees

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

New laws for 2011 include further state bans on the practice of texting while driving.

As Some States Close Highway Rest Stops, Others See Roadside Revenue

In the South and West, providing drivers a sanctuary on the Interstate costs states dollars they don't have. But many Northeastern states make lots of money by commercializing rest areas. The difference is due to an obscure federal law that critics want to change.

Cape Wind Decision Propels Other Offshore Projects

Now that the nation's most contentious coastal wind farm has the federal government's blessing, other states are hoping their own projects will be generating power soon.

Shaving Costs With Reverse Auctions

It's been a decade since Pennsylvania became the first state to use a technology that is like eBay in reverse to save money on government purchases. But despite the potential to create big savings, only a few states have taken advantage of reverse auctions.

Victory Laps in Delaware, Tennessee

TODAY'S TAKE: Delaware and Tennessee officials rejoiced on Monday (March 29) after they were proclaimed winners in the first round of the Race to the Top, a federal program intended to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out billions of dollars in grants. Delaware will receive about $100 million; Tennessee will get about $500 million.More than 40 jurisdictions applied for a slice of the federal money, and the fact that only two states won stunned many education experts.

The Trillion Dollar Gap: Delaware

Delaware is a top performer when it comes to managing its long-term liability for pensions, but it needs to improve how it handles the bill coming due for retiree health care and other benefits.

Summary of the Delaware State of the State Address

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) highlighted during his state of the state speech Jan. 20 his administration's efforts to curb state spending and promote jobs, and he promised to do more of the same.

Delaware State of the State Address 2010

DOVER, Del. - Jan. 21- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Markell's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Denn, President Pro Tem DeLuca, Speaker Gilligan, members of the 145th General Assembly, other statewide elected officials, members of the Judiciary, members of the Cabinet, our State empl

One in 31: Delaware

One in 26 adults is under correctional control in Delaware.

Delaware State of the State Address 2009

DOVER, Del. - April 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Markell's (D) 2009 state of the state address: A Call to Action Lt. Governor Denn, President Pro Tem Adams, Speaker Gilligan, members of the 145th General Assembly, Chief Justice Steele and members of the Judiciary, other statewide elected

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Furor Over Senate Seat Not Unique to Illinois

Allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) offered to sell President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat have fueled calls for state lawmakers to strip the governor of his appointment power and hold a special election instead. But the scandal in Illinois is far from the first time that the process of replacing a U.S. senator has generated political intrigue.

Dems Take Full Control in 3 More States

(Updated 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 10, 2008)Democrats emerged from Election Day gaining control over more state governments, and they now dominate both the legislature and governor's office in 17 states, compared to just eight for Republicans. With both Democrats and Republicans scoring historic victories, big policy changes could be on the way.

States Warned to Prep for Election Glitches

Eight years after voting irregularities marred the 2000 presidential election, most states still are not as prepared as they should be for Election Day glitches, from machine breakdowns to a shortage of emergency ballots, according to a new report by voter advocacy groups.