(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights ongoing efforts and initiatives for Delawareans to receive the skills they need to succeed in a global economy.

“We’re also making strides toward giving Delawareans who are struggling the most a better path
toward reaching their potential. Our budget improves and expands services available to combat
those suffering from the addiction epidemic. As a result of a new law and new state programs
started this year, we’re better supporting youth with disabilities in achieving successful careers
and financial security,” Gov. Markell said. “We have much more to do, but it’s clear that we
continue to make great progress. By continuing to focus on initiatives that provide more people
with the opportunities to gain the skills they need to get a good job and thrive in today’s
economy, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

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

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Eu8ExQnOKyw
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

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Achieving Delaware Promise

In my State of the State address in January, I talked about the Delaware Promise. It boils down to
this: we strive to ensure every Delawarean receives the education and training to reach their
potential and compete successfully in our changing economy. The budget I signed this past week and
the initiatives established this year will bring us closer to fulfilling our promise. Our budget
invests in expanding individualized support for struggling students, better tracking our students’
progress, supporting coaching and mentorship for educators and school leaders, and growing our
successful efforts to increase access to college. We’re progressing toward improving our educator
compensation system to attract and retain more great teachers, while examining ways to change our
75-year-old school funding system to direct more resources where they are needed the most. After
decades of calls for change in Wilmington, we’re on a path toward giving the City community better
opportunities to engage in their children’s’ schools by redrawing district lines. And we’ve
launched programs that allow students to earn college credit and workplace experience in key
industries before they graduate. We’re also making strides toward giving Delawareans who are
struggling the most a better path toward reaching their potential. Our budget improves and expands
services available to combat those suffering from the addiction epidemic. As a result of a new law
and new state programs started this year, we’re better supporting youth with disabilities in
achieving successful careers and financial security.

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell issued the below statement in reaction to today’s Supreme Court decision guaranteeing a nationwide right to marriage:

“The Supreme Court’s decision affirms what Delaware recognized in our state’s successful push for marriage equality. Equality under the law means honoring the loving relationships of all couples and their families. I’m proud that today our country has taken another important step in our unending quest to live up to our values and become a more perfect union.”

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June 12, 2015 – (Dover, DE) – The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has been honored by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for outstanding financial reporting. DSHA’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report earned a Certificate of Achievement for the twentieth consecutive year.

“We are constantly striving for excellence in the area of governmental and financial reporting, and this recognition shows that we are achieving these goals,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Since this award is the highest honor of its kind, we are confident the Delaware State Housing Authority is communicating financial information clearly, completely and accurately in its reporting.”

According to DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi, “This award represents a significant accomplishment by DSHA and the state government. Receiving this award for twenty straight years demonstrates our staff’s commitment to excellence. They have earned this national recognition for their exceptional work.”
DSHA’s Report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating the ability to clearly communicate the agency’s financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the document.

Celebrating more than 45 years of service, DSHA is charged with efficiently providing, and assisting others to provide, quality affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services, to low- and moderate-income Delawareans.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com.

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DELAWARE CELEBRATES HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

June 10, 2015 (DOVER, DE) – Governor Jack Markell today joined Delaware State Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, Delaware Americorps, Delaware Association of Realtors, Home Builders Association of Delaware, and Delaware Health and Social Services to proclaim June as Homeownership Month.

“Delaware’s commitment to housing is evidenced by our homeownership rate, which is second highest in the nation at 74.3 percent,” said Governor Markell. “That is only possible when public/private partnerships work together to provide the opportunity, outreach, education, and affordable mortgage financing needed to help Delawareans achieve the American Dream of homeownership.”

Governor Jack Markell

Earlier in the day, volunteers participated in a Framing Frenzy on Legislative Mall building the frame of the house that will be moved to South Kirkwood Street and become the Woodton family’s home.

Volunteers at Framing Frenzy

For more information on affordable housing programs, please visit our website at www.destatehousing.com or call (888) 363- 8808. To view more photos, please click here,   https://www.flickr.com/photos/destatehousing/sets/72157653952686690.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com.

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