June is always one of the busiest months in Delaware’s legislative calendar, and this year will be no exception. As the General Assembly enters the final weeks of session, lawmakers will turn their attention to several major funding bills and policy proposals that directly affect nonprofits, service providers, and the communities they serve.
Last week, the Joint Finance Committee completed budget markup, setting the stage for the final operating budget. Two items are especially important for Delaware’s human services and nonprofit sectors.
First, JFC added $5.1 million to support a 10% rate increase for Purchase of Care providers serving children ages 0–5 at 225% of the federal poverty level.
The fiscal 2027 budget also includes $10.6 million for Direct Support Professionals rate increases under the McNesby Act, supporting workers who provide essential services to Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
DANA is closely tracking House Bill 392, the Delaware Nonprofit Nonpartisanship Protection Act. HB 392 would reinforce the long-standing principle that 501(c)(3) nonprofits remain nonpartisan and may not endorse or oppose candidates, use charitable funds for partisan political purposes, or permit organizational resources to support or oppose candidates. The bill was reported out of committee on May 14 and is now awaiting further action.
Looking ahead, two key June dates should be on the nonprofit sector’s radar. Bond Bill markup is scheduled for June 23, when lawmakers will make decisions about capital investments and community infrastructure projects. Grant-in-Aid drafting is scheduled for June 25, a critical step for nonprofits seeking direct state support for programs that serve Delaware residents.
These final funding and policy decisions matter. The operating budget, Bond Bill, Grant-in-Aid bill and HB 392 will help shape how Delaware invests in services, infrastructure, and the nonprofit sector. For nonprofits, June is not just the end of session. It is the month when advocacy, relationships, and persistence can shape the resources and rules that guide our work in the year ahead.
