Delaware Governor Vetoes $35 Million Funding for Legislative Hall Expansion

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer issued a line-item veto striking a $35 million appropriation from the 2027 Bond and Capital Improvements bill that lawmakers had designated to begin an expansion of the state's Legislative Hall. The veto was reported on July 8-9, 2026, and drew criticism from legislative leaders, including Senate Democratic leadership. According to legislative leaders, the design plans for the expansion incorporated recommendations from the Building Committee that combined accessibility improvements with public safety measures, including a more thorough visitor-screening process. Meyer's administration stated that the full expansion project is expected to cost $116 million. Legislative leaders criticized the governor's decision, with one bond bill chair calling it "irresponsible and dangerous," and lawmakers argued that disability status should not limit participation in state governance. The current status of the $35 million appropriation and the broader $116 million expansion project following the veto is not specified in available reporting. It remains unresolved whether the legislature will attempt to override the veto, seek alternative funding, or revise the expansion plans in response to the governor's action. Details of Governor Meyer's specific reasoning for the veto beyond cost concerns were not included in the available reports.