DOVER, DE- Governor Matt Meyer delivered his first State of the State address Thursday, setting the tone for his administration’s priorities.
Speaking before a packed Senate chamber, Meyer focused on three key areas: education, healthcare, and housing, urging lawmakers to take action to shape Delaware's future.
Meyer began by addressing the state’s literacy crisis, drawing attention to the disappointing fourth- and eighth-grade literacy scores.
"When I saw our last fourth and eighth grade literacy scores, I declared our literacy emergency in our state because a society that cannot read is a society that cannot succeed."
The governor called for major investments in classrooms and stronger support for both students and teachers.
However, not all legislators agree that funding is the sole solution to the ongoing education crisis.
Sen. Dave Wilson (R-District 18) expressed concerns, stating the money spent so far has not produced the results the state hopes to see.
"As I look at education for the money we've spent and for the results we've got, it's not all in money. If money would fix the problem, we should be number one, number two, number five… not 45."
Meyer also addressed Delaware’s healthcare challenges, particularly the state’s lack of a medical school.
"Delaware is one of only four states that does not have a medical school... We must make Delaware a great place to train doctors, nurses, and medical support staff."
Democratic lawmakers, such as Sen. Russell Huxtable (D-District 6), support Meyer’s push for a medical school, seeing it as a potential boost to healthcare access and the state’s economy.
"The desire to have a medical school, I think is really important... not just for access to care, but the economic opportunities it brings."
On housing, Meyer was direct, calling for solutions to Delaware’s affordable housing crisis.
"Every Delawarean has a right to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The rent is still too damn high for too many families."
Some downstate Republicans, including Sen. Wilson, expressed concern that Meyer did not address agriculture, Delaware’s leading industry, during his address.
"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 time to take a serious look."
Meyer’s address also touched on tax fairness, with his proposed budget introducing three new tax brackets for individuals earning over $125,000, $250,000, and $500,000.
With a focus on education, healthcare, housing, and tax policy, Meyer’s speech laid out a vision for Delaware’s future, as lawmakers now look ahead to the legislative work that continues until the end of their session.