Delaware Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked the $1.4 billion bond bill from passing on the second to last day of session.
The bill, one of the General Assembly’s main priorities every year, requires three-fourth vote – which means necessary bipartisan support. All of the 15 GOP lawmakers voted “not voting,” which killed the bill.
The bond bill funds Delaware’s construction and infrastructure projects.
Just after 8 p.m. Thursday, the Republicans then left the chamber. Because of the Democratic majority, lawmakers were able to continue to pass bills.
As the Republicans were getting ready to leave, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf told them the House would meet at noon on Friday, the last day of the legislative year.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to vote on bills that need to get passed,” said Minority Leader Mike Ramone.
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The killing of the bond bill came not long after a GOP-backed bill failed to garner enough votes. It was for HB 121, a controversial bill that would have allowed LLCs and artificial entities to vote in Seaford municipal elections.
HB 121 fell short of the necessary two-thirds support. But it’s not dead yet: Since bill sponsor Rep. Danny Short, a Republican representing Seaford, changed his vote to no, he is allowed to bring the bill back for another vote.
The bond bill received unanimous support in the Senate just the day before.
