Carney focuses on education, job openings in State of State speech
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Delaware Gov. John Carney delivered his State of the State address Thursday afternoon. The governor called on fellow politicians to work together to fill open job openings across the state.
For Carney's entire career in public service, the focus has been on creating jobs first. But he said things are different now.
"Employers have 37,000 job openings in the state of Delaware and there are just 21,000 Delawareans looking for a job. I've never seen a situation like this before," Carney said.
Carney said his own executive branch has 2,000 openings. He called for investment in education and retaining workers.
Earlier this week, the governor recommended teachers in the First State get a 9% pay raise.
There will be 3% raises for all who work in public education, as well as increases in "opportunity funding," which is directed toward low-income students and English language learners.
The state's website says the raises and funding increases are included in the budget for the 2024 fiscal year.