John Carney’s Year in Review

How did Governor Elect, John Carney, use 484 words to say: “I didn’t accomplish anything, but seeing the Pope was nice” ?

Read on to find out.

And for the record, I still haven’t heard how the Governor Elect feels about giving the CDC the legal ability to study gun violence.

January 6, 2015

Dear Jason330,
At the beginning of last year, I asked what you thought should be Congress’ priorities. As we start the New Year, I want to let you know what was accomplished, and what I will continue to work on.

I started last year with high expectations about what Congress could get done. I had hoped we could pass a long-term transportation bill with reliable funding. To do this, I cosponsored a bill that would fund our nation’s infrastructure by collecting taxes on corporate profits earned overseas, and fixing our international tax code. I had also hoped to reform our housing finance system and spent a lot of time developing a proposal to do that. And I’d sincerely hoped Congress would address the serious issues facing our nation like gun violence, restoring the Voting Rights Act, and climate change.

That being said, Congress did make progress on some important issues. We passed legislation to overhaul ‘No Child Left Behind,’ giving more power to our state education system and funding crucial K-12 programs. In addition, Congress reauthorized funding for our transportation and infrastructure system – while I didn’t agree with how it was funded, this was a step in the right direction. Lastly, we passed a bipartisan budget agreement that will provide us with a fiscal framework for the next two years.

I also introduced multiple pieces of legislation last year on issues that are important to Delaware. This included bills to help folks get out from under debt from medical expenses or student loans; to regulate political campaign expenditures; and to encourage low-income students to get college degrees in STEM fields.

Around Delaware, we held Veterans Office Hours, so I could meet with veterans in each county, and help them solve issues they were having with the VA. I also held multiple telephone town-halls, Coffees with Your Congressman, and Facebook Q&As to hear from constituents.

Last year provided us with both good news, and bad. The attacks on Paris, and San Bernardino, turned our focus more than ever to national security, and this has to continue to be a priority next year. Also, the news of the DuPont and Chemours restructuring has hit Delaware hard. I will continue to work to keep jobs in Delaware and minimize the impact on employees in our state.

A highlight of last year, for me, was the Pope’s visit and his address to a Joint Session of Congress. During his address, the Pope called upon America to follow the example of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. and provide the moral leadership needed to address serious problems around the globe. His message, and his optimism, were inspirational to all of us.

I’d like to wish you, and your family, a Happy New Year, and I look forward to serving as your Representative in the year to come!

Sincerely,

Governor Elect, John Carney