Governor Jack Markell Purpose

I started the Governor Jack Markell group. Our purpose statement: Inheriting a record budget shortfall, rapidly rising unemployment, and a stagnant economy Governor Jack Markell took office in 2009, for the state of Delaware. He has worked to create and keep Delaware jobs in a range of industries, including re-opening a shuttered oil refinery in Delaware City and attracting new manufacturing to the site of the old Chrysler plant in Newark. The list of companies that have re-located or expanded their operations in Delaware under the Governors leadership is extensive. Education has also been Gov. Markell's top priorities, and as a result, Delaware won President Obama's Race to the Top competition to significantly improve public schools. Delawares plan was ranked first of 40 state plans by the U.S. Department of Education and was one of just two plans to receive initial funding. The State has focused on raising expectations for students; elevating the education profession; providing deep support to the states lowest-achieving schools and using data to drive decision-making. It is this initiative that has allowed Delaware to win a federal Early Learning Challenge Grant with a plan to dramatically raise the percentage of high-need children in quality-rated early childhood programs. Governor Markell has also focused on improving quality of life, with new and expanded libraries around the state, the start of universal recycling, significantly reduced air pollution, and with new pathways and trails that will make Delaware one of the most walkable and bike-able states in the country.