Gov. Markell delivers State of the State address

Excerpts from speech provided by governor’s office:

“Six years ago, we faced an economy in freefall and a budget deficit that was skyrocketing. 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.”

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

“Today’s jobs do not look like those of decades past. Few high school graduates can count on a good-paying factory job or a stable career, with benefits and a comfortable pension. Manufacturing jobs created today — building fuel cells, airplane parts, and other high-tech products — require a much higher skill level than the jobs of generations past… 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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… More needs to be done and I will be proposing that we make a substantial investment in services for those struggling with substance use disorders.”

“Every one of us in this chamber is blessed to have the opportunity to serve the people of Delaware. But with this opportunity comes enormous responsibility to be thoughtful about the challenges facing our state and about the chance all of us have together to secure a brighter future for our neighbors… When given the chance, these individuals – AJ, Monique and Jerome — like many Delawareans, have chosen to seize the opportunities available to them and embrace a brighter future. It is up to us to learn from them so that we can ensure all of our people have that same chance – to ensure our children and grandchildren have the same kind of bright future that previous generations left behind for us.”

Read the speech: Gov. Jack Markell’s 2015 State of the State address