We're off to a busy start in Dover.
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I've barely gotten used to writing "2018" and somehow we are already at the end of our first month back in session. There is a lot going on in Dover. Governor Carney gave his State of the State address on the 18th and submitted his budget proposal yesterday. The governor also announced support for a plan to expand maternity and paternity leave for public employees. We also confirmed some new appointments to executive offices, including Cerron Cade as Labor Secretary and Saundra Ross Johnson as Secretary of the new Department of Human Resources. There is much more to come, but for now I hope you will read through some of the January highlights included below. Also, don't forget to mark down our next constituent coffee on your calendar. As always, I look forward to hearing from you on issues in the 10th Senate District and around the state of Delaware.
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I strongly oppose the federal government's steps to allow offshore oil drilling near our coast. Delaware’s beaches are some of the cleanest in the country, are home to a unique marine ecosystem, and are vital to tourism, our state’s fourth-largest private employer. That industry alone supports $7 billion in economic activity and reduces the average Delawarean’s tax burden by more than $1,400.
It takes just one accident to change all of that overnight. Our economy, our budget, and our environment can’t afford that mistake.
That's why I joined with leadership and my colleagues from the House and Senate Environmental Committees to sign a letter opposing offshore drilling and imploring Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to reconsider (as the Trump administration already has for Florida). This was an easy decision for me, and a common-sense one for our coastal state and the families, businesses, fishermen, and wildlife that rely on our shores and waterways. But I won't be stopping here. With a new legislative session underway, I plan to do everything in my power to fight this short-sighted and reckless action.
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One year ago I had the honor of addressing the Women’s March, and it set us on a trajectory that won not only the 10th Senate District, but the attention of the nation. I was honored to return this year and took a moment to look back on what led us here, and what’s in store in 2018.You can hear my remarks
here.
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Appoquinimink Groundbreaking
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On Tuesday, I joined Sen. Ennis, Rep. Jaques, and many others to break ground on the construction of two new schools in the Appoquinimink School District. These schools, Odessa High and Cantwell's Bridge Middle, will join Old State Elementary and Spring Meadow Early Childhood center to become Delaware's first campus to host all grades K-12. They will be truly modern instructional spaces and will feature a performing arts center, a state-of-the-art library media center, and student enterprise centers. All of us involved are thrilled to be bringing such exciting new opportunities to students living in the area and look forward to ringing in the first day of classes in 2020.
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Every month, Rep. Jaques and I host a community event at Whereabouts Coffee in People's Plaza. In the past, we have been joined by County Councilmen Tackett and Powers, DelDOT officials, and others from the 10th SD.
On February 6, we'll be joined by Gov. John Carney.
These events are so valuable. It is incredibly important for me to meet constituents face-to-face, hear from them directly, and have a chance to provide some updates in person. For constituents, these events are a great way to stay informed, make your voice heard on important issues, and to meet your neighbors. If you can join our next coffee, please RSVP to our
Facebook event.
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Howell School Road Roundabout
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DelDOT recently opened the new roundabout on Howell School Road. Roundabouts are becoming more and more common in Delaware and around the country, as they allow for easier, safer traffic flows in less congested areas. Still, not everybody is comfortable driving them and we have received several emails from people in the area who are seeing other drivers struggle with the new traffic pattern. If you aren't familiar with exactly how these intersections work, please take a minute or two to watch the video below.
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Eagle Trace Entrance Sign
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In response to requests from our constituents, Rep. Jaques and I funded the replacement of the Eagle Trace community entrance sign through the use of our District Community Transportation Funds. I recently drove by Eagle Trace and am very pleased with the new sign. I hope you are, too. Please let me know if I might be of assistance to you in any other way.
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