WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the General Assembly’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget:
“This has been a difficult several months for Delaware, to be sure. I want to start by thanking members of the General Assembly – and especially members of the Joint Finance Committee – for their work under challenging circumstances to pass a responsible, balanced budget. My priorities for the budget have been consistent. Despite significant revenue challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, we intended to protect critical investments in public education, and to protect the jobs and livelihoods of Delaware’s state workers. This budget will do just that.
We are not laying off state employees, or cutting their benefits. State workers have been on the front lines of this crisis, and we owe them our gratitude. We will also continue investments to support students and educators statewide through our Opportunity Funding program. This program supports students living in poverty, and students who are still learning English. I can’t think of a more important investment in Delaware’s future.
We were only able to continue these important investments because we acted responsibly in good times, and set aside surplus revenue into savings. We should continue to act responsibly. Let’s get the other budget bills done. The grants-in-aid bill provides critical funding for fire companies, senior service organizations, and other critical service providers that Delaware families rely on every day. They deserve our support, especially during this uncertain time. The capital budget makes investments in infrastructure statewide – in school construction, road and bridge improvements, and farmland preservation. Those investments will strengthen our economy and our communities. Let’s move forward.”
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