The crucial June revenue estimates are in, with legislators now having more than $88 million to plug into the fiscal 2021 budget.
The forecast by the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council was the last before the state budget is passed.
The added funds will leave more than $4.5 billion available in the budget.
A release from the House Republican caucus indicated that signs point to using the money to restore negotiated wage increase for some unionized state employees.
Other funds could be used to finance school construction and other projects in the capital budget.
While Delaware is better off than many states, the state is feeling the effects of the State of Emergency that shut down everything from casinos to fashion department stores.
Gov. John Carney had originally proposed a $4.6 billion budget.
Not likely this year, according to the Republican caucus is a raise for nonunion workers.
The state received more than $1 billion from the federal CARES Act. Use of those funds has been restricted costs related to fighting the virus, with governors seeking more flexibility.
Future budgets are also expected to pose challenges, depending on the strength of any economic recovery and how long COViD-19 remains a threat.
