A budget bill that keeps a large portion of tax increases enacted in 2009 passed the House on a party line vote.
Democratic Gov. Jack Markell also told those attending a Delaware State Chamber of Commerce legislative luncheon, that the administration is unwilling to cut taxes at the expense of the most vulnerable in the state or compromise public safety.
Small cuts were made in the top income tax rate and in gross receipts taxes.
Republicans, now outnumbered by a two-to-one margin in the House, asked for a delay, claiming that action could be taken when other revenue projections are made prior to the end of the session.
State House Minority Leader Dan Short said considering the four tax bills in March was premature. He noted that the state budget does not need to be finalized until late June and that there will be three more state revenue forecasts before the legislative session ends.
State House Minority Whip Deborah Hudson said the four bills renege on an implied promise made to citizens in 2009. She said lawmakers enacted the tax hikes with the stipulation that they would have limited four-year lifespans. She said passing the bills just gives citizens another good reason to distrust government.
A release from the House Republican caucus said the four budget bills would impose a total collective tax burden on residents and businesses of nearly $28 million in the upcoming fiscal year and more than $156 million in Fiscal Year 2015.
All four measures now head to the Senate.
