Secretary of State touts $2.2 billion in franchise revenue and seeks modest program funding for libraries, veterans and new Americans

Secretary of State Charani Patibanda Sanchez and newly confirmed division leaders updated the Joint Finance Committee on a range of Department of State responsibilities and modest FY27 door‑opener requests.

Sanchez said the Division of Corporations continues to be a major revenue generator, reporting roughly $2.2 billion that contributes to the general fund and noting a 15.4% year‑over‑year increase in entity formations. "We still are the corporate capital of the world," she said, and described ongoing outreach and a planned white paper studying Delaware’s franchise value proposition.

The department outlined a series of program requests and highlights: $400,000 for Delaware Library Network security enhancements, spending authority to prepare the John Dickinson Visitor Center for a July 2026 opening, renovations and ongoing maintenance for the Fenwick Island Lightkeeper House, and continued small‑business investments through Edge2 and SSBCI disbursements. The Division of Arts reported grant activity and community programming; the Division of Libraries reported support for more than 400,000 computer and wireless users in FY25.

Secretary Karen Berry (Veterans Affairs) reviewed veterans’ services and the Delaware Veterans Home: admissions have increased and leadership is negotiating agreements with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand clinical and respite services in the facility. Bond‑bill funds were identified for cemetery expansions to ensure burial capacity. Berry said staff and contract negotiations and federal partnerships are priorities to improve recruitment and federal reimbursements.

The presentation included a modest set of FY27 door‑openers for program staffing and operations (mostly in the thousands), including support for the Office of New Americans; the department said several positions were reallocated from prior epilogue language and the requests are intended to operationalize existing roles rather than add large new headcounts.

Committee members asked for clarification on position reallocations, veterans home staffing and whether library security dollars cover all libraries; department staff committed to follow up with more detailed lists and timing. The committee did not take any formal action in the briefing session; the Department of State will provide requested follow‑up documentation ahead of budget markup.