Governor Jack Markell’s State of the States Address as chair of the National Governor’s Association may have hinted at some of his priorities this legislative session.
Markell told reporters that the NGA wouldn’t likely take a stance on gun control in response the surge of calls for reform after last month’s deadly school shooting in Connecticut.
But he added he is nearly ready to unveil initiatives in Delaware that address issues raised by the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, including access to mental health, bolstering school security and guns.
“I will be, in the case of Delaware, literally in the next few days, rolling out initiatives around all three of those,” said Markell, who did not provide any details on those proposals.
The governor also touted last year’s efforts to review the quality of school safety plans throughout the state and to keep first responders familiar with them.
Markell also used his NGA address to chide the federal government for fostering continued economic uncertainty.
Markell said that uncertainty leaves Delaware and every other state hanging in limbo as lawmakers begin crafting their budgets.
Congress postponed decisions on across the board spending cuts, as well as raising the federal debt limit until late February and mid-March.
Markell says if the cap on the nation’s debt limit doesn’t go up soon, the consequences will be widespread.
“There will be disruptions in capital markets that could greatly impact state operations. And until these issues are resolved, states will not be able to make fully informed financial plans that will address the needs of our citizens,” said Markell.
He says he also hopes that Washington will allow states to continue tailoring federal programs to better serve their residents.
Delaware’s top lawmaker will deliver his Delaware State of the State Address January 17th.
