Governor Matt Meyer delivered his 2026 State of the State Address this afternoon. The Governor, along with addressing challenges including climate change, political division, as well as issues related to the cost of living, highlighted the positives…
A large portion of his speech focused on work that is being done in the areas of early childhood education, affordable housing, as well as energy affordability.
Among the highlights of the Governor’s speech included the planned investment in early childhood education…
One of the aspects of childhood education the Governor is focused on is reading. He said a year ago, they declared a literacy emergency adding that every elementary school–Kindergarten through Third Grade– is now using literacy screeners, which is an early warning system to identify challenges. Governor Meyer says more schools are adopting the science of reading, which is backed by evidence-based instruction.
Also, in His State of the State address, The Governor called on the Public Service Commission emphatically telling them to halt approval of additional utility rate hikes.
Governor Meyer added that hard-working Delawareans are getting squeezed simply by turning on their lights and that rate increases far beyond inflation are unacceptable. The Governor also outlined efforts to increase in-state energy generation to stabilize costs.
Full Statement with Highlights of Governor Matt Meyer’s State of the State Address (from the Office of the Governor )
Governor focuses on collaboration in putting families first
DOVER— Governor Matt Meyer delivered his State of the State address to the Delaware General Assembly today, outlining a bold, people-first agenda focused on lowering costs for working families, strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving healthcare across the First State.
“Despite unprecedented uncertainty and challenges beyond our control, the State of our State is strong,” Governor Meyer said. “Now is not the time to shy away from difficulty. Because challenge creates opportunity — and opportunity, when met with purpose, makes us stronger.”
The Governor also awarded the State’s highest honor, the Order of the First State, posthumously to Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook. He also recognized Trooper First Class Scott Smith with the Governor’s Award for Heroism and Bravery.
Affordability
Governor Meyer emphasized that rising costs, particularly energy bills, are straining Delaware families.
“Hard-working Delawareans are getting squeezed simply by turning on their lights,” Governor Meyer said. “Rate increases far beyond inflation are unacceptable.”
The Governor called on the Public Service Commission to halt approval of additional utility rate hikes and outlined efforts to increase in-state energy generation to stabilize costs.
Education
Education remained a central focus, with the Governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to literacy, equity, and accountability.
“A year ago, we declared a Literacy Emergency, and we meant it,” Governor Meyer said. “If a child cannot read, they cannot succeed.”
Governor Meyer highlighted direct classroom investments supporting more than 4,000 classrooms and reiterated his call to modernize Delaware’s school funding system.
Housing
Governor Meyer described housing as one of Delaware’s greatest challenges, citing a shortage of nearly 20,000 affordable units.
“One-third of housing costs today have nothing to do with construction and everything to do with red tape,” Governor Meyer said.
He announced continued efforts to streamline permitting and accelerate affordable housing construction while protecting farmland and open space, along with plans to expand the HOPE Center model into Kent and Sussex Counties.
Healthcare
The Governor outlined a healthcare agenda centered on access, workforce growth, and innovation.
“No one would design an American healthcare system the way it exists today,” Governor Meyer said.
He highlighted Delaware’s success in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal rural health transformation funding to support initiatives, including the state’s first medical school, expanded healthcare training programs, mobile health units, and telehealth services.
Governor Meyer closed by reaffirming his commitment to responsible budgeting, transparency, and collaboration with the General Assembly to deliver results for Delaware families.
To read the Governor’s full State of the State address, CLICK HERE.
Senate Republican Leadership Responds to Governor Meyer’s State of the State Address
Following Governor Matt Meyer’s State of the State address, Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker and Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn offered the following statements, highlighting areas of agreement while raising concerns about partisan rhetoric and policy characterizations.
Statement from Senator Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View):
“I appreciate Governor Meyer’s acknowledgment that Delaware must move faster on modern nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, if we are serious about affordability and reliability. However, if we truly want lower energy costs for Delaware families, we must also work to revitalize infrastructure already in place. That includes working with stakeholders to restart in-state generation at facilities like the Indian River Power Plant, potentially using natural gas.
“I strongly disagree with the Governor’s characterization of congressional Republicans on healthcare. Democrats wrote the Affordable Care Act as well as the language that allowed enhanced subsidies to expire at the end of 2025. Blaming Republicans for a law Democrats authored more than a decade ago is simply not accurate.”
Statement from Senator Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown):
“I welcome the Governor’s recognition that nuclear energy must be part of Delaware’s energy future, and that excessive permitting and red tape are driving up costs for families, businesses, and housing. Republicans in the General Assembly have been raising those concerns for years, and it’s encouraging to see that reality acknowledged.
“I also agree with the Governor that Delaware should pursue a film tax credit. We have an incredible range of scenery, from our beaches and rural agricultural communities to urban settings like Wilmington and the historic backdrops around Dover. Delaware should be a destination for filmmakers and a smart, responsible film incentive can help create jobs and investment while showcasing our state to the country.
“Unfortunately, the Governor again decided to inject partisan attacks into his remarks. Civility cannot be something we preach behind closed doors while publicly attacking Republicans in Congress, especially when Delaware’s rural healthcare expansion is being made possible by federal funding authorized under H.R. 1. Delaware families deserve solutions, not political finger-pointing.”
Original Post:
On Thursday, January 22nd at 2 p.m., Governor Matt Meyer will deliver his second State of the State address before the Delaware General Assembly. The State of the State address will be livestreamed on the State of Delaware’s Facebook and YouTube pages, and Governor Meyer’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Spanish-language captions will be available on the State’s YouTube page.
