Markell holds fourth State of the State address

“This is Delaware’s time to lead,” said Gov. Jack Markell during his State of the State address recently. “Creating more and better jobs. Improving our quality of life. Providing the best schools and learning opportunities for our children. Getting the most out of each tax dollar. Strengthening the trust of our people in their government. These are challenges even in ordinary times. We don’t live in ordinary times.”

Markell spoke before the General Assembly and noted that Delaware’s economy directly benefits from the state’s leading employers, including Mountaire Farms, Bloom Energy and Fisker Automotive. He recommended significantly increasing funding for the state’s Strategic Fund.

“Creating jobs must remain our No. 1 priority,” he said. “We must continue these efforts, and remain nimble, opportunistic and aggressive when large employers present job opportunities.”

Job creation has always been a top priority for Markell, who said that funding the Strategic Fund will help attract and retain jobs at significant employers within the state.

“We’ve got to be more committed to the success of businesses in our state than any other state .We have most of the ingredients that businesses are looking for — good schools, and institutions of higher education, reasonable taxes, a high-quality workforce, a wonderful quality of life and a responsive government.”

He added that, last year, the State invested $40 million in the Delaware Infrastructure Fund, to improve roads and bridges, which will entice businesses such as Amazon.com, he said, to open locations within the state.

Markell stated that the State’s workforce could be its greatest asset for economic growth, which is why, he said, it is important to ensure a strong and solid education for Delaware students.

“In today’s global knowledge economy, those who are not pushing forward are falling behind. … Een if you believe what we did in the past was sufficient for those times, it will not be sufficient going forward. Around the world, young people are working hard in schools that are dramatically improving, and if we stop our own efforts now, it will be to the detriment of our kids and their future.

“We cannot settle for schools that are better-funded versions of the schools we remember from 20 years ago. We will help the schools that will prepare our children for the jobs 20 years from now.”

Markell said this is the time for Delaware to look ahead and focus on improving the quality of life for Delawareans, through jobs, education and responsible government spending.

“This is our time. To look ahead. To leap ahead. To lead.”