In conjunction with President Biden, Governor Carney has extended the order lowering both the American and Delaware flags to half-staff at all State buildings and facilities until sunset on Saturday, December 11, 2021 as a mark of respect for the passing of former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph Dole.
Governor Carney Extends Flag Lowering
Governor Carney Releases Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board Report
Fifth annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney released the fifth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, and provide cost savings over the long term.
The report highlights key accomplishments across State government in 2021, including:
- Saving millions of dollars for taxpayers through lease restructurings, long-term care delivery optimization, employee health care benefit initiatives, energy efficiency projects, and streamlining the State’s financial, human resource and information technology systems and procedures.
- Adopting COVID-safe practices saving millions in travel costs and thousands of person-hours by leveraging video conferencing, virtual hearings and public meetings, and virtual employee training and on-boarding.
- Continuing the GEAR P3 Innovation and Efficiency Award program that rewards state employees who demonstrate successful implementation of innovative, cost saving, continuous improvement projects.
- Expanding high-speed, broadband Internet service in Delaware’s underserved areas through public-private partnerships.
“Even while facing the challenges of a global pandemic, under the umbrella of GEAR, agencies throughout State government have worked to improve quality and efficiency in the delivery of state services,” said Governor Carney. “These continuous improvement efforts have yielded cost savings and service enhancements that are enabling the State to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”
The Board report, released each December, also provides policy and budgetary recommendations for possible inclusion in the Governor’s agenda and budget for Fiscal Year 2023. Governor Carney’s budget proposal will be released in January virtually and at the Delaware Public Archives in Dover.
Recommendations in the 2021 Report include:
- Support the “Ready in Six Initiative” to streamline and reduce permit approval process timelines and improve the State’s competitive position when businesses consider relocating to Delaware.
- Continue to expand participation in the Continuous Improvement Practitioner (CIP) Training Program focused on developing project management, program management and leadership skills of the State government’s workforce. To date, 21 employees have graduated and 15 are in training.
- Ensure transparency in the use of the more than $2 billion of federal COVID funds allocated to Delaware by broadly soliciting proposals to address the health, safety and economic impacts of the pandemic and providing access for the public to search payments to grant recipients.
- Drive improvements to digital government services enabling citizens to access state services anytime, from anywhere and on any device.
- Support projects led by members of the GEAR Field Team and CIP training program graduates that including boosting literacy, improving utilization of funds for youth and family needs, optimizing use of fleet vehicles, creating dashboards to facilitate data driven decision making, and implementing person-centered care models in the delivery of long-term care.
“GEAR continues to drive efforts in as many agencies as possible to deliver efficiencies and cost savings statewide,” said James Myran and Charles Clark, Executive Director and Deputy Director of GEAR, and Bryan Sullivan, Director of Management Efficiency at the Delaware Office of Management and Budget. “The GEAR Field Team of continuous improvement practitioners now includes 40 members representing 9 state agencies and the judicial branch, delivering value through the execution of more than 55 agency projects to make state operations more efficient and cost-effective and position the State to deliver higher quality services to citizens and businesses.”
Read the 2021 annual report for full details.
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Governor Carney Orders U.S. and Delaware Flags to Half-Staff
In observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a time to honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world, Governor Carney in conjunction with President Biden, has ordered both the American and Delaware flags be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 until sunset.
Also in conjunction with President Biden, Governor Carney has ordered both the American and Delaware flags be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Thursday, December 9, 2021 as a mark of respect for the passing of former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph Dole, whom President Biden described as “a statesman like few in our history and a war hero among the greatest of the Greatest Generation.”
In Memoriam: General Colin L. Powell
As a mark of respect for the passing of General Colin L. Powell and in recognition of his tremendous life of service to this nation, President Biden has ordered that the U.S. flag be immediately flown at half-staff until sunset on October 22, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff.
National Firefighters Memorial Service
In observance of the 40th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and in accordance with Public Law 107-51, Governor Carney has ordered both the American and Delaware flags be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from sunrise to sunset.