DELAWARE- In front of the general assembly, Delaware Governor John Carney touched on the challenges COVID-19 has presented.
"These last two years have brought unprecedented challenges for every Delaware family," Carney said. "Many have lost loved ones. Others lost their business. Our children missed important time in classrooms."
But there have been accomplishments as well in the fight against the pandemic.
"Because of the efforts of so many, we were one of only 20 states to meet President Biden’s goal," Carney said. "Seventy percent of adults vaccinated by the Fourth of July. This work simply saved lives."
While the pandemic has had twists and turns, the economy is heading back in the right direction. He said employers have added 20,000 new jobs and unemployment has significantly decreased since the start of the pandemic.
"Delaware’s economy has rebounded from the worst effects of COVID-19 more quickly than we could’ve imagined. Our unemployment rate is now just above five percent, down from a high of 13.4 percent in April 2020.
Most pertinent to Sussex County is the commitment to protecting the environment and its resources. The governor says that thanks to federal help, $400 million will be invested in Delaware’s clean water infrastructure.
"We’re focused on underserved communities," Carney said. "This is an unprecedented opportunity to fix long standing problems."
No matter the circumstances, Governor Carney says Delawareans are strong and able to rebound.
"Delawareans have proven their resilience," Carney said. "Every time they’ve been knocked down, they get back up."
Towards the end of his address, Governor Carney paid tribute to the late Ruth Ann Minner by comparing the current times with her handling of issues. He said she made tough calls and stood by them and considered every issue by thinking how it would affect people’s every day lives.