DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware legislative budget writers have approved $44.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, community groups and volunteer fire companies.
The spending plan approved by the Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday is $1.7 million higher than the $43 million recommended by Gov. Jack Markell in January.
The grants bill is the third and smallest budget bill that lawmakers pass each year, along with the operating budget and a capital budget for roads and construction projects.
The state House approved a $3.7 billion operating budget for fiscal 2014 on Tuesday, and the Senate unanimously approved a proposed $477.8 million capital budget Wednesday.
The grants bill includes $9.1 million for emergency medical services and paramedic program operations, $8 million for senior centers and adults with physical disabilities, and $6.1 million for volunteer fire companies.
