Governor Carney to FERC: Utility Customers Should Receive Benefit of Tax Savings

Governor petitions FERC to require that utilities pass along savings of tax cuts to Delaware residents, businesses

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, urging FERC Commissioners to require utilities to pass along savings of recent federal income tax reductions to their customers – the residents and businesses paying electric bills. The following are excerpts from the letter:

“Since the last major tax bill in 1986, public utilities’ rates have included a federal income tax allowance of 35 percent, and they have accrued deferred income tax at that 35 percent rate, among other tax incentives. Unless rates are reduced to reflect the new lower income tax rates, transmission and natural gas utilities and their shareholders will reap the entirety of this benefit, resulting in unjust and unreasonable rates for their customers, our Delaware residents.”

“As you know, transmission and natural gas pipeline projects are expensive for Delawareans. To the extent that savings are available, they should be provided directly to consumers to reduce the costs of these projects. I ask that you open a proceeding to investigate whether the corporate tax rate reduction has resulted in unjust and unreasonable rates for the wholesale natural gas and electric transmission providers that serve the State of Delaware.”

Read the full letter here.

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New “Text-to-911” Feature Now Available Statewide

Governor Carney conducted live demonstration of the system to show enhanced capabilities

NEW CASTLE, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday recognized that Delaware’s 911 centers are now equipped to accept emergency requests for help through text message.

Today Delaware announced that all 911 centers statewide are ready to receive text messages in the time of an emergency.

“There are many emergency situations that occur each day placing our citizens in a position where making a call is not possible,” said Governor Carney. “Text-to-911 is a life-saving technology, giving our citizens one more way to reach out for help when they need it most. This is just another step Delaware is taking to make our communities safer.”

While “Text-to-911” is now available, voice calls to 911 are still the best and fastest way to contact 911 in the event of an emergency.

“Text-to-911” is meant for times when a call to 911 is not possible due to the caller being incapable of speech during an emergency, if the caller is hard of hearing, or if the caller is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call.

Recent upgrades to equipment and operating system software in 911 Centers statewide, funded through the State’s E911 Board provided the technology needed to support text messaging. This project transitioned the State’s 911 emergency communications system which operated on copper lines to an internet based system with more flexibility for communication and interoperability.

“As chair of the State’s E911 Board, I am extremely proud of this project as the system permits our 911 Centers to accept texting today and in the future will enable us to accept other types of electronic data including pictures and video,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Robert Coupe. “This project also provides new technology that significantly improves operations for our 911 Centers making emergency communication more reliable and efficient for our citizens and the public safety community.”

To quickly get help through Text-to-911, the first text should be short and include the location of the emergency and ask for police, fire, or ambulance. Texts should be in simple words with no emojis, abbreviations or slang. Texts should also not be included on a group conversation.

“The 911 system has been a literal lifesaver for millions of Americans over the years, and since its introduction in the 1960s, 911 has had to adapt to all sorts of changes in technology, public safety needs, and user habits,” said Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent, a longtime volunteer firefighter and member of the State’s E911 board. “There was a time when most calls came from landlines at physical addresses. That’s not true today with everyone carrying a cell phone. So by offering the ‘text-to-911’ feature, Sussex County and Delaware’s 9-1-1 call centers are once again adapting to change, and will now have the latest technology in place to continue providing the critical service our public expects. If one person uses this features and it saves a life, then it proves its worth.”

“Text-to-911 is a critical lifeline for those experiencing domestic violence and for other victims of crimes to reach out for immediate help when making a phone call is simply too dangerous. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability now have a powerful tool to connect with first responders,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “We should all be proud that our public safety leadership across the county and state are embracing wireless technology to provide a more efficient response. Call 911 when you can. Text 911 when you can’t.”

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Download the PDF fact sheet.

Governor Carney Recognizes State Social Workers

Governor signs proclamation marking March as Social Work Month

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday recognized the role of Delaware’s social workers as he signed a proclamation marking Social Work Month. The Governor signed the proclamation during an event at the Wilmington Public Library, one of seven libraries statewide where since January social workers have been stationed once a week to answer questions and connect patrons to social services.

“Social workers are a vital source of support for many individuals, families and communities here in Wilmington and throughout our state,” said Governor Carney. “The Social Worker at the Library program is just one way these compassionate, dedicated individuals help others cope and thrive in the face of life’s challenges, and help us build a stronger and healthier Delaware.”

At the libraries, social workers guide patrons through the state’s online benefits application process, steer them to resources that provide basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, health care, child care, and education; connect them with services to treat addiction or address domestic violence; and help them get training and opportunities to find and keep jobs with decent wages. This onsite assistance is provided in addition to the help available at the 15 state service centers.

The social workers who staff the libraries come from the Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Community Partner Support Unit, operated within the Division of Social Services.

“Our social workers are meeting the community where they are,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of DHSS and board-certified family physician. “As a doctor, I know some of the things my patients need such as housing, employment or transportation can’t be provided through a prescription. In the libraries, our social workers are finding another way to connect individuals to those support services.”

Libraries were identified as a natural fit for this outreach since many people who need assistance are already library patrons.

“Delaware libraries have become ‘force-multipliers’ for community outreach and engagement across the state,” said Dr. Courtney Stewart, Deputy Secretary of State. “This is another outstanding example of the added value our libraries can provide by partnering with agencies and organizations across the social services spectrum.”

“The Division of Libraries is delighted to have the expertise of social workers in libraries to assist patrons in need,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware’s State Librarian. “Now more than 150 agencies and nonprofits are partnering with libraries to extend their reach and effectiveness in providing services to Delawareans across the state.”

Social workers have helped about 150 people since the program’s launch.

“I was homeless for a couple of months, staying in abandoned buildings, on the streets, even benches. I basically broke down and told [social worker Chloe Mayo] my situation,” said Sharis Purnell, a 27-year-old Wilmington woman who recently found help through the Social Worker at the Library program. “She literally called everyone, all the shelters [and other emergency housing resources]. Everything is going to be OK. I’m staying positive. Just when I thought no one cared, I opened my mouth and got the help I needed.”

With additional help from the library staff and from the nonprofit Housing Alliance Delaware, Purnell was offered a temporary bed at the Salvation Army in Wilmington and has been accepted into that organization’s rapid rehousing program, which provides temporary housing subsidies to families and single women. She is also getting help applying for jobs.

“Sharis is 27; my son is 27. If my son ever had a problem, I would want someone to treat him the way I treat Sharis. They’re all our children,” said Chloe Mayo, a social worker in the Division of Social Services. “She’s not going to be able to get rid of me until she’s able to show me she’s on a path to success in life. I see her doing great things.”

Library patrons in Kent and Sussex counties are also benefiting from the social workers’ presence.

Social worker Mel Mahoney recently helped a man complete an online job application in the Dover Library when the applicant did not have a computer or know how to operate one. The man later informed Mahoney that he had been hired for the position.

At the Frankford Library in Sussex County, social worker Dorian Baker has been working with a man in his 60s who needed help applying for medical assistance following a recent stroke, and has returned to the library frequently with questions for Baker about his benefits.

The Division of Social Services has received positive responses to the library pilot program and is placing social workers from the Community Partner Support Unit at other pivotal sites, especially in and around Wilmington.

“We are present at the Hicks Anderson Community Center, Latin American Community Center, and the Department of Correction’s Cherry Lane Probation and Parole Office in New Castle,” said Ray Fitzgerald, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Social Services. “And we’re walking the beat with Wilmington’s community-police unit as part of the city’s West Center City neighborhood stabilization effort. It’s all about increasing access to services by going where our clients are.”

Here’s the statewide schedule for the Social Worker at the Library program:

• North Wilmington Public Library, 34th and Market streets, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays
• Wilmington Public Library, 10 E. 10th St., Rodney Square, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays
• Route 9 Library, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays
• Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
• Seaford Public Library, 600 N. Market St. Extension, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays
• Selbyville Public Library, 11 S. Main St., 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursdays
• Frankford Public Library, 8 Main St., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays

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Delaware Joins “States for Gun Safety” Coalition

Multi-state partnership is aimed at preventing gun-related violence

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware will join States for Gun Safety, a multi-state partnership aimed at preventing gun-related violence.

“Working together, states can take action that will directly confront the threat of gun violence, and reduce the toll it takes on our communities,” said Governor Carney. “This partnership will help us better share data across state borders, intercept the flow of illegal guns, and provide law enforcement with more tools to stop violence before it happens. Delaware is proud to join this partnership, and we look forward to getting to work.”

The Coalition was founded this month by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló also joined the Coalition on Monday.

“The members of the States for Gun Safety Coalition are excited to have Governors Charlie Baker, John Carney and Ricardo Rossello join us in this partnership,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Together, we can take steps and enact measures to protect our residents and our communities. A collective of states can broaden the reach and impact of gun safety laws even if Congress or the President do not take action.”

“It’s time for the horrifying mass shootings that have plagued this country for far too long to spur real action and real policy changes,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Our states collectively already have better gun safety laws than the federal government, and by working together to share information and bolster enforcement, we will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals and better protect our communities. If the federal government refuses to act, we will work together to enact the important reforms families deserve, and I welcome these new states to our coalition.”

“The addition of Massachusetts, Delaware, and Puerto Rico to this multi-state coalition is an important step toward regional cooperation to prevent gun violence, and I applaud these governors for being a partner in this endeavor,” Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy. “The massacre in Parkland – like the massacres in Las Vegas, Orlando, San Bernardino, Umpqua, Aurora, Sandy Hook, and countless others – are a tragic reminder of the urgent need to tear down political barriers and work together to make our communities, schools, and public places safer. I am hopeful that this represents the beginning of a turning point and that more states will join our growing partnership. That said, while we can make a significant difference, we need real and substantive action from Congress if we are serious about ending this epidemic of gun violence. It shouldn’t need saying, but the lives of children are far more important than any powerful special interest. It’s time to act.”

“Governor’s from both sides of the aisle are coming together to take action on gun violence. We cannot afford to wait another minute for Washington,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. “Earlier today, I signed an executive order establishing a state wide red flag policy, and Rhode Island will continue to take proactive steps to combat gun violence. By working together across state lines, this coalition will save lives. I welcome MA, DE and PR to our coalition.”

“Massachusetts is pleased to join the gun safety coalition to enhance the strong gun control measures already in place in the Commonwealth and our public safety officials will work collaboratively across state lines with coalition members to bolster efforts for stronger communication to keep our communities safe,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

“We need to bring attention to the fact that there is an undisputed relation between the lack of gun control regulations and recent acts of gun violence that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and that has brought together a Nation demanding action now,” said Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

As part of the States for Gun Safety Coalition, Delaware will join a multi-state task force to trace and intercept illegal guns in the region. Delaware will also work in cooperation with other partner states to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and response efforts related to gun violence. Participating states will leverage collective investigative resources in order to determine comprehensive, coordinated plans for gun violence responses.

Delaware will also now join partner states to share information about individuals who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm within each state. That information pathway enables law enforcement agencies to know if an individual has attempted to purchase or permit a weapon in a participating state. The agreement, in accordance with federal and state privacy protections, will provide state law enforcement agencies with details on the firearm purchase or permit denials for those who are disqualified. People may be disqualified from owning a firearm for several reasons, including an order of protection, commitment for a mental disorder, or criminal history.

Additionally, the partner states will also work together to designate an institute of higher education to join the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a multi-disciplinary data-collection group tasked with producing recommendations for reducing gun violence.

By working cooperatively, participating states are making an effort to tackle issues related to the epidemic of gun violence, even if Congress and the President fail to take federal action.

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March 8 Medicare Roadshow in Delaware to Feature Information on New Medicare Card

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 26, 2018) – Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers and others can find out more the new Medicare Card and other senior and consumer-focused topics and programs at the Medicare Roadshow, on Thursday, March 8, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Newark Senior Center, 200 Whitechapel Drive, Newark.

The free event is being offered in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 4 through 10.

The Medicare Roadshow will feature representatives from a variety of federal, state and local agencies, and consumer organizations who will offer information and provide assistance to attendees with the focus on programs and services for seniors. Organizations represented will include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, Wilmington Veterans Medical Center, Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Adult Protective Services, Home and Community Based Ombudsman, and Senior Medicare Patrol, KEPRO, Quality Insights, Delaware Attorney General Fraud and Consumer Protection Division, and staff from Delaware’s U.S. House and Senate delegation, among others.

Starting in April 2018, and continuing through April 2019, new Medicare Cards will be mailed to beneficiaries. The new cards will feature a unique new number instead of the beneficiary’s Social Security number. More detailed information about the new Medicare card, and tips for beneficiaries and caregivers, will be available at the Medicare Roadshow. Information is also available on the Medicare website at https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-and-resources/your-medicare-card.html

The Medicare Roadshow is open to the public.

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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.