Proposal offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave, would make Delaware the 6th state to offer the benefit to public workers DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney joined members of the General Assembly on Tuesday to call for passage of legislation that would offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave to state workers. The bill, […]

Cade currently serves as Delaware’s Director of Small Business, Development, and Tourism WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced his nomination of Cerron Cade – Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism – to serve as the next Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. Cade’s nomination must be […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of Cerron Cade to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor: “Cerron has the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this important role, and I want to thank members of the Delaware Senate for their […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday released the following statement on the Christina Board of Education’s vote to approve a Memorandum of Understanding to invest in Christina’s Wilmington schools: “Thank you to the members of the Christina Board for their important vote tonight on this MOU. This is just a first step, but […]

Free, family-oriented career fair to expose middle school students, adults to careers in construction industry WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a family-friendly career fair for youth and adults to explore careers in construction. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is a two-day event in September that will expose middle school students, and […]

Expo to expose students, career-seekers to careers in construction WILMINGTON, Del. – On Friday and Saturday at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Governor John Carney and a dozen partner organizations will host the first Governor’s Construction Career Expo to expose Delaware students and Delawareans exploring a career change to careers in construction. The construction […]

Loan program would protect federal workers and their families during government shutdown DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney and members of the Delaware General Assembly announced legislation on Tuesday to help federal workers who live in Delaware and are affected by the ongoing shutdown of the federal government. House Bill 3, sponsored by House Majority […]

For Immediate Release July 22, 2020 Contact: Kenneth Briscoe Director of Communications Kenneth.Briscoe@delaware.gov   (Wilmington, DE) –  PHASE 2 of Governor John Carney’s Economic Reopening plan began on June 15, 2020. During this rolling reopening of the state’s economy, the restrictions put in place by Governor Carney in March 2020 to reduce the spread of […]

The U.S. Department of Justice has received reports that fraudsters are creating websites mimicking unemployment benefit websites, including state workforce agency (SWA) websites, and Facebook pages to unlawfully capture consumers’ personal information.   To lure consumers to these fake websites, fraudsters send spam text messages and emails purporting to be from an SWA and containing […]

Effective July 1, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) will quarantine New Castle County in its entirety due to established populations of spotted lanternfly found in Odessa.

DOVER, Del. (October 29, 2020) – Effective October 30, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) will add Kent County in its entirety to the current spotted lanternfly quarantine of New Castle County. The expansion is due to established populations of spotted lanternfly found in Smyrna, Dover, and Harrington this past week. At this point in […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is offering extensions and COVID credit exemptions for individuals who have exhausted all options in earning their continuing education credits needed to maintain their nutrient management or pesticide certifications.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is warning anyone who purchased turtles, specifically the red-eared slider turtle, between August 2020 and January 2021 to take extra precautions to prevent illness.

The Delaware Forest Service plans to conduct a 48-acre controlled burn in the City of Lewes on Friday, April 23, beginning around mid-morning. Residents and visitors in the area might see smoke and should not be alarmed. The 48-acre site is primarily coastal marsh with phragmites and other vegetation. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel buildup and restore native marsh habitat. The area was last burned in 2008. The area has been treated several times over the past ten years to control phragmites, (Phragmites australis), which outcompetes native vegetation and lowers the local plant biodiversity.

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. proclaimed Arbor Day in Delaware at a ceremony at Rehoboth Elementary School attended by 5th-grade students and staff, members of the General Assembly, and city and state officials. The event recognized Mayor Stan Mills and the City of Rehoboth Beach for its 30th year as a Tree City USA. Governor Carney also honored student winners in the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. Two new oak trees were planted on the school campus for the event.

Delaware's three-person Type 6 engine crew is now fighting the 2,000-acre Dexter Fire in the Inyo National Forest of southern California. Reported on July 12, the lightning-caused blaze is actively burning in brush and timber with only 13 percent containment. Leading the crew is the Delaware Forest Service's southern regional forester and engine boss Erich Burkentine of Milton, along with engine boss trainee Nikki Testa of Newark, and firefighter Hunter Melson of Milford. The crew mobilized on July 13 and is scheduled for a 21-day assignment. Delaware's crew is facing high temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty afternoon winds on the Dexter Fire as they are conducting initial attack, digging fire line, and felling trees.

Delaware's Type 2IA wildfire crew is headed to the Northern Rockies to join the national firefighting effort. The team of 20 firefighters departed Blackbird State Forest and is traveling by ground transportation to Montana for an eventual assignment in that region. This is the crew’s first assignment of 2021. Last year, Delaware sent a 20-person crew to fight blazes in Arizona and California. Delaware's team is a mix of veterans and rookies, drawn from both public agencies and the private sector, who completed their certification by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. After four days of travel, the crew will complete a planned 14-day assignment before returning to the First State.

Public invited to enter trees they plant in new TEDI tracker NEW CASTLE, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday launched a new program that aims to plant a tree for every Delawarean as part of the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This initiative was originally announced in Governor Carney’s 2020 State of […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, 30 food and agriculture groups released the sixth annual Feeding the Economy report, a historic farm-to-fork economic analysis revealing how these sectors influence the local and broader United States economies. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s study highlights how the industries remained resilient to provide Americans with jobs, economic opportunity, and safe […]

 Gov. John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse and volunteers April 11 to plant trees on farmland recently acquired by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation for Killens Pond State Park. Pictured, from left to right, STRIVE program student Richard […]

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day at Rehoboth Elementary School by spotlighting his “Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative” in a ceremony attended by members of the General Assembly, state and local officials, schoolchildren, and their families. Governor Carney recognized two of Delaware’s 14 Tree City USA communities – the City of Rehoboth Beach for 31 years and Dover Air Force Base for 30 years – and also honored student winners in the annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. The event culminated with the planting of 10 new native trees on the school campus. Photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNDjt

Governor Carney, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nikko Brady, and state legislators honored four Delaware farm families for their commitment to keeping farmland within the family for 100 years.

Five years after the first confirmed spotted lanternfly was found in New Castle County in 2017, the spotted lanternfly has made its way to Sussex County, creating a statewide quarantine for this invasive pest.

The Delaware Forest Service mobilized a 19-person wildfire crew from Blackbird State Forest to northern California. The crew will travel cross-country to join other wildfire crews to battle blazes as the number of wildfires in the area continue to grow, sparked by hot, dry, and windy weather combined with an unstable atmosphere, creating lightning-caused fires.

Delaware’s agricultural producers will return to the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington from January 9-12, 2023, for an in-person Ag Week experience. The much-awaited return to an in-person event will allow attendees to explore the latest and most valuable innovations while networking with other producers, industry experts, and agricultural vendors and exhibitors.

Whether you are headed to the state fair from the city, suburbs, or our rural communities, the Delaware State Fair is a perfect opportunity to learn about agriculture, the state’s top industry.

The Delaware Forest Service mobilized a 3-person wildland fire engine crew from Blackbird State Forest on July 28th for a fire assignment to Wawona, California. Working with the Yosemite National Park’s Emergency Communication Center and various agencies from all over the country, the crew will be working on patrolling and isolating new fire starts due to human activity and lightning strikes.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to execute a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in February or March. This prescribed burn will help manage nearly 30 acres of meadowland near the park’s nature center.

Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware state flag at State facilities be lowered to half staff on Monday, August 31 in observance of Overdose Awareness Day. The Governor’s order only applies to State facilities, however local governments, businesses and Delawareans flying the Delaware state flag are encouraged to participate as well. The Delaware state […]

Fourth annual report highlights State accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the fourth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February of 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, and provide […]

Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared through his signing of SJR4. We encourage local governments, businesses and Delawareans to do the same to promote awareness of overdose prevention and acknowledge all who have suffered the […]

In observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a time to honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world, Governor Carney in conjunction with President Biden, has ordered both […]

Fifth annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney released the fifth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, […]

In conjunction with President Biden, Governor Carney has extended the order lowering both the American and Delaware flags to half-staff at all State buildings and facilities until sunset on Saturday, December 11, 2021 as a mark of respect for the passing of former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph Dole.

In recognition of the passing of former State Senator Robert “Bob” L. Venables, Sr. and former State Senator and Representative Winifred Theodora “Winnie” Spence, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff through Sunday, January 2 as a mark of respect for their service to the State […]

In recognition of Chief Pridemore’s service to the State of Delaware, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 15, 2022.

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022 in memory of the more than 1 million Americans who have died from COVID-19.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $5.0 billion Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for the State of Delaware, a sustainable financial plan that makes investments in Delaware public schools and education programming. The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, includes pay increases for state employees, including 2% to 9% increases for all merit employees and increases for […]

Flag Lowering for International Overdose Awareness Day Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 6. We encourage local governments, businesses and Delawareans to do the same to promote […]

Plan focuses on strengthening economy, investing in public schools, supporting families and workforce, and protecting the environment.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas, and in concurrence with the President Biden’s order, Governor John Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 11, 2023.

Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 2.

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 until sunset on Friday, October 13, 2023 to honor those who have lost their lives due to recent violence in Israel

Seventh annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday released the seventh annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR under Executive Order #4 in February 2017 to identify ways for State government to sustain its culture of continuous improvement […]

Governor Carney presented his Fiscal Year 2025 Recommended Budget sending the General Assembly a plan that will strengthen Delaware’s economy, invest in public schools, support Delaware’s families and workforce, and protect our environment.

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 22, 2021) Forty-eight individuals and 13 groups will be honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 17, 2022. The recipients will be recognized for significant contributions, engagement and impact in diverse service activities. Throughout the month of December, staff members […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) — Due to challenges presented by recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the state, the State Office of Volunteerism has made the difficult decision to postpone the Virtual Ceremony honoring the 48 individuals and 13 groups selected to receive the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. The ceremony will now air […]

DOVER, DE (February 4, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 3, 2022. Although DPH reports decreasing data trends in hospitalization and new positive cases, it warns against complacency. Delawareans should continue to exercise […]

Nominations for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through March 27. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s youth volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced in May.

Eligible Families Will Be Reimbursed for Cost of Meals That Would Have Been Available in Schools NEW CASTLE (March 2, 2022) – Delaware households with children affected by school closures or reduced in-person hours or attendance caused by COVID-19 will receive emergency food assistance benefits under the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. Eligible households […]