This morning, I joined County Council President Doug Hudson, Council Vice President John Rieley, Register of Wills Greg Fuller, and Mayor Bob McKee for the ribbon cutting of Wm. V. Sipple & Son’s new location in downtown Millsboro. It was great to see such a strong turnout in support of a family-owned business with deep roots in Delaware and the community.
Jennifer Boyer, the new president of the company, is the great-great granddaughter of William Virden Sipple Sr., who first opened shop in Milford in 1869. Jennifer and her fiance, John Atkins, have put an incredible amount of work into restoring this historic building, including preserving artifacts uncovered during renovations and showcasing the long history of the business.
Congratulations on this exciting new chapter! Downtown Millsboro is stronger because of investments like this.
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The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will host a public workshop to share information and gather community input on the planned replacement of Bridge 3-237, which carries Old Furnace Road over the Nanticoke River in Middleford. The bridge is nearing the end of its service life, and DelDOT will present the need for replacement along with proposed alternatives.
Where: Seaford Middle School
500 East Stein Highway, Seaford
When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The workshop will be held in an open-house format, featuring project displays and DelDOT staff available to answer questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback through an on-site survey. All presentation materials and the survey will also be available online following the meeting.
For more information, visit the DelDOT project website: de.gov/OldFurnaceRoad
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senate Republican Leadership Responds to Governor Meyer’s State of the State Address
DOVER, DE — Following Governor Matt Meyer’s State of the State address, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn offered the following statement, highlighting areas of agreement while raising concerns about partisan rhetoric and policy characterizations.
“I welcome the Governor’s recognition that nuclear energy must be part of Delaware’s energy future, and that excessive permitting and red tape are driving up costs for families, businesses, and housing. Republicans in the General Assembly have been raising those concerns for years, and it’s encouraging to see that reality acknowledged.
“I also agree with the Governor that Delaware should pursue a film tax credit. We have an incredible range of scenery, from our beaches and rural agricultural communities to urban settings like Wilmington and the historic backdrops around Dover. Delaware should be a destination for filmmakers and a smart, responsible film incentive can help create jobs and investment while showcasing our state to the country.
“Unfortunately, the Governor again decided to inject partisan attacks into his remarks. Civility cannot be something we preach behind closed doors while publicly attacking Republicans in Congress, especially when Delaware’s rural healthcare expansion is being made possible by federal funding authorized under H.R. 1. Delaware families deserve solutions, not political finger-pointing.”
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Delaware Sportsmen's Caucus Meeting, January 22, 2026
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Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and peaceful change.
As Dr. King said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” His courage and leadership continue to inspire Americans to move forward together.
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On Tuesday, I introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 125, which recognizes January 9, 2026 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Delaware. Here are my remarks on the floor of the Senate.
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REMINDER: Please join Representative Jones Giltner and I this Saturday, January 17, for coffee and discussion at the Georgetown Public Library. We'll recap the first week of legislative session and answer questions about topics important to you.
WHEN: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947
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Thank you to my colleagues in both legislative chambers for supporting SCR 125, designating January 9, 2026 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Delaware.
This resolution serves as a reminder that the men and women who put on the badge each day carry an extraordinary responsibility and make real sacrifices in service to our communities. In a small state like Delaware, their service is personal, and the impact of their work is felt far beyond the uniform.
Today more than ever, we are grateful for their dedication and commitment to keeping Delaware safe.
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senator Pettyjohn Introduces SB 208 to Strengthen Delaware’s Mental Health Workforce, Will be Heard in Committee Wednesday
DOVER, DE — Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R – Georgetown) has introduced Senate Bill 208 (SB 208), legislation designed to modernize Delaware’s psychology licensing laws and expand access to mental health care by creating a regulated licensure pathway for master’s-level psychology clinicians.
Similar to much of the country, Delaware is experiencing an increasing shortage of mental health providers. As demand for services continues to rise, many Delawareans face long wait times or limited access to care, particularly in rural communities.
“This is a technical but important update to our licensing laws that reflects the realities of today’s mental health system,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “We have a growing need for mental health services in Delaware and our code needs to support a workforce that can meet that demand while maintaining high professional standards.”
SB 208 does not replace or diminish existing licenses for psychologists, counselors, or social workers, but instead adds a complementary role within the broader mental health care system.
“The goal is to responsibly expand access to care without compromising quality or patient safety,” Pettyjohn said. “This bill strengthens oversight, brings clarity to the law, and helps Delaware remain competitive in recruiting and retaining trained mental health professionals.”
SB 208 brings Delaware in line with national trends, supports community-based mental health settings, and helps address workforce shortages affecting hundreds of thousands of Delawareans across the state. The Delaware Psychological Association has affirmed its support for the proposal.
The bill will be considered by the Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee this Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
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Thank you for taking the time to visit my website and learn more about what is happening with the legislative process in Delaware. It’s truly an honor to represent the 19th District in Legislative Hall and in places throughout Delaware and the nation. It’s also an honor to be a member of the Republican Caucus leadership team in the General Assembly.