NEW CASTLE (Jan. 31, 2018) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Walker announced the appointment of Marie Nonnenmacher, a former deputy director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), to lead the division. She will begin her duties Feb. 5.

“I am thrilled that Marie is rejoining our Department as director of DDDS,” Secretary Walker said. “Her strong experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will serve her well in this new role, as will her more than 35 years of public service across many departments in state government. With her Medicaid, budgeting and financial background, she understands how we can leverage federal and state resources to best support the more than 4,000 Delawareans we serve in the Division.”

Nonnenmacher served as deputy director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services from November 2012 until her retirement in August 2017. During her tenure, her accomplishments included producing the 2014-2019 renewal of the DDDS federal Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that received federal approval in less than 90 days. She also amended the DDDS HCBS Medicaid waiver to double the number of recipients and all individuals living in the family home enrolled for waiver benefits. And working with colleagues across DHSS, she developed a cross-disability employment program for young people age 14-25 called Pathways to Employment, funded by Medicaid.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues at DDDS and other stakeholders to continue the course of work on which the division embarked several years ago,” Nonnenmacher said. “That work focused on recognizing and supporting the needs of self-advocates and families with loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the family home. There is much more to be done, however, and I am happy to be able to play a role in the next phase of this important work.”

At DHSS, Nonnenmacher formerly served as Chief of Financial Management for the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. Prior to that, she worked as Cost Recovery Administrator for the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst with the Delaware State Budget Office; and Management Analyst with the Department of Labor.

Nonnenmacher has a master’s of public administration from the College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware in public financial management, program evaluation and policy analysis. She has a bachelor of arts from UD in political science and economics.

Previously, Secretary Walker had announced the appointment of Damaris Piliro to lead DDDS, but she had to withdraw for personal reasons.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of Cerron Cade to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor:

“Cerron has the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this important role, and I want to thank members of the Delaware Senate for their vote of confidence in confirming his nomination. The Department of Labor’s work connecting Delawareans with job training and workforce development programs has never been more important. Cerron understands the needs of Delaware businesses from his time at the Delaware’s Small Business Division and, before that, at the Delaware Economic Development Office. Cerron has a proven ability to lead, and I’m confident that his experience will serve Delaware taxpayers and workers well.”

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Governor Carney nominated Cerron Cade as Secretary of Labor earlier this month.

Last year, as Acting Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), Cade managed the dissolution of DEDO and the creation of the new Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism within the Delaware Department of State. Currently, he serves as the Division’s Director, leading a team responsible for providing key services to Delaware businesses, administration of the Delaware Strategic Fund, and marketing Delaware as a premier tourist destination.

During his time at DEDO and the newly-created division, Cade has led the state’s efforts to attract businesses and good-paying jobs to Delaware, keep them here, and ensure that Delaware remains a leading state for businesses to grow and thrive. If confirmed by members of the Delaware Senate, he will bring that experience to the Department of Labor, where he will lead state efforts to connect Delaware businesses with talented workers, and develop relevant workforce development and training programs.

Cade grew up in Washington D.C. and moved to Delaware to study Political Science and Law Studies at Delaware State University. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact and following his passion for public service, Cade has worked as a Legislative Aide for the Delaware State House of Representatives, New Castle County Deputy County Director for U.S. Senator Tom Carper and State Projects Director for then-Congressman John Carney.

Cade joined Governor Jack Markell’s staff as Legislative Liaison in 2015. Last summer, Governor Carney appointed Cade to serve as DEDO’s Acting Director to lead the office’s transition, where he previously served as Deputy Director.

Cade lives in Wilmington with his wife, Kasmira, and two daughters, Jonnie and Toni.

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Cade currently serves as Delaware’s Director of Small Business, Development, and Tourism

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced his nomination of Cerron Cade – Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism – to serve as the next Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor.

Cade’s nomination must be approved by the Delaware Senate.

As Labor Secretary, Cade would lead a 420-employee department that oversees workforce development and training programs for the State of Delaware, unemployment insurance programs, labor law enforcement, and economic forecasting for the state.

“Cerron has a proven ability to lead, and the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this important role,” said Governor Carney. “The Department of Labor’s work connecting Delawareans with relevant job training and workforce development programs has never been more important. Cerron understands the needs of Delaware businesses from his time at the Small Business Division and, before that, at the Delaware Economic Development Office. I’m confident that Cerron’s experience will serve Delaware and Delaware workers well. I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering his nomination.”

Last year, as Acting Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), Cade managed the dissolution of DEDO and the creation of the new Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism within the Delaware Department of State. Currently, he serves as the Division’s Director, leading a team responsible for providing key services to Delaware businesses, administration of the Delaware Strategic Fund, and marketing Delaware as a premier tourist destination.

During his time at DEDO and the newly-created division, Cade has led the state’s efforts to attract businesses and good-paying jobs to Delaware, keep them here, and ensure that Delaware remains a leading state for businesses to grow and thrive. If confirmed by members of the Delaware Senate, he will bring that experience to the Department of Labor, where he will lead state efforts to connect Delaware businesses with talented workers, and develop relevant workforce development and training programs.

“I am honored to be nominated by Governor Carney to lead the Department of Labor,” said Cade. “Connecting Delaware businesses with skilled employees has been a large part of my focus as DEDO has transitioned into the new Division. If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to using that experience to help the state’s workforce thrive in this changing economy.”

Cade would replace Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, who will join Delaware State University as Dean of Graduate, Adult, and Continuing Studies next month. Gilliam-Johnson will leave office as Labor Secretary on February 2.

“Secretary Gilliam-Johnson has led the Department of Labor with distinction during a time where we have faced many challenges across state government and have been focused on the importance of building strong, inclusive environments where people feel valued and supported,” said Governor Carney. “I could not be more grateful for her service.”

Cade grew up in Washington D.C. and moved to Delaware to study Political Science and Law Studies at Delaware State University. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact and following his passion for public service, Cade has worked as a Legislative Aide for the Delaware State House of Representatives, New Castle County Deputy County Director for U.S. Senator Tom Carper and State Projects Director for then-Congressman John Carney.

Cade joined Governor Jack Markell’s staff as Legislative Liaison in 2015. Last summer, Governor Carney appointed Cade to serve as DEDO’s Acting Director to lead the office’s transition, where he previously served as Deputy Director.

Cade lives in Wilmington with his wife, Kasmira, and two daughters, Jonnie and Toni.

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Proposal offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave, would make Delaware the 6th state to offer the benefit to public workers

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney joined members of the General Assembly on Tuesday to call for passage of legislation that would offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave to state workers. The bill, House Bill 3, would allow state workers to care for their families without losing wages, and would make Delaware just the 6th state to offer the benefit to public workers.

Governor Carney hosted Tuesday’s announcement in his Legislative Hall office as lawmakers returned to Dover for the second half of the 149th General Assembly.

“Delaware can and should lead on this issue,” said Governor Carney. “This legislation is about supporting our state workers – and creating a workplace that values family. Workers deserve time to spend with their families when their children are born, and this benefit will help us attract and keep good employees. Thank you to the state workers, members of the General Assembly, and advocates who are leading on this issue. I urge lawmakers to offer their full support for this legislation.”

“As a nurse and a mother, I can tell you, those first days and weeks at home with a new baby or child are the most crucial for both the parent and the child,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “It can also be a stressful time, and the worry of getting the time off, as well as a paycheck, shouldn’t be a barrier to establishing a strong and healthy family bond. It is essential, and everyone should be able to enjoy these types of benefits.”

“The State of Delaware has an opportunity to lead on leave, and I am so encouraged by the support of my colleagues and Gov. Carney. Our dedicated state workers deserve to have the time to experience the all-important and educational “firsts” with a new child, without the anxiety of leaving their child too soon,” said Representative Debra Heffernan, the prime sponsor of House Bill 3. “Having a child is completely life-changing, and we should be supporting our state workers as they navigate that experience.”

“Many of our state workers rely on two incomes to cover household expenses so taking unpaid leave is not an option. The availability of paid parental leave will be transformative to those working families, so they don’t have to choose between their career or their home life,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, co-sponsor of House Bill 3. “I am so proud to see Gov. Carney back this policy. Delaware has the chance to be one of the leading states on this issue and we need to continue to champion the discussion around it.”

“Anyone who’s been a working parent understands how hard it is to leave a newborn at home so that you can pay your bills,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry. “Paid parental leave is a step forward and for thousands of moms and dads across Delaware, but it’s also key to our kids’ futures and to the strength of our communities. This is common-sense health and economic policy that I’m proud to support, and I’m glad that Gov. Carney is stepping up for moms and dads across our state.”

The United States is one of only nine countries in the world – and the only industrialized nation – that does not offer paid maternity leave, and one of only a handful of high-wealth nations that does not offer paid paternity or parental leave. House Bill 3 would make Delaware a leader on the issue. Under the legislation, full-time state employees, including teachers, would be eligible for 12 weeks of paid maternity or paternity leave after one year of employment. Parents would be eligible for leave for up to one year after the birth of a child, or the adoption of a child under the age of six.

Passage of House Bill 3 would make Delaware the sixth state to offer paid parental leave for state workers. Delaware would join Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, and Washington D.C. in extending the benefit to public workers.

More and more, families rely on two incomes to cover household expenses, and lose billions in wage by taking unpaid leave to care for their families. Nationally, nearly one-quarter of moms are back at work within two weeks of giving birth.

“We are thankful to Governor Carney for supporting House Bill 3 and paid parental leave for state workers,” said Mike Matthews, President of the Delaware State Education Association. “When starting or adding to their families, our educators and state workers need to be able to spend the time needed at home with their newborns or newly adopted children.  They shouldn’t have to choose between bonding with their new arrival and putting food on the table or paying their bills.”

“This legislation will help state workers remain together with their families during an important time in their lives, without having to worry about how they’re going to pay the bills,” said Michael Begatto, Executive Director of Council 81 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “We are very pleased that Governor Carney and legislators are considering the needs of state workers and their families, and thank them for moving forward with this legislation.”

“The bond between a parent and either their newborn or adopted child is the most fundamental element contributing to the healthy family unit as we envision it,” said Dr. Richard Henderson, President of the Medical Society of Delaware. “The 12 weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth or the adoption of an infant or child up to 6 years of age proposed in this bill removes the economic penalties and pressures associated with this life-altering choice. Equally as important is that it provides for the opportunity for this critical bonding to occur. The physicians of Delaware are glad to see the Governor’s support for this important legislation.”

“This bill would set a new standard for how states should and can invest in their workforce when it comes to paid parental leave,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy at the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We are thrilled that Governor Carney and legislators are prioritizing a bill that recognizes the importance that both mothers and fathers play in child development.”

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Photo caption: Gov. Carney announces support for House Bill 3, which would allow paid paternal leave for state workers.

Division of Revenue Director Jennifer R. Hudson has announced that the Delaware individual income tax season will begin on Monday, January 29, 2018, concurrently with the opening of the federal individual tax season announced by the IRS. While this is slightly later than previous years, the January 29 date was set to ensure the security and readiness of key tax processing systems, and to assess the potential impact of tax legislation on 2017 tax returns. Delaware will begin issuing income tax refunds on Monday, February 19, 2018. The State of Delaware will begin to accept business tax returns on January 16, 2018.

Electronic filing remains the fastest and safest way to file your personal income tax returns. Delaware will continue to offer taxpayers the opportunity to file for free through the Division of Revenue website. Delaware’s user-friendly system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and allows taxpayers to file their returns and schedule payments to be made closer to the April 30, 2018 deadline. You may pay your State of Delaware taxes using a credit card, or by debiting your bank account.

If you prefer to use tax-preparation software, you can electronically file your federal and state income tax returns for a fee. Many of these products also offer free-filing options for Delaware taxpayers who meet one of the following qualifications:

• Those with adjusted gross income that is less than the software’s established means criteria; or
• Active-duty military with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less (including Reservists and National Guard); or
• Those who qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Returns filed in hard copy are processed using a modernized system that identifies tax filings based on the return type. Any taxpayer who files a 2017 tax return using a prior-year return, or who modifies the paper return in some way, could experience significant delays. Paper tax returns will be available at local libraries, Revenue’s three public service offices, or via download at de.gov/17taxforms.

Delaware individual income tax returns will be due on or before April 30, 2018. It is important to remember that anyone who has worked in Delaware must file a Delaware tax return, even if they are not a Delaware resident. Similarly, Delaware residents who work in another state are required to file returns with Delaware in addition to the state in which they worked.
By law, Delaware employees should receive their W-2 forms from their employers no later than January 31, 2018 for any job worked during the 2017 calendar year. If you have not received a W-2 by January 31, 2018 please contact your employer.