Governor signs HJR 2, creating the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission; first meeting set for February 10, 2015

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell today announced the membership and the preliminary meeting schedule of the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission. The Governor also announced that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security has hired two leading public safety consultants to assist the work of the Commission.

Announced during the Governor’s State of the State address, the group is tasked with carrying out a rapid, fact-based, intensive examination of public safety strategies in the City and offering recommendations to address Wilmington’s significant problem with violent crime.

The Commission was established by House Joint Resolution No. 2, which was sponsored by the entire Wilmington delegation of the General Assembly and co-sponsored by all other members of the legislature. HJR 2 passed the House and Senate last week and was signed by the Governor on January 29, 2015.

Lew Schiliro, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and Joseph Bryant, Jr., Director of Public Safety for New Castle County, will lead the Commission. Other members of the Commission are:

• Chief Bobby Cummings of the Wilmington Police Department, appointed by Mayor Dennis P. Williams;
• State Prosecutor Kathy Jennings of the Attorney General’s Office, appointed by Attorney General Matt Denn;
• Governor Markell’s Deputy Chief of Staff Drew Fennell, representing the Office of the Governor;
• City resident Cassandra Marshall, representing the Wilmington community and currently President of the Quaker Hill Neighborhood Association;
• City resident Darryl Chambers, representing the Wilmington community, and currently a researcher at the University of Delaware’s Center for Drugs and Health Studies;
• Rick Gessner, Vice President and Delaware Market Liaison at Capital One, representing the Wilmington business community; and
• James Wright, a retired officer of the Wilmington Police Department.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security has retained the Police Foundation of Washington, D.C. and Vigilant Resources International of New York to serve as consultants and assist the Commission in its work.

The Police Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping police be more effective by working closely with police officers and agencies across the country and providing research and evaluation of police strategies. The Police Foundation’s work will be led by Jim Burch (Vice President; former Assistant Director of the ATF and Deputy Assistant Attorney General), Jim Bueerman (President; former Police Chief, Redlands, CA) and Blake Norton (Vice President; formerly of the Boston Police Department).

Vigilant Resources International assists clients with public safety analysis, strategy and capability development by drawing on years of executive, command, operational and technical experience with fighting crime. Vigilant’s work will be led by Howard Safir (CEO; former Police Commissioner of New York City); James McMahon (former Superintendent of the New York State Police; former Deputy Executive Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police); and Sylvester Daughtry (former Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; former President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); former Chief of Police of Greensboro, NC).

“New economic development investments, the growth of major employers, and the city’s many cultural assets are all contributing to make Wilmington a fantastic place to live and work,” said Governor Markell. “But for too long, the City has had a significant problem with violent crime. Other cities have reduced their crime rates, and Wilmington can too.

“We must do more to ensure we take the most effective approach to fighting crime. I very much appreciate the commitment of all the members of the Commission and the leadership of Lew Schiliro and Joe Bryant to fulfill that mission.”

“This Commission will undertake an intensive review of public safety strategies in the City,” said Secretary Lew Schiliro, Co-Chair of the Commission. “This is not easy, but we have a very capable commission and leading national experts helping us with this work. The Governor has made clear that crime in the City of Wilmington is a problem for everyone in Delaware, and I know all of us are committed to solutions.”

“I have been involved in policing for 39 years, and I know that with solid policing and community support, we can turn around neighborhoods and reshape lives,” said Director Joe Bryant. “This Commission can be a part of the solution and I look forward to listening to the community, to police officers, and to businesses on how we can improve public safety in the City.”

Meeting Schedule

The first meeting of the Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Walnut Street YMCA, 1000 Walnut Street, Wilmington. Future meetings of the Commission will be finalized at that meeting, but are expected to take place on the following dates:

February 17 @ 5:30 p.m., location to be determined

March 10 @ 5:30 p.m., location to be determined

March 17 @ 5:30 p.m., location to be determined

March 31 @ 5:30 p.m., location to be determined

The Commission will receive public comment at all of its meetings, with public comment focusing on particular subjects based on the content of each meeting. People interested in providing public comment should watch the state’s public meeting calendar and other notices for designations of the subject and any updates to the dates and times of particular meetings.

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Photos from the event

Governor highlights efforts to support job growth and strengthen schools as well as make improvements to Substance Use Treatment and Prevention efforts

Budget meets growing demands for services while maintaining fiscal responsibility

Dover, DE – Governor Jack Markell today unveiled a balanced budget proposal that promotes increased educational and job opportunities and strengthens the State’s resources for those battling substance use disorders. The budget maintains the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility by appropriating 98 percent of available revenues and sustaining a fully funded Rainy Day Fund.

“Our budget reflects our values,” said Markell. “We must ensure our children and grandchildren have the same kind of bright future that previous generations left behind for us, and that means concentrating our investments where they can have the most impact in creating economic opportunities for Delawareans.”

At today’s budget release, Markell highlighted the difficult economic times Delaware has faced even as the state has realized significant achievements in creating jobs, strengthening schools, and improving quality of life in the state during difficult budget times. When adjusted for inflation and population growth, the size of government has decreased since 2009.

Supporting Delawareans to Seize Opportunities for a Bright Future

Educating Students for Tomorrow’s Workforce The budget proposes a significant increase in public education funding, including: $15.3 million for 186 new teacher units to meet the demands of increased enrollment in public schools; $9.8 million for salary step increases for school employees; $1.9 million to annualize and continue progress on the pay plan for paraprofessionals.

In addition, Markell outlined $9.5 million in additional state funding based on feedback from teachers, principals, and other school leaders about the initiatives that are having the greatest impact in Delaware classrooms. These resources will support specific requests from the education community and will sustain efforts begun when Delaware won the federal Race to the Top grant at a fraction of the amount provided by the federal government over the last four years. Initiatives include:

• Student intervention and response, which allows educators to better target high-quality instruction to match needs of individual students who are not making sufficient progress
• Support for English Language Learners, including bilingual programming, transition education, and additional English learning support
• School safety enhancements consistent with recent school safety efforts supported by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Grants to high needs schools for initiatives that have proven to help students, like extending the school year, providing three meals a day, and offering after-school and summer programs.
• Recruitment, mentorship, and retention of great teachers and principals, which includes maintenance of the statewide online hiring portal used by nearly every district and charter school to recruit and hire earlier.
• Tracking student progress and identifying student needs by maintaining and upgrading the state’s student data system, giving teachers access to information that helps them examine which lessons are working and how others can be improved.
• Supporting teachers in developing lessons aligned with the Common Core standards for college and career readiness.
• College access efforts, including College Application Month, financial aid help, school-day SAT, and continued expansion of Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses that provide opportunities to earn college credit.

“We should be incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in our schools,” said Markell. “Proficiency is up. More students are reaching their growth goals, and staying on track to graduate high school. The drop-out rate is at a 30-year low. And more students are earning college credit while in high school, and going on to attend and complete college. With the end of the Race to the Top grant, we have an opportunity to evaluate the investments we’ve made and use what we’ve learned about how to best support our students and educators going forward.”

Creating Opportunities for Delawareans with Substance Use Disorders

Like many states across the country, Delaware is facing an addiction epidemic that continues to grow each year.

Last year, 185 Delawareans died from a suspected drug overdose and nearly 10,000 adults sought public treatment for addiction.  Governor Markell’s budget makes significant investments in the area of substance use, including $4.5 million for the following improvements:

• Increase withdrawal management services statewide, both at the New Castle County facility and the new detox center in Harrington, which will open by June to serve the southern part of the state. As the first step to recovery for many individuals, this is a combination of medically monitored and clinically managed inpatient withdrawal services that provide individualized care to match each person’s needs.
• Double the number of sober living residential beds statewide from 60 to 120. These beds allow individuals who are in the early stages of recovery to live in safe and secure housing that is free from drugs and alcohol. When necessary, these beds accommodate needs for safe, secure, drug/alcohol free housing as the recovery process continues.
• Double from 16 to 32 the number of residential treatment beds available for young people age 18 to 25 who are beginning their recoveries. These facilities give young people a safe and structured place to live while in treatment.
• Add 17 residential treatment beds.
• Increase by 100 the capacity of Oxford Houses that provide a sober living environment where people in recovery start their lives anew. It brings the statewide total to 500.

These efforts are complemented by a focus on education, prevention, and early intervention.

“We will create a more flexible treatment system that meets the needs of individuals challenged by addiction where they are, as opposed to relying on a “one size fits all” model,” said Governor Markell. “At the same time, we will put an increased emphasis on education, prevention, and early intervention.”

Spurring Economic Development and Improving Quality of Life

The Governor’s budget continues efforts to invest in economic development that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Delaware’s communities. The recommended budget includes:

• $7 million to promote economic activity in designated Downtown Development Districts. Established last year, this program strengthens and enhances downtown areas by subsidizing rehabilitation and construction up to 20 percent of the total project cost. Three downtowns were recently designated to receive funding provided in last fiscal year’s budget, including Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford.
• $10 million for a container crane and infrastructure improvements at the Port of Wilmington.
• $1 million for the Federal Research and Development Matching Grants, continuing an effort started last year to encourage innovation.
• $2.7 million to train offenders with job skills so they are more likely to contribute to their communities and less likely to reoffend when they are released. The budget invests $1.2 million for renovations to the cafeteria at the James T. Vaughn Correctional facility in Smyrna to support the Matt Haley Culinary Arts Program and $1.5 million for the Automotive Skills Facility at James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility.
• $3 million to continue the Governor’s efforts to improve quality of life through statewide trails and pathways.
• $5 million for libraries in Delmar, Lewes, Route 9/13, and Harrington.

Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

As in previous years, the Governor’s budget reflects the challenges of limited revenues despite continued economic growth.

The Governor has proposed a combination of agency and program cuts and reduction to balance the budget while investing in education and economic opportunity in a fiscally responsible way. One of these proposals will reduce the growth of seniors’ property tax subsidy.  This subsidy has continued to grow as more Delawareans become eligible for it upon reaching the age of 65.  By 2025, the population of Delawareans over the age of 65 is expected to top 21 percent, at a cost to the State of more than $46 million, compared to $8.7 million at the time the program launched in 2001 when seniors accounted for about 13 percent of the state’s population.

The Governor proposes reducing by half the subsidy for those who qualify. Currently, property owners receive a subsidy of $500, or 50 percent of their school taxes if that amount would be less than $500. Under this proposal, property owners would receive a subsidy of $250, or 25 percent of their school taxes if that amount would be less than $250. This will save the State $12.6 million in the Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Operating Budget.

Final Budget Totals

The Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Operating Budget totals $3,900.0 million. The proposed Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Bond and Capital Improvements Act totals $385.8 million and includes $246.8 million in State agency capital projects and $139.0 million in Transportation projects. The Governor also set aside $45.4 million for Grants-in-Aid.

A power point of the proposal is available online: http://governor.delaware.gov/docs/FINAL_FY_2016_budget_presentation.pdf

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Photos from the event

Most significant advancement in expansion of treatment services in over a decade

Newark, DE – Building on efforts to reduce the number of individuals and families whose lives are impacted by addiction, Governor Markell today outlined a proposal for increased public treatment and recovery services in Delaware. Last year, 185 Delawareans, or about one person every other day, died from suspected overdoses.

“Across our state, families are worried that if their loved ones aren’t soon connected to treatment, any single day could be their last,” said Governor Markell, speaking in Newark at a sober living Oxford House for people in recovery. “When someone is ready for treatment, they shouldn’t be told there is not a bed available for them. Our commitment, and the commitment of our providers, is to take whatever step is necessary to connect people to treatment.”

The Governor previewed the efforts in his State of the State address, saying the state must make a substantial investment in services for those struggling with substance use disorders and noting that heroin incidents more than doubled in 2012 alone.

Specifics on the Governor’s proposal for increased services include:

• Increasing withdrawal management services statewide, both at the new detox clinic scheduled to open by June 1 in Harrington and at the existing center in New Castle County. Clinics will match services to individuals’ needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Doubling the number of sober living residential beds statewide from 60 to 120, allowing more individuals who are in the early stages of recovery to live in safe, secure housing that is free from drugs and alcohol.
• Providing a strong foundation for long-term recovery for young people age 18 to 25 who are beginning their recoveries from opiate addiction by doubling the number of residential treatment beds from 16 to 32.
• Increasing accessibility to residential treatment programs statewide by opening new programs statewide and closing the current treatment program on the Governor Bacon Campus in Delaware City. These changes are expected to be completed by the end of the year and will result in the addition of 17 treatment beds.

The proposal would support several efforts already underway, including the recently launched information website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, which features prevention information and tips for parents and teens, along with treatment and recovery resources for those already impacted by addiction.

“Our actions are guided by the voices and the courage of those who have been directly impacted by this disease,” said Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). “Through our work with Attack Addiction – which includes families of loved ones lost to the disease as well as those living in recovery – we have gained valuable insight into the gaps in the treatment system, and we are working to fill those gaps. We must ensure that we not only expand the capacity for life-saving treatment and recovery services but that we offer levels of care that meet the needs of those whose personal stories drive our efforts.”​

The proposal for increased public treatment and recovery services is one of three areas the administration is focusing on in terms of dealing with the addiction crisis.  DHSS and the Children’s Department are working with school superintendents and school nurses to address addiction from a prevention and education standpoint, while the Attorney General’s office, Department of Correction (DOC), and Division of Professional Regulation are focusing on the criminal justice and control aspects of addiction. Attorney General Matt Denn and DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe were both present for today’s event.

“A significant percentage of offenders who enter our State’s correctional system suffer from addiction and without the support of proper treatment opportunities in the community they face a greater risk of recidivism,” said Coupe. “The Governor’s proposal to strengthen community-based drug treatment services represents the kind of bold commitment Delaware needs to provide a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, support those who suffer from addiction, and give them the helping hand they desperately need to achieve and maintain their sobriety.”

Support for increased addiction services has been noticeable both within the healthcare and advocacy communities, as well as among members of General Assembly. During his remarks today, the Governor acknowledged several legislators for their commitment to increasing services and for their support of reform efforts necessary in the public treatment system.

“It is good to have addiction take a prominent place in the Governor’s initiatives,” said Rep. Mike Barbieri, chair of the House Health & Social Services Committee. “I believe that we have to identify and fill the gaps in our service delivery system and support our providers in the transformation and strengthening of this system.​”

On Thursday, the Governor will present his full budget recommendation for FY16, which will detail spending plans with regard to treatment and recovery for addiction. The total recommended budget for this proposal is $4.5 million.

“Drug addiction is truly a health care epidemic, like countless other diseases. I’m glad the governor is making it a priority,” said Sen. Bethany Hall-Long, D-Middletown, who chairs the Senate Health & Social Services Committee. “The victims of addiction extend far past the individual user. It can tear apart households, families and even communities. Offering treatment and a path to recovery for those who need it most is a vital public service, and it benefits all of us in the long run.”

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Photos from today’s event

Video of the State of the State remarks

Full remarks as prepared for delivery

State of the State agenda would create opportunities for Delawareans to embrace a bright future amidst a changing economy

Dover, DE – Governor Markell set his agenda for 2015 today, laying out a vision for Delaware to meet the challenges of the new economy and thrive in an era of technological innovation as the state builds on significant economic progress of the past few years.

Saying the state continues to grow stronger, the Governor pointed to job growth that consistently outpaced the national average over the past 24 months. It has been the fourth fastest in the country over the past year.

“Six years ago, we faced an economy in freefall and a budget deficit that was skyrocketing,” said Markell as he delivered his annual State of the State address. “Tens of thousands of our friends and neighbors would lose their jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of tough decisions needed to be made to keep our state afloat and serving its citizens. Dark times. But we knew if we worked together, we could help move our state to a brighter future. Which is why it gives me so much pleasure to be able to start today with this fact: There are more people working in Delaware now than at any time in our state’s history.”

In highlighting recent stories of job growth across the state, Markell announced today that Perdue is following up on its commitment by moving its agribusiness headquarters to Sussex County, adding 150 Delaware jobs.

“We have made great progress, but our rapidly changing economy poses significant challenges,” said Markell. “We can overcome these challenges if we embrace our future and seize the opportunities of a new era.”

Markell urged lawmakers and other state leaders to recognize that globalization and digital technology have transformed the economy. He said these forces threaten to leave many people behind as jobs are outsourced to other countries or new technology, but they also offer extraordinary opportunities if the state trains a skilled workforce, makes smart investments in innovation and infrastructure, and gives everyone a chance to reach their potential.

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Embracing A Bright future for Delawareans in the New Economy

Announcing the Delaware Promise

“I ask the General Assembly, our schools, our colleges, and our businesses to join me in committing to the Delaware Promise… By 2025, 65 percent of our workforce will earn a college degree or professional certificate. Everyone will earn at least a high school diploma.”

Markell announced three parts of the strategy to fulfill this promise.

• Create opportunities for high school students to graduate prepared for a bright future in key industries, with industry-recognized certificates and college credits. This Pathways to Prosperity initiative, which involves school districts, colleges, and employers working together with the state, will begin this fall with programs in the IT, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Health care and financial services will be added next year.
• Accelerate training of entry-level health care workers by Delaware Tech, which, through a partnership with a national organization, will offer opportunities to youth who have completed the Jobs for Delaware Graduates program for the most at-risk students.
• Address shortage of qualified IT professionals by connecting major employers with accelerated education programs and a “coding school” launching this fall, both of which will help train a new cohort of skilled programmers in months rather than years.

Strengthening Delaware Schools

• Attract and retain top teachers by improving the educator compensation system with higher starting salaries and opportunities for educators to earn more by taking on leadership responsibilities while remaining in the classroom. A detailed proposal will be offered this spring by a committee formed by the Governor and General Assembly.
• Examine ways to spur more innovation in schools and address inequities for high-need students through a school funding task force.

Increasing Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

“Everyone can contribute to our state when given the chance, but efforts to expand our workforce have traditionally excluded people with disabilities. They miss out on the fulfillment of gainful employment, and employers miss out on the talents of so many.”

• Launch two programs through the Department of Health and Social Services to support youth with disabilities in planning careers and provide specialized employment supports for adults with mental health needs and substance use disorders.

Spurring Business Innovation and Growth

“Just as every student – every current and future worker – deserves a fair chance to adapt to the new economy, we must ensure that Delaware businesses can embrace the future and make the most of their opportunities.”

• Eliminate red tape through regular review of old regulations and by requiring regulatory impact statements for new regulations.

Investing in Infrastructure

“The condition of our roads and bridges will deteriorate without more investment. It’s that simple.  On the other hand, investing in our infrastructure will promote long-term economic activity, while reducing commute times and improving road safety. And in the short term, we can put thousands of people to work.”

• Following up on the investment proposal the Governor offered last year, he told legislators: “Bring me your ideas on how to fund our infrastructure responsibly, and I will work with you to pass and sign legislation to accomplish this important goal.”

Embracing a Bright Future for Wilmington

“Over the past several months, I have been approached by hundreds of Wilmingtonians who love their city. They believe, as I do, that state officials have a profound responsibility to address violent crime. I’m confident that solutions exist… We need to do more to ensure that we take the most effective approach to fighting crime. And we need to do it now.”

• Conduct a rapid, fact-based, intensive examination of public safety strategies in the City through a commission to be established by a Joint Resolution. Working with an outside expert, Public Safety Secretary Lew Schiliro and New Castle County Public Safety Director Joe Bryant will lead the group, which will make recommendations that can be acted on by the City and by the General Assembly this session if necessary.

Embracing the Future of Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation

“We know that one of the best ways we can build a safer city and state is to improve the chance that those who were involved with our criminal justice system can get a job when they return to their communities.”

• Eliminate automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for Delawareans who have difficulty paying fines and fees, but don’t pose a traffic safety hazard, as they work to put their lives on track.
• Expand job training programs at correctional facilities, including auto mechanics and culinary arts, the second of which would be named the Matt Haley Culinary Art Program in memory of the noted Delaware restaurateur and philanthropist who credited culinary training in prison with turning his life around.

Treating Addiction

“I would guess everyone in this chamber knows someone who has been touched by substance use disorder. And the problem is growing. Heroin incidents more than doubled in 2012 alone. Last year, Delaware saw a death from an overdose an average of every other day. That means someone’s father, mother, or child died yesterday, and tomorrow we’ll lose another father, mother, or child.”

• Make substantial investment in a more flexible treatment system that meets the needs of individuals challenged by addiction where they are, as opposed to relying on a “one size fits all” model, while supporting education, prevention, and early intervention.

Ending Veteran Homelessness

“Recognizing our special obligation to veterans, nothing should disturb us more than the high rate of homelessness among former service members.”

• End veteran homelessness in Delaware by the end of 2015 through a plan to be released by the State Housing Authority and the Department of Health and Social Services.

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Lewes, DE – The U.S Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $975,000 Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant to the Delaware River and Bay Authority that will help bring new clean air technology to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and reduce toxic air emissions.

“Cleaning up our air and ensuring people’s right to breathe healthy air is a priority for EPA,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “The benefits of upgrading engines on the Cape May-Lewes ferry will help us combat climate change and benefit local air quality equivalent to removing emissions from 12 diesel tractor trailer trucks.”

The grant will support repowering the propulsion engines in the ferry boat M/V Delaware with EPA certified engines that are anticipated to annually reduce fuel use by 39,600 gallons and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 443 tons. In addition, the upgrade will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 39.7 tons and particulate matter (PM) emissions by nearly half a ton.

“We are grateful that the EPA recognized the importance of repowering MV Delaware, and the DERA grant will greatly assist that effort,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. “The new engines will not only burn less fuel and be more efficient, but emissions will also be reduced by nearly 40 percent.  In addition, we expect to save approximately $130,000 per year in maintenance costs associated with old engines.”

The year-round Cape May-Lewes Ferry service is a critical part of the Mid-Atlantic regional transportation infrastructure, carrying about 800,000 passengers and 300,000 vehicles annually on a 14-mile route between Lewes, Del. and Cape May, N.J. For more than 40 years, the ferry has offered customers economical and efficient transportation.

“This project is an excellent example of state and federal partners working together to find an effective way to improve air quality, reduce health risks and support the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce the effects of climate change,” said Delaware Governor Jack Markell. “The Delaware River Bay Authority deserves recognition for investing in these new engines. I thank our Congressional Delegation for their support in securing federal funding and to the EPA for providing the grant.”

“For every $1 invested through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return,” said Sen. Tom Carper, who co-authored the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. “The good thing about diesel engines is that they last a long time, and the bad thing about diesel engines is that they last a long time. Retrofitting or replacing older diesel engines can dramatically reduce harmful emissions but, despite the long-term economic benefits of these upgrades, there are few direct and immediate economic incentives. Programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act help encourage critical investment in updating our diesel fleets so they are cleaner and friendlier for our environment. The changes made to these ferry engines will be a breath of fresh air for the folks that live here in Lewes and in New Jersey.”

DERA funds are used to clean up the legacy fleet of diesel engines that were produced before more recent environmental standards. The DERA grant program is intended to help solve some complex air quality issues in port communities.

For more information on the DERA funding assistance program and other grant opportunities, visit http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/prgnational.htm.