Delaware Lawmakers Move to Enshrine Fiscal Advisory Council into Law

Bipartisan bill aims to codify DEFAC's role after controversy over member's removal

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and casting deep shadows across the room, conveying a sense of solemnity and contemplation around the political process.As Delaware lawmakers move to enshrine the state's independent fiscal advisory council into law, the quiet contemplation of government institutions takes on new significance.Dover Today

Democrat and Republican lawmakers in Delaware have filed a bill to make the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) a permanent, independent panel for fiscal analysis after decades of relying on an executive order. The move comes after the recent removal of a longtime DEFAC member by Governor Matt Meyer, which sparked outrage from legislators over concerns about political influence.

Why it matters

DEFAC has served as a non-partisan tool for predicting the state's finances for nearly 50 years, independent from political influence. The proposed legislation aims to enshrine DEFAC's role in state law to ensure its long-term viability and continued independence, especially after the recent controversy over a member's removal.

The details

House Bill 370, called the DuPont-Cook Financial Responsibility Act, would codify much of what DEFAC already does while also spelling out the appointment process. The bill requires the council to have between 24 and 34 members, including four legislators, with the governor appointing between 12 and 21 members and naming the chairperson. It also mandates that all state agencies must provide data and testimony when requested by the DEFAC chair.

  • DEFAC was created by Governor Pete du Pont in 1977 through an executive order.
  • In late March 2026, Governor Matt Meyer ousted longtime DEFAC member Michael Houghton after he asked questions about missing franchise tax projections.
  • House Bill 370 was filed on Thursday, April 10, 2026 to make DEFAC permanent.

The players

Governor Matt Meyer

The current governor of Delaware who recently removed a longtime DEFAC member, citing a need for 'new blood' on the council.

Michael Houghton

A former DEFAC chairman who was recently removed from the council by Governor Meyer after raising questions about missing franchise tax projections.

Kerri Evelyn Harris

The House Majority Leader who is the prime sponsor of the bill to make DEFAC permanent.

David Sokola

The Senate Pro Tempore who spoke out against Houghton's removal and says the bill has bipartisan support.

Charles Postles

A Republican state representative who sits on DEFAC and believes Houghton's questions were 'valid' and should not have led to his removal.

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What they’re saying

“To ask the question it seemed to rock the boat.”

— Charles Postles, State Representative

“People don't only have the right to ask questions, they have the responsibility to.”

— David Sokola, Senate Pro Tempore

What’s next

The bill is considered a high priority and is expected to be taken up when the legislature returns to session on April 14. It has bipartisan support from legislative leadership.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to protect the independence and integrity of Delaware's long-standing fiscal advisory council by enshrining its role in state law, following concerns over political interference in the council's work.