Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell released the following statement regarding DuPont’s announcements of employee reductions and that its Specialty Products business would be based in Delaware.

“DuPont’s announcement today is deeply disappointing, especially to the thousands of Delawareans who helped this company grow and succeed for generations. DuPont’s number one asset is its people, and the innovations that the company has produced during its storied history are a testament to the quality of those people. For those affected by today’s announcement, they should know that the State will do all that it can in the coming months to assist them as they evaluate new opportunities.”

“I am pleased that DuPont has committed to basing its Specialty Products business here. That business will be well-positioned not only with products like Kevlar and Tyvex, but also industry-leading electronics and communications, nutrition, and safety businesses. We look forward to doing all that we can to promote the success of that business and will continue to urge DuPont and Dow to see the value of locating other businesses here in Delaware, where they have grown and succeeded in the past.”

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Wilmington, DE – The Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Samuel Shipley, a former chairman of the Delaware Democratic Party. He issued the following statement upon the news of his passing:

“Delaware is a better place because of Sam Shipley’s commitment and passion for public service. I am deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. He was an incredible mentor to me, and others, and I could always count on his sound advice when it was needed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”

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Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell released the following statement regarding the announcement of a merger between DuPont and Dow:

“Delaware has been home to DuPont’s global headquarters for more than 200 years and to an important Dow Electronics Materials business for decades. These are world class companies whose merger has the potential to spawn three well-positioned competitors in the agriculture, material sciences and specialty products sectors.

“I have spoken to DuPont CEO Ed Breen about plans for DowDuPont. We have talked about the great business environment in Delaware and the many talented scientists, engineers and business leaders who call Delaware home and who can be at the center of growth for the three new businesses. We will continue to advocate that Delaware’s many advantages can be of major benefit to the new companies.

“None of this, of course, is of any solace for the workers and families who will be affected by this transition. The state is committed to supporting those affected by DuPont’s cost cutting in Delaware.”

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Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell issued the following statement in reaction to today’s news that U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will leave his position in December:

“Secretary Duncan stepped into his role at a challenging time, when our changing economy means that the level of education and training our young people receive, from pre-school through postsecondary programs, is more important than ever,” said Governor Markell. “He recognized that we must improve the resources available for our schools to do their jobs, while doing more to hold our system accountable for serving all students.

“As a country we can be grateful that he never shied away from this hard but necessary work. As a Governor, I particularly appreciate his focus on challenging states to find new ways to increase opportunities for students, while providing unprecedented opportunities for us to implement innovative solutions through initiatives like Race to the Top and the Early Learning Challenge. His determination to get more of our youngest kids the opportunities they deserve raised awareness about the importance of high quality early childhood programs and raised expectations for what should be available to kids from communities that have long been underserved.

“During numerous visits to Delaware, Secretary Duncan showed a commitment to seeking out what’s working and what needs to be improved in our schools, and Delaware students are better off for his efforts. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family well in whatever comes next.”

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