Delaware sets aside $98.3 million for 2026 grants

Delaware sets aside $47.1 million for one-time funding and community groups. The full $98.3 million package also funds public agencies, senior centers, fire and ambulance companies, and veterans' groups. These amounts are for the budget year ending June 30, 2026.

Delaware sets aside $500,000 to contract with Undue Medical Debt to buy and cancel medical debt. A person must earn less than four times the federal poverty line or owe medical debt exceeding 5% of yearly income. The nonprofit must work with health care providers and selected debt collectors to buy the debt. The money is for the budget year ending June 30, 2026.

Delaware sets aside $3 million for county paramedic program operations. Counties that operate approved paramedic programs share the money equally. Counties must use the money for operating costs. The health department may pay the full grant at the start of the first quarter of the budget year.

Delaware sets aside $5 million to support higher payment rates at certain nursing facilities. The rates cover private skilled nursing facilities classified as non-pediatric. The budget director and Controller General must approve the higher rates. Money from a hospital assessment may replace some or all of the $5 million if it becomes available. The higher rates begin January 1, 2026, if approved.

Delaware limits how recipients can spend money from this grant package. The ban exempts Section 1's emergency medical services funding and the named local police and drug enforcement grants. The ban covers child day care; buying capital equipment; moving, renovating, or buying buildings; elected officials' pay and benefits; political campaigns; lobbying; and services for people who do not live in Delaware.