Council will help coordinate crucial public and private services for Delaware families WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney signed Executive Order Five on Tuesday, reestablishing the Family Services Cabinet Council to help coordinate public and private services for Delaware families. Delaware families continue to face significant challenges – including the high cost of child care; […]

WILMINGTON – A call center has been set up to provide assistance to impacted users of Delaware Job Link whose personal information may have been part of a data breach of the American JobLink (AJL) Alliance website two weeks ago. Any past user of the Delaware JobLink website can access the call center by dialing […]

Members will submit recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and Criminal Justice Council by March 2018 WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday released the following statement after signing Executive Order #11 to reestablish the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, which will examine ways to prevent youth from entering or re-entering the juvenile and criminal justice […]

July 19, 2017 Wilmington – The Delaware Department of Labor’s Fox Valley has postponed a meeting to receive public comment on proposed updates to the state’s Prevailing Wage regulations. A new date for the meeting has yet to be set. A separate meeting to receive public comment on proposed updates to the state’s Workplace Fraud regulations […]

October 10, 2017 As part of its ongoing work monitoring and tracking the state’s Foreign Labor Certification and Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker activities, officials from the Delaware Department ofLabor paid a recent visit to Kent and Sussex County farms enrolled in the programs. DOL Secretary Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson was joined by Deputy Secretary Karryl McManus, Division […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 31, 2018) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Walker announced the appointment of Marie Nonnenmacher, a former deputy director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), to lead the division. She will begin her duties Feb. 5. “I am thrilled that Marie is rejoining our Department […]

For Immediate Release Contact: William J. Potter William.potter@delaware.gov 302-761-8163 Wilmington, Del. Feb. 13, 2018 – Delaware workforce training providers will have the chance over the next few months to compete for public funds to train adults and youth in needed job skills thanks to a recently released Request For Proposal. The Delaware Workforce Development Board, […]

Pathways provides high school and postsecondary students with the opportunity to gain work-based learning experiences for in-demand careers WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced a $3.25 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand access to economic opportunity for Delaware students. Funding will help bolster the Delaware Pathways program, which provides high school […]

On September 24, 2018, the Division of Industrial Affairs will accept public comment on proposed changes to Delaware’s Prevailing Wage Regulations from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Department of Labor’s Harold Stafford Training Center located at 19 Lea Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802. Members of the public may receive a copy of the proposed regulations […]

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR/DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CONTACT Sharon Boland DOL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 302.761.8238 (office) or 302.757.6260 (cell) sharon.boland@delaware.gov dvr.delawareworks.com http://dol.delaware.gov/ CONFERENCE TO PREPARE HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES FOR FUTURE CAREERS Wilmington, DE, December 6, 2018 — On December 12th from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., hundreds of local […]

The Delaware Department of Labor Fox Valley location in Wilmington will no longer offer “counter service” for unemployment insurance claims beginning January 22, 2019. All unemployment insurance claims will be filed using the streamlined process available online at https://ui.delawareworks.com. Individuals can file a claim using any computer or smart phone without the inconvenience of travelling […]

The Delaware Department of Labor is currently conducting its Annual Prevailing Wage Survey for state-funded construction projects. On January 4, 2019, the Department mailed over 3000 survey forms to contractors. Completed survey forms must be postmarked or returned to the Department of Labor no later than February 8, 2019 for the data to be used […]

Wilmington, DE. March 21, 2019–Attention educators, parents and employers! The Delaware Department of Labor’s affiliate website, the Delaware Career Resource Network (DCRN), provides information for educators, students and families to learn about careers through activities, handouts, resources, book suggestions, and web links they have placed on the site. It’s a great resource for Take Your […]

Lewes, Del. May 8, 2019 –The 4th Annual One-Stop System Convening, which brings together Delaware’s front line workforce staff, will be held on Tuesday, May 14th at the Dover Downs Conference Center from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm Staff, which helps Delaware job seekers and employers, are gathering to share ideas and streamline processes. This […]

New Applicants accepted for Successful Re-entry Program Approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults, have a criminal record Wilmington, DE. May 9, 2019–.The results are in and APEX is a highly successful program for those with criminal histories. APEX, which stands for Advancement through Pardons and Expungements is a state program housed in […]

Together with the IRS and Delaware’s Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Division, the Division of Revenue has announced a COVID–19 Relief Discussion this coming Friday, May 22, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). This free 60-minute conference will be open to the public. Delaware’s Director of Revenue Jennifer Hudson, and Director of Unemployment […]

  For Immediate Release Thursday, May 28, 2020. Wilmington, DE The Delaware Department of Labor releases Fraud Prevention guidelines for employers and claimants to protect against identity theft and fraud involving unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Over the past few weeks, several states have reported incidents of identity theft and payment fraud regarding […]

For Immediate Release July 22, 2020 Contact: Kenneth Briscoe Director of Communications Kenneth.Briscoe@delaware.gov   (Wilmington, DE) –  PHASE 2 of Governor John Carney’s Economic Reopening plan began on June 15, 2020. During this rolling reopening of the state’s economy, the restrictions put in place by Governor Carney in March 2020 to reduce the spread of […]

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday August 21, 2020 MEDIA CONTACT: Kenneth Briscoe kenneth.briscoe@delaware.gov   (Wilmington, DE) – Today, the Delaware Department of Labor (DEDOL) announced that Delaware will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance Program through the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).   As outlined by FEMA and the United States Department of Labor, […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA CONTACT: Kenneth Briscoe Communications Coordinator Delaware Department of Labor   [Monday, October 12, 2020, Wilmington, DE] The Delaware Department of Labor has issued the Ninth Emergency Rule, which updates and revises the First and Seventh Emergency Rules, establishing deadlines to file appeals to the Lower Authority (Appeals Referees, the “Referees”) and […]

December 28, 2020 For Immediate Release Kenneth Briscoe Email: kenneth.Briscoe@Delaware.gov   Wilmington, DE (Dec. 28, 2020) – On December 27, 2020, the President signed the latest COVID-19 Relief bill, which extends certain federal unemployment benefits available under the CARES Act. The bill provides the extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency […]

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 […]

The Division of Industrial Affairs (DIA) at the Department of Labor (DOL) is currently conducting its Annual Prevailing Wage Survey for state-funded construction projects – over 3,800 survey forms will be mailed out to contractors on December 27, 2021. The completed survey forms must be postmarked or returned to DIA for the data to be […]

WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Karryl Hubbard has announced that Elisha Jenkins will serve as the new Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), replacing former Director Andrea Guest, who retired earlier this year. DVR is a partner in helping job seekers develop skill sets to find employment. The division […]

The Division of Industrial Affairs (DIA) at the Department of Labor (DOL) is currently conducting its Annual Prevailing Wage Survey for state-funded construction projects. On January 4, 2023, the Department mailed over 4000 survey forms to contractors. The completed survey forms must be postmarked or returned to DIA for the data to be used in […]

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 […]

The Department is currently conducting its Annual Prevailing Wage Survey for state-funded construction projects. On December 20, 2023, the Department mailed over 4500 survey forms to contractors and various interested parties. The completed survey forms must be postmarked or returned no later than February 8, 2024, to the Department of Labor for the data to […]

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 is seeking public comment on its new 2020 "Forest Action Plan," comprised of an updated Delaware Forest Resource Assessment, Delaware Statewide Forest Strategy, and a new "Assessment of Need" for the U.S. Forest Legacy Program, which provides funding to conserve working forests.  The documents can be found at de.gov/forestactionplan and are available in both Flipbook versions and PDF format. The public is kindly asked to review and provide comments via email at delawareforests@gmail.com by Friday, September 4, 2020.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is always looking for motivated recruits to join its wildland fire crew. There is no cost for training and no previous experience necessary. Candidates must be over 18 years, willing to learn, physically fit, and able to travel for at least two weeks at a time, usually in the summer months. In a typical year, the DFS would offer its in-person classes over several weekends in Dover. This year, all required courses for new firefighters will be offered online through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Federal Emergency Management Agency websites. The complete list of courses and links to online training are at https://de.gov/firecrew

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.

Delaware’s state forest campsites are now open to the public under a new online system that allows for advance booking and preferred site selection. Primitive-style camping is available 365 days a year on a first-come, first-serve basis at both Blackbird State Forest, north of Smyrna, and Redden State Forest, north of Georgetown. The cost per night is $25 per site (plus a small administrative fee) with a three night maximum stay per reservation. Each state forest has added two new sites for a total of eight (8) at Blackbird and seven (7) at Redden. All camping requires a permit and is subject to state forest rules and regulations. Complete information, maps, camping rules, and links to make a reservation are available at de.gov/forestcamping.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is warning anyone who purchased turtles, specifically the red-eared slider turtle, between August 2020 and January 2021 to take extra precautions to prevent illness.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. DDA anticipates more than $344,000 to be allocated to increase the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops. Applications will be accepted through April 20, 2021.

Delaware's three-person Type 6 engine crew is now fighting the 2,000-acre Dexter Fire in the Inyo National Forest of southern California. Reported on July 12, the lightning-caused blaze is actively burning in brush and timber with only 13 percent containment. Leading the crew is the Delaware Forest Service's southern regional forester and engine boss Erich Burkentine of Milton, along with engine boss trainee Nikki Testa of Newark, and firefighter Hunter Melson of Milford. The crew mobilized on July 13 and is scheduled for a 21-day assignment. Delaware's crew is facing high temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty afternoon winds on the Dexter Fire as they are conducting initial attack, digging fire line, and felling trees.

The Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program has awarded $135,193 for 36 tree projects through its annual grant program, which offers up to $5,000 for projects on public land and community open space. All municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits in Delaware can apply. Since it began, the program has provided over 588 grants for more than $1.86 million and planted more than 16,000 trees.

The Delaware Forest Service is looking for motivated recruits to enroll in its wildfire training classes. There is no cost for training and no previous experience necessary. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, willing to learn, physically fit, and able to travel for at least two weeks at a time, usually in the summer months. Completion of all classes is required for prospective firefighters to achieve certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

Beginning on April 29, 2022, the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy will accept grant applications through the First State Food System Program for projects to enable local entities to address challenges, stabilize, strengthen, and build resilience in our food system.

Governor Carney, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nikko Brady, and state legislators honored four Delaware farm families for their commitment to keeping farmland within the family for 100 years.

The Delaware Forest Service mobilized a 19-person wildfire crew from Blackbird State Forest to northern California. The crew will travel cross-country to join other wildfire crews to battle blazes as the number of wildfires in the area continue to grow, sparked by hot, dry, and windy weather combined with an unstable atmosphere, creating lightning-caused fires.

On September 17, over 100 volunteers planted 2,075 trees at the Blackbird State Forest for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting. This initiative will provide scenic beauty, enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This tree planting was part of a broader program to commemorate the 200th birthday year of Harriet Tubman in 1822 and part of International Underground Railroad Month.

Members of the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission approved an emergency order during their October 4 meeting to allow for a 180-day extension for properly staged poultry litter in Delaware Crop fields beginning on November 1.

Delaware has been experiencing a significant increase in potbellied pigs running at large in residential and rural areas, including on state lands. Running at large, these pigs pose a nuisance to landowners, increase the threat of establishing feral pig populations, damage natural resources, and risk carrying endemic diseases that can spread to both people and animals.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced that beginning on April 19, 2023, the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) will accept grant applications for the second cycle of the First State Food System Program. Through this program, funding is available to Delaware farmers and a diverse range of food supply chain entities. Awarded funds will aid local entities to expand capacity, coordinate with partners in their communities, and do their part to build resilience in Delaware’s food system.

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).

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.

On June 1, a new regulation was published in the Delaware Register of Regulations (Volume 26, Issue 12) listing potbellied pigs and feral swine of any kind as invasive. The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is providing a 30-day grace period for potbellied pig owners to apply for an Invasive Animal Permit. Owners have until August 12 to submit an application and comply with 3 DE Admin. Code 906 Possession, Sale, or Exhibition of Non-Native and Invasive Animal Species.

More than 40 Delaware potbellied pig owners have applied for an Invasive Animal Permit since the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) notified residents last week of the new regulation, 3 DE Admin. Code 906 Possession, Sale, or Exhibition of Non-Native and Invasive Animal Species, listing potbellied pigs and feral swine of any kind as invasive. One of the biggest concerns for these owners is the visible identification ear tag their animals must have to comply with the regulation.

The Delaware Forest Service mobilized a 3-person wildland fire engine crew from Blackbird State Forest on July 28th for a fire assignment to Wawona, California. Working with the Yosemite National Park’s Emergency Communication Center and various agencies from all over the country, the crew will be working on patrolling and isolating new fire starts due to human activity and lightning strikes.