January 7, 2021 For Immediate Release Kenneth Briscoe Expiration and Extension of CARES Act Unemployment Insurance Programs by Congress   [WILMINGTON, DE] – On December 27, the federal COVID-19 relief package that extends and provides additional federal unemployment benefits was signed into law. The Delaware Department of Labor has reviewed the legislation and the […]

Wilmington, Delaware February 22, 2021 Delaware Department of Labor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware Department of Labor has added new functionality to the Delaware JobLink (joblink.delaware.gov), a website created to support employers looking for qualified candidates, and individuals seeking employment.   The current website offers individuals the ability to search for jobs, […]

WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) has issued policy to address questions and concerns about a claimant’s eligibility to collect Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits after refusing to be vaccinated or tested as required by an employer. Delaware law states that claimants are not allowed to receive UI benefits if they have violated […]

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) is announcing the new Employer Unemployment Insurance and new Construction employer tax rates for 2022, effective January 1, 2022. New Employer and new Construction employer rates are maintained at 2020 levels Establish 2022 merit rate at lower of 2020, 2021, or […]

WILMINGTON, Del —The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a Division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Departments of Labor and Education, released a new report titled- Delaware Women in the Construction Trades: A Path to Economic Security. The report examines the current state of women working in the […]

WILMINGTON, Delaware – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) has re-released Fraud Prevention guidelines for employers and claimants to protect against identity theft and fraud involving unemployment insurance benefits as incidence of new consumer scams increase across the country. In recent months, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received multiple reports of scams where […]

Effective June 1, outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people will be permitted at Delaware’s state forests, subject to compliance with the Division of Public Health's "Guidance on Outdoor Gatherings." While the state's ban on short-term rentals will be lifted on June 1, camping at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest, as well as the Redden Lodge, will be closed to the public until further notice. Plans are underway to implement a new online, fee-based reservation system expected to be operational later this summer. There is no fixed date on the launch of the new system, which will include the addition of two new camp sites each at both Blackbird and Redden. The new system will also handle advance bookings for the popular and historic Redden Lodge. Users can make camping and lodge reservations for future dates, receive electronic confirmations, and make payments and receive refunds via credit card.

Delaware announces 24th consecutive round of easement selections for Aglands Program DOVER, Del.  — Delaware announced its 24th consecutive round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. With the preservation of another 5,500 acres, Delaware has permanently preserved more than 139,000 acres of farmland for future generations. In a recent report by […]

Through a virtual confirmation hearing, the Delaware Senate confirmed and appointed Mark Collins to lead the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation Board of Trustees.

The Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Grant Program has awarded more than $31,000 to fund nine community tree projects in all three counties. The program offers up to $5,000 in annual competitive matching grants for projects on public land and community open space, and grants are available to all municipalities, homeowner associations, and nonprofit organizations in the First State. Since the grant program began, Delaware’s urban and community forestry program has given over 575 grants totaling more than $1.75 million and planted more than 13,000 trees.

The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation voted to extend district enrollment until December 31, 2020 to any agricultural landowners who want to preserve their farms. These landowners will have the opportunity to apply for Round 25 in 2021. Farms must be enrolled in a preservation district before the landowner can submit a bid to sell an easement.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is offering extensions and COVID credit exemptions for individuals who have exhausted all options in earning their continuing education credits needed to maintain their nutrient management or pesticide certifications.

Delaware fruit and vegetable growers who receive a passing score on their third-party food safety audits and agricultural water tests are eligible to receive cost-share to help cover the expense through the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is warning all residents about two deadly species of hemlock recently found in Sussex County. Environmental scientists have confirmed the presence of poison hemlock (Conicum maculatum) and spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata). All parts of the plants – leaves, stems, flowers, and roots – are poisonous to humans and animals.

Delaware announced its 25th consecutive round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. With the preservation of 3,695 acres, Delaware has permanently preserved more than 143,000 acres of farmland for future generations.

A steady downward trend over the past five years in the landowner discounts of permanent agricultural conservation easements selected for purchase in Delaware shows it’s a great time for landowners to preserve their farms.

Redden State Forest has closed its campsites and many trails still remain inaccessible following the heavy snowstorm on January 3 that dumped up to 14.5 inches in nearby Ellendale. With a potential for additional snowfall of 3 inches or more and wind gusts to 35 m.p.h., Delaware Forest Service staff are currently assessing impacts from the storm and working to mitigate hazardous trees in and around high-use areas and clear trails and access roads. The Redden Education Trail (photo) on the Headquarters Tract is littered with downed trees and covered with heavy snow. Visitors should be aware of the potential for falling tree limbs on all areas of the state forest. The historic Redden Lodge, also on the Headquarters Tract, remains accessible for now and is open for previously scheduled events and bookings.

Today, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that Delaware farmers’ markets had nearly $3.16 million in sales in 2021. As the second-highest sales year on record for Delaware’s farmers’ markets, 2021 has proven demand for buying locally grown products is strong among residents and visitors to the state.

Federal laboratory testing has confirmed two cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI)—one in New Castle County, Delaware, and one in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. These avian influenza findings follow previously announced cases on farms in New Castle County, Delaware, and Cecil County, Maryland.

To kick off Earth Week and National Volunteer Week, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) hosted its 2022 DNREC Volunteer Awards ceremony Monday in Brandywine Park, Wilmington, alongside a Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) planting by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) youth volunteers.

During a stop at the Delaware Agriculture Education & Commodities Building at the Delaware State Fair, Governor John Carney announced an additional 3,827 acres on 54 farms are now permanently preserved for future generations.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service are to celebrate World Wetlands Day today, Thursday, Feb. 2, by signing a cooperative agreement to manage and protect unique wetland communities that occur on state-owned forest, park and wildlife lands.

Lyla Jones, a second-grader from Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington, is the overall winner of the Delaware Forest Service's annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. This year's competition attracted almost 7,600 entries from more than 70 schools. The theme – "Trees Are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!" – highlights how a diverse community forest is a healthier forest that attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has partnered with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture to assist frontline farm and meatpacking workers who live or work in Delaware in receiving a one-time $600 relief payment through the Farm and Food Workers Relief Program (FFWR).

DOVER, Del. (May 11, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) to plant over 12,100 trees in support of the Forest Initiative Fund (FIF). FIF was created by the DFS to help address water quality, air quality, and overall life for all […]

This year's conference theme, "Nature's Best Hope, Our Role as Educators" showcased a full day of sessions intended to connect people with nature, integrate environmental education into the school day, and cultivate environmental leaders.

DNREC and DDA have determined that trail cameras for recreational use are no longer to be permitted on state wildlife areas, state parks, or state forests.

The Delaware Forest Service has launched a new online portal for reserving campsites and other venues on state forestland. Applicants can make reservations for primitive tent camping, rent the Lodge at Redden State Forest and reserve the pavilions. Additional campsites at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest are also now open to the public.

With the announcement of the 27th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, Delaware has reached a new milestone, permanently preserving 151,257 acres of farmland.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced they will be distributing $199,600 in relief funds through the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program to eligible Delaware seafood processors, dealers, and processing vessels who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOVER, Del. (December 13, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is holding its 15th Annual Conference with a focus on “Nature Access for All!” on February 24, 2024, at Fred Fifer III Middle School in Camden. The keynote speaker will be Dr. McKay Jenkins, noted author and University of Delaware professor. Todd […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced beginning January 2, 2024, their seed laboratory will offer additional testing service options to assist producers. For the first time since 1999, DDA is increasing fees for services performed by the DDA Seed Lab.

Delaware’s agricultural industry looks forward to attending the annual Delaware Ag Week at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington from January 8 – 11, 2024. “Ag Week is the largest venue where Delaware farmers, agribusinesses, and subject matter experts can network and learn about the latest innovations and research that will impact them in the upcoming growing season,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to execute a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in February or March. This prescribed burn will help manage nearly 30 acres of meadowland near the park’s nature center.

Surrounded by family members, teachers, legislators, and cabinet officials, a dozen school-aged children from across Delaware were honored during the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day celebration held on April 26 at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center for their artistic abilities, depicting this year’s theme of “Trees are Terrific…For Outdoor Adventures!”

Fourth annual report highlights State accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the fourth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February of 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, and provide […]

In observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a time to honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world, Governor Carney in conjunction with President Biden, has ordered both […]

Fifth annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney released the fifth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois, President Biden has ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 9, 2022.    In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 9, 2022. 

Seventh annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday released the seventh annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR under Executive Order #4 in February 2017 to identify ways for State government to sustain its culture of continuous improvement […]

It is definitely in the fitness of things that the Supreme Court in a most learned, laudable, landmark, logical and latest judgment titled Ramji Lal Bairwa & Anr vs State of Rajasthan & Ors in Criminal Appeal No. 3403 of 2023 (@ SLP (Crl.) No. 12912 of 2022) and cited in Neutral Citation No.: 2024 I

Delaware state agencies today officially moved to connect the Donovan Smith community in Lewes to municipal water and sewer, which is the pilot project of the Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities established by Gov. John Carney.

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 22, 2021) Forty-eight individuals and 13 groups will be honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 17, 2022. The recipients will be recognized for significant contributions, engagement and impact in diverse service activities. Throughout the month of December, staff members […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Delaware’s vaccine providers can now begin administering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 12 to 15 who completed their initial Pfizer vaccine series at least five months ago.

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) — Due to challenges presented by recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the state, the State Office of Volunteerism has made the difficult decision to postpone the Virtual Ceremony honoring the 48 individuals and 13 groups selected to receive the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. The ceremony will now air […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) – With Delaware facing the coldest temperatures of the winter Monday and Tuesday nights, Code Purple is being declared across the state by the nonprofit and volunteer organizations that operate the shelters to keep people who are homeless safe during dangerous winter weather. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the […]

SMYRNA, DE (Jan. 19, 2022) – The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) will nearly double in size to increase the capacity for routine and outbreak testing to accommodate advanced technical laboratory staff and the infectious disease epidemiology program. State leaders today held a groundbreaking for the expansion on the property of the Delaware Department of Health and […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 25, 2022) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik today announced three leadership changes for the agency involving one division and one of the Department’s Deputy Secretary positions. The changes: Daniel Walker, who has served in leadership roles with the Wilmington City Council and a Wilmington-based nonprofit education […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will conduct a series of community health assessments to better understand the concerns and needs of Delaware communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve the overall health in Delaware in the future.