Synopsis:

Signed: H.S. 1 for H.B. 346 was signed into law by Gov. John Carney on Sept. 5, 2018.

H.S. 1 for H.B. 346 creates a loan repayment program for Delaware educators working in areas with critical staffing shortages. These currently include special education, occupational therapy and speech pathology. Educators are also eligible if they work in schools with high populations of students with disabilities, English Language Learners, students from racial minorities or students from low-income families. To qualify, educators must receive an “effective” rating in their most recent yearly performance review. They will be eligible for an award between $1,000–$2,000 per year, with a lifetime cap of five awards. For fiscal year 2019, the Legislature appropriated $200,000 for the program, which provides for 100–200 awards.

Supporters:

Reps. Bentz (D), Baumbach (D), Brady (D), Dukes (R), Heffernan (D), Hensley (R), J. Johnson (D), Kowalko (D), Lynn (D), Matthews (D), Osienski (D), Paradee (D), B. Short (D), D. Short (R), Spiegelman (R), Williams (D); Sens. Townsend (D), Delcollo (R), Hansen (D), Henry (D), Lavelle (R), Lopez (R), McDowell (D), Pettyjohn (R), Poore (D), Sokola (D), Walsh (D); Gov. John Carney; Delaware State Education Association.

Opponents:

None reported.

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