Advocacy & Economic Development
Investing in Delaware’s Future
BY GOVERNOR JOHN CARNEY
THE PAST TWO YEARS have been tough for all Delawareans. For parents worried about keeping their children on track during a pandemic. For small business owners and their workers worried about putting food on the table for their families. But thanks to the efforts of countless Delawareans, we are moving past the COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, more than eight in every 10 Delaware adults has received at least one dose of the vaccine. Children are back in their classrooms full-time, and thousands of Delawareans are back on the job. Now, it’s the time to look forward. As we emerge from this pandemic, I firmly believe that Delaware can lead and be more economically competitive than ever. Unlike many states, Delaware was prepared for the COVID-19 crisis. In the years leading up to 2020, we worked with the General Assembly to more closely link economic growth with state spending. We directed surplus revenues into one-time capital projects and built a new $250 million reserve account—above requirements in Delaware law.
As we emerge from this pandemic, I firmly believe that Delaware can lead and be more economically competitive than ever. Those responsible budgeting practices are what Delaware taxpayers expect. They also prevented the need for painful budget cuts or tax increases during the pandemic, as we’ve seen in other states. And they helped us pass the largest infrastructure plan in Delaware history, which will help create jobs statewide and drive our economy forward over the coming years. With the help of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and investments approved by the Delaware General Assembly, Delaware will invest an additional $1.2 billion in transportation infrastructure. We’ll build charging stations to support a transition to electric vehicles, connect all Delawareans with high-speed broadband, and modernize our water infrastructure. That’s how we make sure all Delaware families have a chance to succeed. We’re also making important investments at the state level that will help attract new jobs to Delaware. We’re investing $10 mil58
Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2022 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
