The News Journal | Delaware Voice | by Rep. John Kowalko When I originally sat down to the task of composing my thoughts on Delaware’s budget situation, we were facing a $200 million deficit. It was the end of session on June 30, 2015. The Democratic house leadership finally convened our first caucus meeting on Oct, 15, and details were given confirming the dire economic straits facing Delaware taxpayers. Recently it was announced that the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DFAC) had concocted an estimate that included an extra $80 million in […]
Opting out of tests does not mean copping out on accountability
The Washington Post | Letter to the Editor | by Rep. John Kowalko As the author and primary sponsor of Delaware’s “opt-out” bill, I was hard-pressed to understand the position in the Jan. 9 editorial “Opting out of accountability,” supporting Delaware Gov. Jack Markell’s (D) veto of a bill that would allow parents to opt their children out of standardized testing. The governor is not “standing up for accountability” in vetoing the bill but rather standing firmly against parents’ wishes and rights. The legislation does not suggest or give “an […]
Off-Shore Wind Project Comes to Delaware
In my capacity as a member of the Delaware General Assembly, I spent nearly the entire 2008 legislative session advocating for the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement between Bluewater Wind, LLC and Delmarva Power and Light Company. This agreement would allow for the construction of the first off-shore wind generation facility in America. In itself, this marks a historically significant moment for alternative energy generation. Couching the argument in terms of economic, health, and environmental benefits allowed for a modified compromise to be negotiated and signed by Delmarva Power […]