Governor focuses on collaboration in putting families first
DOVER— Governor Matt Meyer delivered his State of the State address to the Delaware General Assembly today, outlining a bold, people-first agenda focused on lowering costs for working families, strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving healthcare across the First State.
“Despite unprecedented uncertainty and challenges beyond our control, the State of our State is strong,” Governor Meyer said. “Now is not the time to shy away from difficulty. Because challenge creates opportunity — and opportunity, when met with purpose, makes us stronger.”
The Governor also awarded the State’s highest honor, the Order of the First State, posthumously to Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook. He also recognized Trooper First Class Scott Smith with the Governor’s Award for Heroism and Bravery.
Affordability
Governor Meyer emphasized that rising costs, particularly energy bills, are straining Delaware families.
“Hard-working Delawareans are getting squeezed simply by turning on their lights,” Governor Meyer said. “Rate increases far beyond inflation are unacceptable.”
The Governor called on the Public Service Commission to halt approval of additional utility rate hikes and outlined efforts to increase in-state energy generation to stabilize costs.
Education
Education remained a central focus, with the Governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to literacy, equity, and accountability.
“A year ago, we declared a Literacy Emergency, and we meant it,” Governor Meyer said. “If a child cannot read, they cannot succeed.”
Governor Meyer highlighted direct classroom investments supporting more than 4,000 classrooms and reiterated his call to modernize Delaware’s school funding system.
Housing
Governor Meyer described housing as one of Delaware’s greatest challenges, citing a shortage of nearly 20,000 affordable units.
“One-third of housing costs today have nothing to do with construction and everything to do with red tape,” Governor Meyer said.
He announced continued efforts to streamline permitting and accelerate affordable housing construction while protecting farmland and open space, along with plans to expand the HOPE Center model into Kent and Sussex Counties.
Healthcare
The Governor outlined a healthcare agenda centered on access, workforce growth, and innovation.
“No one would design an American healthcare system the way it exists today,” Governor Meyer said.
He highlighted Delaware’s success in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal rural health transformation funding to support initiatives, including the state’s first medical school, expanded healthcare training programs, mobile health units, and telehealth services.
Governor Meyer closed by reaffirming his commitment to responsible budgeting, transparency, and collaboration with the General Assembly to deliver results for Delaware families.
To read the Governor’s full State of the State address, CLICK HERE.
For any questions, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.