Governor’s Weekly Message: Moving Forward in the New Year

(Wilmington, DE) In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights accomplishments in Delaware during 2013 while looking forward to the opportunities available in the new year.
“As we begin 2014, we have many reasons to feel rejuvenated and energized about what a new year has in store, most of all because we know the incredible talents and work ethic of Delawareans,” said Governor Markell. “We’re committed to giving our state the best chance to take advantage of those talents and reach our potential.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/ZIEfp4GqqmU
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Moving Forward in the New Year

Governor’s Statement on Weather Conditions

State of Delaware Offices Closed Today

State of Delaware offices are closed today (Friday, January 3) during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees have been asked not to report to work for this period. Essential employees have been asked to report as scheduled.

The Governor’s Office released this statement from Governor Markell on weather conditions:

“It appears that the worst of this snow storm is behind us, but cold weather and freezing conditions will remain throughout the day,” said Governor Markell. “DelDOT crews are actively working to clear primary roads. We strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from going on the roads to give DelDOT plows time and ability to work. If you don’t need to be driving, stay home until roads are cleared,” he said.

“State offices will be closed today because of road conditions and because it does not appear that state facilities will be safe for employees and the public until some point late today, if then. Other employers should evaluate for themselves whether and when their facilities will be safe and the status of road conditions in their vicinity and act accordingly,” Markell said.

State of Delaware Offices CLOSED Today

DOVER – State of Delaware offices are closed today (Friday, January 3) during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Governor’s Weekly Message: Sharing A Second Helping with Those in Need

(Newark, DE) – As a guest host for the Governor’s weekly message, filmed at the Food Bank of Delaware, Department of
Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf highlights a winter-long anti-hunger campaign underway in Delaware.

“In my agency, the Department of Health and Social Services, we serve 156,000 Delawareans who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits,” said Secretary Landgraf. “In November, cuts by Congress reduced our SNAP budget by $16 million. Working with partners like the Food Bank, we are determined to close that gap and make sure that no one goes hungry.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/ZCz6TNbK5WQ
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Sharing A Second Helping with Those in Need

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Sharing A Second Helping with Those in Need

As we celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new year, our thoughts often turn to individuals in our state who are struggling. I do not take for granted that I have a warm bed to sleep in and a pantry full of food. But I know there are Delawareans who are not as fortunate, and must often decide on living without heat, living without food, or both. That’s why we are joining with Delaware 2-1-1, the Coalition to End Hunger and the Food Bank of Delaware on a campaign called Share a Second Helping. During January and February, we will have barrels out across our state to accept your generous food donations. At my office in New Castle, we have a permanent barrel, and I am grateful that it continues to be filled. The campaign goal is simple: Collect 100,000 pounds of food to meet the immediate needs of Delawareans who are hungry.

In my agency, the Department of Health and Social Services, we serve 156,000 Delawareans who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits. In November, cuts by Congress reduced our SNAP budget by $16 million. Working with partners like the Food Bank, we are determined to close that gap and make sure that no one goes hungry. That’s why we are asking for your support. In addition to meeting the immediate need, DHSS will continue to reach out to individuals about the resources available to them. Most importantly, working with advocates, and the state and federal governments, we must find long-term solutions to the problem of hunger. From all of us at DHSS and on behalf of Governor Markell, we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year. And in 2014 and beyond, you have our commitment that we will work to reduce hunger in our state as we keep Delaware moving forward.