Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced $55.1 million in budget cuts and spending reductions to help balance Delaware’s budget on Monday. 

The spending reductions are a result of significant reductions in forecasts of current year revenue collections by the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC).

“We have seen states throughout this country adversely affected by the current economic downturn and Delaware is no different,” said Governor Minner.  “The cuts I am announcing today are the just the first step in ensuring that our state ends the year in a financially sound position.

The expenditure reductions announced today are comprised of $53 million in reversions and $2.1 million in deposits to revenue. See ‘Photos’ at left for a breakdown of the reductions.

“We will work with the General Assembly and Judiciary to implement these reductions announced today,” said Mike Jackson, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget.  “Management controls put in place this fiscal year will continue, including the current hiring freeze.  OMB will continue to work with the General Assembly and the Judiciary through the course of the fiscal year to identify and implement additional spending reductions. OMB will also update the list of budget reductions at each subsequent DEFAC meeting as these estimates evolve.”