The Delaware Joint Capital Improvement Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss critical funding and operational needs for the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Secretary Josette Manning presented the department's accomplishments and outlined the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the importance of maintaining state facilities that serve vulnerable populations.

During the meeting, Secretary Manning highlighted the DHSS's management of nine state-owned service centers, five group homes, and three state campuses, which include a 24/7 residential facility. She underscored the challenges faced in maintaining these aging facilities, particularly given the fragile populations they serve and the high volume of traffic at state service centers.

The committee's discussions also included a public comment segment, although no members of the public participated either in person or virtually. This lack of public engagement may reflect a need for increased outreach and communication regarding the committee's work and the importance of community input in capital improvement decisions.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on securing necessary funding to ensure that DHSS facilities can continue to operate safely and effectively, addressing the needs of Delawareans who rely on these essential services. The next steps will involve reviewing the proposed budget and determining how best to allocate resources to support these critical facilities.