By the time this column goes to print, the General Assembly will be winding down its last days of the first half of the 144th Session on July 1. The final hours will be spent on the fiscal year’s budget.

At the time of writing this column, there are no finalized or detailed figures for the Operating or Bond/Capital Budgets. However, the Governor and leaders of the Delaware State Legislature have shared an overall financial plan, including revenue enhancers and budget cuts.  A more detailed update on the budget will be available after July 1 by visiting www.delaware.gov or by contacting my office 1-302-744-4351.

“Cancer Right to Know” legislation

Cancer death rates in Delaware have dramatically dropped after years of state screening and treatment programs that have been lead by Governor Minner’s Cancer Consortium. However, Delaware’s morbidity and mortality rates still remain above national average.

Recent press has highlighted communities across our state with higher than “normal” incidence rates of cancer, including the Middletown area in District 8 with a high rate of colorectal cancer.

In response to the Division of Public health’s not releasing data to the press, and the Lt Governor Carney’s request to ensure all Delawareans do have access to this information, Senator Blevins and I introduced the “Cancer Right to Know” (SB 235) bill. It has quickly passed both chambers of the General Assembly with full support by all members, and the legislation sits on the Governor’s desk. The bill requires that the cancer incidence rates that represent a higher than normal rate, also known as “cancer clusters” per census tracts, be made available to the public.

Patient privacy rights had prohibited the Division of Public Health from releasing these data, and this law will require these data be shared. Certainly, the public will be cautioned to recognize that it is not just the environment but many factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and workplace exposures that contribute to cancer. This information will, however, be useful for residents and health professionals when exploring prevention, screening, personal care, and treatment measures.

Federal stimulus checks: Apply for your rebate

I have recently learned that over a third of eligible Delawareans, including retirees and disabled and veterans, have not applied for their federal stimulus checks. This includes over 464 residents in the Smyrna area or District 8 & 28. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 authorized payments starting at $300. Eligible Delawareans need to file a 2007 tax return to get the checks. The IRS wants all tax returns by October 15.

It is especially important that those who make such little income and do not normally file returns still must complete the IRS forms. If you or a family member has not done so, please visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and download and print a 1040A form. If you need to speak to a person for assistance, please call 1-800-TAX-1040.