Building on Progress

Issue 10.01

January 12, 2024

BUILDING ON CONTINUED PROGRESS

By Governor John Carney

Delaware celebrated a lot of good news in 2023, putting us in a position to build on our continued economic development success as we begin the new year.

I’m excited about the partnerships and investments that will bring jobs to Delaware, strengthen our communities, and preserve and protect our environment. Read more >

"All of that news adds up to a strong economy that draws businesses to locate and expand here and gives employees jobs to consider and career ladders to scale. A strong economy allows us to grow our tax base, stabilize our budget, and invest in programs to benefit all Delawareans."

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

RETURNING TO LEGISLATIVE HALL

The 152nd Delaware General Assembly gaveled into the second and final leg of session this week. As a reminder, any bills that were introduced last year and were not defeated or enacted remain active and carry over to this year. Overall, it was a pretty light week as far as acted-upon legislation goes – only a small number of bills were heard in committee and placed on the full agenda for a vote in both Chambers. Additionally, the Senate did not gavel into session on Wednesday. Read more >

SMART FISCAL POLICY PAYS DIVIDENDS

STATE FINANCES IN THE CARNEY ADMINISTRATION'S FINAL YEAR

As Governor Carney assembles his eighth budget proposal, Delaware’s financial condition is markedly better than when he took office. In January 2017, he faced a $400 million projected budget deficit. In 10 of the previous 17 years, the State ended its fiscal year with an operating cash deficit. Annual expenditures repeatedly outstripped revenues, placing regular pressure on policymakers to reduce budgets and raise taxes.

Since 2018, the Governor and General Assembly have partnered to stabilize State finances, benchmark operating budget growth at economically sustainable levels, create accessible reserves to help weather future downturns, and steer “extraordinary” revenue to one-time expenditures. Read more >

THE PARTNERSHIP WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Delaware State Chamber's 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate—The Partnership, Inc.—fosters private sector involvement in workforce development, training, and education to ensure the First State has a sustainable pipeline of talent. The Partnership is pleased to welcome the following individuals to the Board of Directors:

The Board also saw a change in leadership with outgoing Rick Deadwyler of Corteva Agriscience passing the gavel to Dr. Lora A. Johnson of Delaware Technical Community College. Deadwyler served as the chair since January 2020. Read more >

“I am thrilled that Dr. Johnson will assume chairmanship of The Partnership. She is an incredibly accomplished and well-respected leader in our state. Her professional skillset and enthusiasm for The Partnership is perfectly positioned to launch the organization to new levels of impact of our continued work to develop Delaware’s next generation leaders and workforce.” - Rick Deadwyler

INNOVATION IN ACTION

Workforce development is integral to the economic progress of any state, and Delaware is no exception. As the economic pulse of Delaware quickens, so does the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce. Solutions to address the pressures created by the workforce shortage are not a simple fix and must be forward-thinking and collaborative. The Partnership, Inc. continues to rise to this challenge, unveiling innovative strategies that empower and mobilize the business community to take an active role in education and workforce development. Read more >

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK!

The Partnership, Inc. is searching for education and workforce development programs that contribute to preparing Delaware's workforce for success. The Superstars in Education and Training award recognizes workforce development programs for their outstanding achievements and model approaches to education and training.

Award categories include: High School, Higher Education, and Independent Training / Certificate Program

Deadline to apply is Jan. 18 >

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