DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday delivered his 2024 State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly, announcing plans to strengthen our economy, invest in education, protect the environment, and responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. 

“It’s hard to believe – but this is my last State of the State Address as Governor. I think it’s worth a little reflection on what we’ve accomplished together and on our unfinished business,” Governor Carney said, noting the following achievements:

• We’ve helped create more than 30,000 new jobs since 2017. 
• For the first time in Delaware history, we’ve provided funding dedicated for low-income students and English learners in our public schools.
• We’ve given teachers a big raise.
• For three years running, we’ve implemented the largest infrastructure plan in state history. That means good jobs — building new schools, safer roads and bridges, and connecting Delawareans to the internet, up and down the state. 
• We’ve kept our fiscal house in order. We turned a $400 million budget deficit in 2017 to $400 million in reserves.

• We’re supporting an economic resurgence in downtown Wilmington.
• We’ve provided paid leave for Delaware families – and raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour. 
• We’re building more affordable housing units – so Delaware families have a safe place to call home.
• We’ve reduced crime, and our prison population is down nearly 24 percent.

Read Governor Carney’s full State of the State address, as prepared for delivery.

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s address:

Education

“No issue is more important to our state’s future than the quality of Delaware’s public schools. I’ve spent a lot of time the last seven years focused on strengthening our schools. Especially for children who need our help the most.  I know Senator Sokola and many others have been leaders on this issue over the years. Together, we created Opportunity Funding. A program that provides additional funding for low-income students and English learners. Our budget increases funding for this program to $63 million. I can assure you that it’s making a real difference.”

Economy

“My budget continues our investments in job creation. In the Strategic Fund, Site Readiness, in Graduation Lab Space, and our Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund. We will not lose the competition with other states for good jobs. We also have our eye on the future of Delaware’s economy. My budget again includes additional funding for the federal research projects, NIIMBL and SABRE, at the STAR campus at the University of Delaware. Both projects will build on Delaware’s strong foundation in science and technology. They will attract more high-quality workers to Delaware and spur innovation and business development.”

Crime

“If we want to keep good jobs and workers in Delaware, we need to make sure families feel safe in their communities. I know fighting gun violence has been a shared priority. Over the past seven years, we’ve banned assault weapons, bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. We’ve passed red flag laws and prevented straw purchases. This year, we’ll take another big step forward and pass the permit to purchase law.”

Group Violence Intervention

“Inside the administration, we’ve spent a lot of time on what we call Group Violence Intervention – or GVI. We started GVI in Wilmington and have expanded the program to Dover. Here’s the truth: it’s a very small number of people who are committing the vast majority of gun violence in these communities. They are part of groups that fight with one another. Through GVI, we are directly engaging with those individuals and the gangs and groups they’re part of. We’re demanding that they put down their guns. If they do, we will offer job training and other social services. For those who choose the path of violence, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Environment

“In December, we began negotiations with offshore wind developer US Wind to bring significant benefits to our state. And to take an active leadership role in offshore wind development. Under terms of the agreement, US Wind would bring wind energy into Delaware. We expect the agreement to bring more than $100 million in benefits to our state without raising rates. Those benefits include funding for workforce development. For dredging projects and for projects to mitigate the effects of climate change in our State Parks. Over the next several months, I hope you’ll join me in taking another big step forward. We are pursuing legislation that will make Delaware more of an active player in offshore wind. It will allow us to directly purchase wind-generated renewable energy. And to explore partnerships with states in our region.”

View photos from the 2024 State of the State Address.

Watch the Governor’s 2024 State of the State Address.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney has postponed the State of the State Address due to illness. The Governor has a fever and mild symptoms, but is in good spirits.

The Governor’s State of the State Address will be rescheduled and announced at a later date.

DOVER, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Thursday delivered his 2022 State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly, announcing plans to strengthen our economy, investing in public schools, and the importance of a sustainable financial plan, all while slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our state.

“So my message today is this: We will come through this crisis. And when we do, we’ll be ready as a state to move forward – together,” said Governor Carney. “It is my sincere hope that when I stand before you next year, the pandemic will be firmly in the rearview mirror. But the last two years have taught me that come what may, our state will rise to the occasion.”

Click here to read Governor Carney’s full State of the State address, as prepared for delivery.

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s remarks:

Sustainable Budget

“We can’t make investments in public education – or infrastructure, or public safety – without a long-term, sustainable financial plan. Responsibly managing our state budget is more important than ever. And it’s what every taxpayer I’ve ever talked to expects…. Next week, I will present a budget that stays true to these principles. We will again invest in our classrooms with the expansion of Opportunity Funding. We will use one-time revenue to continue the largest infrastructure program in Delaware’s history.”

ARPA Investments

“Support from the federal government – and our President Joe Biden – will help us build on this economic work in communities up and down our state. Using federal stimulus dollars, we’ll build and upgrade libraries in every county. We’ll help nonprofits modernize their buildings so they can better serve the people of our state. We’ll significantly increase resources for our gun violence prevention program in Wilmington and Dover. Working with many of you and House Majority Leader Longhurst in particular, we’ll use federal money to improve our state’s mental health services. We’ll supercharge our state’s largest infrastructure plan. We’ll repair roads and bridges, invest even more in public transit, and build out electric vehicle infrastructure. So important for the future.”

Workforce

“Supporting businesses also means supporting the employees who work there. We know workers are not just looking for a job. They’re looking for a way of life, especially as they start a young family. They believe that good jobs should also support their families when they need that support the most. And I agree. Senator McBride has introduced legislation that would build on the work we’ve done for state employees and extend paid leave into the private sector. It’s the right thing to do – and it will make Delaware more attractive for younger workers. I’d like to thank Senator McBride and Representative Heffernan for their leadership on this important issue.”

Wilmington Schools

“Over the past few months, I’ve been focused on making sure we finally deliver for the children of the City of Wilmington. Despite the best efforts of teachers and administrators, children in our largest city are not getting the education they need to be successful in life. We can do better – and we must. These children and their families deserve our best efforts. Over the last month, I’ve knocked doors and talked directly to parents and students. I know they’re eager for change. They want better. I’ve talked to, and heard from, educators in our City schools. The idea of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative is based on models we’ve seen be successful in other parts of the country. We’re asking districts that serve our students in the city – Red Clay, Brandywine, and Christina – to work together on behalf of these children. This model will place more decision-making in the hands of educators and local communities. And it’ll offer more support for students, families, and importantly the teachers in the classroom. It will place a hyper focus on these students and the challenges they face. It doesn’t solve every problem, to be sure. We will continue to work with Senator Lockman and the Redding Consortium to focus on issues around redistricting and the high school challenge for city students. These are certainly important issues. But we can’t let those issues hold us up. We can’t afford to wait. And we can’t afford to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Please join me in finally doing right by these children.”

Protecting Our Natural Heritage

“We’re also investing in our environment, and we have a new Climate Action Plan to address the effects of climate change. Not just because it’s the right thing to do. But because we know that vibrant outdoor spaces help attract new workers and families. I especially want to thank Senator Hansen for her work to protect our natural environment. Delaware State Parks continue to be among the best in the country. And you don’t have to take my word for it. In November, our Parks again received the National Gold Medal for Excellence. Delaware is one of only two states to win this award twice. Everyone should get out and enjoy our parks.” 

Housing

“State Housing Director Eugene Young and his team have been working hard to address a housing crisis that has been made worse by the pandemic. Using federal funds, the State Housing Authority is partnering with the private sector to rebuild the Riverside community in northeast Wilmington. It’s a very exciting project. The Housing Authority has made available $50 million in rental and mortgage assistance to Delawareans struggling to get by across our state. And over the next three years, we will invest federal dollars to revitalize and develop more than 1,200 affordable housing units in Kent and Sussex counties. That’s in addition to expanding down payment and settlement assistance for homebuyers.”

Broadband

“It’s also way past time to make sure every home and business is connected to the internet. Currently, close to 11,600 Delaware homes and businesses lack access to high-speed broadband. Delawareans rely on stable internet connections to apply for jobs, help their children do homework, work from home, or continue their education online. We’re investing over $100 million in federal money to make sure everyone has access to a hardwired connection. Mostly in Kent and Sussex counties.”

Behavioral Health Consortium

“We also continue to tackle the epidemic of substance abuse statewide. Our Lieutenant Governor’s leadership of the Behavioral Health Consortium is having a real impact. Despite the national rise in overdose rates during COVID, Delaware was one of only four states to see a decrease in the rate of overdose deaths. The Lieutenant Governor will continue to be a driving force to ensure access to treatment and prevention.”

In Memory of Governor Ruth Ann Minner

“As I think about the past two years, and how it fits into the long history of our great state, I can’t help but think about the recent passing of Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Governor Minner did not have an easy time leading up to being governor. Or during her two terms wrestling with your predecessors over a laundry list of sticky issues. One thing you could count on with Ruth Ann, though, was when she faced a political issue or policy choice, she always approached it through the lens of: how it will affect people’s everyday lives. And another thing you could count on, was that when she made a tough call – and she had to make many – she would stand by it.” 

View photos from the 2022 State of the State Address.

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At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, Governor Carney will deliver his 2022 State of the State Address. The event will be streamed on Governor Carney’s Facebook page, YouTube and de.gov/sots.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday delivered his 2021 State of the State address virtually. ICYMI: Rewatch Governor Carney’s State of the State address on Facebook, YouTube, and de.gov/sots.

“Over the past year Delawareans have worked hard, kept our focus, strengthened our resolve, and looked out for one another,” said Governor Carney. “As a result of the good work of so many, I stand here confidently, proudly, and gratefully to tell you that the state of our state is resilient. It’s determined. It’s strong. And it is getting stronger.”

Click here to read the full address, as prepared for delivery.

Click here to view photos from the event. 

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s remarks:

A strong economy

“When I stood in this chamber one year ago, we had a $200 million surplus. By April, the economic downturn, brought on by the pandemic, had wiped out that surplus. And like every state in the country, we faced a looming deficit. But unlike most other states, Delaware was ready. With your help, we spent the previous three years getting ready. With many of you, I hosted town hall meetings in communities across our state. We promised to build a long-term, sustainable budget. A budget that would work for Delaware families. And we kept that promise. We built up our reserves — while making investments where needed the most. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, we balanced our budget without cutting critical services. Without raising taxes on Delaware families or businesses. Without borrowing money to pay our bills. And without laying off state employees or cutting their pay – as so many other states were forced to do.”

Ensuring our students get the education they need and deserve

“This past year has tested every aspect of our public school system. And I want to thank our educators, school nurses, school and district leaders, and every single person who works in our schools. They have met this challenge, and put the needs of their students above their own. I also want to thank the parents, who filled in the gaps and kept their students on track at home, often while juggling remote work of their own. My highest priority as Governor remains the same. We need to ensure our most vulnerable students get the education they need and deserve. Students who are living in poverty. Students who are still learning English.”

Committing to racial equality

“This year laid bare the pain that our brothers and sisters of color suffer across our state and nation. It took away any false sense of comfort we may have allowed ourselves to feel that everyone has equal access to the American Dream. We have much work to do as a state and as a nation. First to heal. But to go beyond healing. To make fundamental changes to a system that for too long has denied the promise of equality and justice for all. This requires a comprehensive approach. To the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color. But also to economic empowerment, education, and issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”

Protecting the environment

“A critical part of making life better for Delawareans is protecting our environment. Last year, the legislative session was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as we know. But I made a promise to my friend, and former Senator Harris McDowell. I promised we would put the finishing touch on his legacy here in the legislature and set a Renewable Portfolio Standard this year. And so with your help, we will set a new goal that 40 percent of Delaware’s energy will come from renewable sources by 2035.”

Beating the COVID-19 pandemic

“Over the course of my 30 years in public service, and even during the course of this administration, I have seen government tackle countless, serious and complicated challenges. Nothing – absolutely nothing – compares to the last ten months. There are state employees in every corner of this government who have been asked to solve unimaginable problems, work punishing hours, and put themselves in harm’s way, to help us get through this pandemic.”

Safeguarding our democracy

“One of the most important things we did during this pandemic was safeguard our democracy. With the General Assembly’s help, we allowed mail-in voting for the first time. That meant hundreds of thousands of Delawareans could stay safe from the pandemic, while exercising their right to vote. And I look forward to signing legislation to make mail-in voting a permanent feature of our elections – from school board and town hall elections to the election for the President of the United States. Governments at all levels made it possible for public meetings, hearings and proceedings to be conducted virtually during the pandemic. In many cases it’s made conducting the public’s business more accessible, more transparent, and more efficient. We should all want more people to participate in our democracy – not fewer. So we should work together to make these practices permanent even after the pandemic.”

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