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DOVER, DE — Following Governor Matt Meyer’s State of the State address, Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker and Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn offered the following statements, highlighting areas of agreement while raising concerns about partisan rhetoric and policy characterizations.
Statement from Senator Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View):
“I appreciate Governor Meyer’s acknowledgment that Delaware must move faster on modern nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, if we are serious about affordability and reliability. However, if we truly want lower energy costs for Delaware families, we must also work to revitalize infrastructure already in place. That includes working with stakeholders to restart in-state generation at facilities like the Indian River Power Plant, potentially using natural gas.
“I strongly disagree with the Governor’s characterization of congressional Republicans on healthcare. Democrats wrote the Affordable Care Act as well as the language that allowed enhanced subsidies to expire at the end of 2025. Blaming Republicans for a law Democrats authored more than a decade ago is simply not accurate.”
Statement from Senator Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown):
“I welcome the Governor’s recognition that nuclear energy must be part of Delaware’s energy future, and that excessive permitting and red tape are driving up costs for families, businesses, and housing. Republicans in the General Assembly have been raising those concerns for years, and it’s encouraging to see that reality acknowledged.
“I also agree with the Governor that Delaware should pursue a film tax credit. We have an incredible range of scenery, from our beaches and rural agricultural communities to urban settings like Wilmington and the historic backdrops around Dover. Delaware should be a destination for filmmakers and a smart, responsible film incentive can help create jobs and investment while showcasing our state to the country.
“Unfortunately, the Governor again decided to inject partisan attacks into his remarks. Civility cannot be something we preach behind closed doors while publicly attacking Republicans in Congress, especially when Delaware’s rural healthcare expansion is being made possible by federal funding authorized under H.R. 1. Delaware families deserve solutions, not political finger-pointing.”
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