DOVER, Del.- Governor Matt Meyer delivered his first State of the State address Thursday, outlining his administration’s goals for the upcoming year. His remarks focused on education, healthcare, housing, workforce development and government efficiency.
Meyer called for a range of policy changes and new initiatives, urging lawmakers to work together and act quickly on shared priorities.
Among his proposals is a plan to reduce personal income taxes for most Delawareans, while introducing higher tax brackets for top earners.
On education, Meyer said his administration will invest $6 million directly into classrooms and emphasized support for early literacy and increasing teacher pay. He also encouraged lawmakers to pass a comprehensive funding reform plan by the summer.
In addition, he called for policies to keep cell phones out of schools and to expand access to affordable child care.
Meyer also addressed the state’s healthcare challenges, including long emergency room wait times and workforce shortages. He said the state will work toward establishing its first medical school and will invest in recruiting more doctors and nurses, particularly in Kent and Sussex counties.
On housing, the governor said he will soon sign an executive order to reestablish the Delaware Interagency Council on Homelessness. His proposed budget includes additional funding for affordable housing, downtown development, and the state’s Housing Development Fund.
In the area of economic development, Meyer announced a plan to consolidate workforce programs into a single office and pledged continued support for EDGE grants and expanding the Port of Wilmington.
He also said the state will move forward with launching its recreational marijuana market and that he will appoint a new Marijuana Commissioner soon.
Meyer proposed creating an independent Inspector General’s office and pledged to modernize outdated systems like unemployment insurance and housing permitting.
Following the address, Republican lawmakers shared their responses. State Sen. Dave Wilson, a Republican from Lincoln, said he was concerned the governor didn’t focus more on farming.
“I was a little concerned — what was mentioned about agriculture? It’s our number one industry. No, we don’t have the funding, but if we’ve got any funding that we can direct towards our number one industry, I think it’s a time to take a serious look,” Wilson said.
The governor closed his address with a call for unity and optimism.