Delaware Gov. Jack Markell stresses job creation, economic growth in State of State speech

In State of State, Del. gov stresses job creation

DOVER, Del. — Delaware needs to focus on creating jobs and building a stronger economy while streamlining state government, Democratic Gov. Jack Markell said Thursday in his State of the State speech.

In an address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Markell pledged that his administration will continue working to foster economic growth while demanding a more efficient state government and better schools.

Prison health care costs, health care and pension obligations for state employees and retirees, and a growing elderly population are among the challenges facing the state, the governor noted.

“We live in a time of anxiety, of tempest,” Markell said. “… Navigating through any storm requires unwavering focus, clear purpose and bold action. During this storm, our focus is on creating more and better jobs and building a stronger economy for us all.”

The governor touted his efforts to balance this year’s budget while maintaining Delaware’s Triple A bond rating and not tapping reserve funds. But Markell warned that more work is needed to make government leaner and more accountable.

“We must realize further efficiencies while preserving core functions,” he said.

Markell said he will propose the consolidation of several state divisions, boards and commissions, and revamping information technology operations to save money.

He also noted that the state spent more than $42 million last year on medical care for prisoners, and that many inmates sentenced under minimum-mandatory provisions adopted in the 1980s are growing old.

“If we do not act, we soon will need to operate nursing homes within our prisons,” Markell warned. “We must examine who we’re holding in our prisons and whether we can provide a less expensive but safe alternative.”

Markell said his administration will promote community-based care for senior citizens to save money on nursing home costs. He also wants to revise health care and pension benefits for future state employees, which he said will save $75 million over the next five years.

At the same time, Markell, who will unveil his proposed 2011 budget on Thursday, said the state needs to invest in economic growth. He proposed more funding for infrastructure improvements and a “finder’s fee” to encourage existing businesses to attract suppliers, partners and customers to Delaware.

Markell thanked local leaders of the United Auto Workers for their work in helping attract Fisker Automotive to a shuttered General Motors plant in Wilmington, where Fisker plans to build electric vehicles.

“We did not give up on you and your colleagues, and we will not give up on Valero either,” Markell said in an unscripted reference to the state’s effort to find a new occupant for a Delaware City refinery that the oil company is shutting down.

The governor also said he supports funding of a center for high-tech laboratories, health sciences, alternative energy projects and other initiatives at an abandoned Chrysler plant in his hometown of Newark.

While promoting administration efforts to improve schools and hold students and teachers more accountable, the governor said more parental involvement also is needed.

“Government cannot be all things to all people,” he said.

Republican House Minority Leader said Markell’s speech contained some interesting proposals but few details.

“The money for some of this stuff needs to come from somewhere,” said Cathcart, R-Middletown. “Perhaps next Thursday he’ll tell us that in his budget presentation.”