Jobs in Delaware

Jobs in Delaware

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The NJ on Sunday begins a series looking at the state of jobs in Delaware, pointing out what we already know -- that very low wage jobs are increasing, jobs in the middle are disappearing (or taking much less money) and there is employment in the upper end if you have the right education and skill set. And while the Governor and Alan Levin have been working at "economic development", there's been little increase in the kinds of jobs that are most needed here immediately. It is difficult to say that the Governor and his DEDO Director haven't been working hard at this -- I think they have. But most of what passes for economic development since the Great Recession pretty much everywhere is a numbers game -- figuring out how to boost the number of jobs in your state without paying much attention to either the quality of those jobs or the ROI any taxpayer subsidy might provide for Delaware taxpayers. Governments are chasing the same limited pool of jobs and working at a classic race to the bottom strategy to get them. Almost all of them are providing taxpayer subsidies to get those jobs in their states, and clawback provisions in case the employer doesn't fulfill promises are still too rare.
It’s Official! Brenda Mayrack Enters State Auditor Race

It’s Official! Brenda Mayrack Enters State Auditor Race

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Here is the press release:
Brenda Mayrack, an attorney and small business owner, announced her candidacy today for Delaware State Auditor. [...] Mayrack pledged to bring a renewed focus to protecting taxpayer dollars to the State Auditor's office. "Delawareans’ hard earned tax dollars do not belong to the government. Taxpayers, whether they are individuals or businesses, deserve a State Auditor who will improve accountability, transparency, and innovation in our state government," she said. "As State Auditor, I will look for new ways to use technology to ensure that our valuable tax dollars are spent properly and put to their best use." Mayrack, a Democrat, has extensive experience with audits as an attorney specializing in unclaimed property. As State Auditor, her immediate priorities include a comprehensive review of credit card use by state employees and increased protections for whistleblowers. She brings energy, experience, and a new vision for an office charged with ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.
Delaware House of Representatives To Consider Minimum Wage in 2014?

Delaware House of Representatives To Consider Minimum Wage in 2014?

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Sure looks that way. Rep. Bryon Short, chair of the House Lapdog Committee (aka the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce) wrote in today's News-Journal that he now supports legislation to increase Delaware's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 an hour:
I voted against releasing the legislation from committee at both hearings. In addition to my votes, I have stated I understood the role of minimum wage, supported minimum wage as sound public policy, and that I looked forward to the right time in our economic recovery to vote in support of the bill. I believe now is the right time to support and pass a minimum wage increase for Delaware workers.

Comment Rescue Question — How *Do* We Get Better Democrats Representing Us in Delaware?

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This is from a comment made by Steve Newton last night in the John Carney thread, and it is a damn fine question. He lays out the state of the board pretty well and takes more time to ask something I've been asking here for awhile -- if we're a Blue State, how come we don't have representation that represents that? Mostly the answer I get back is some testy version of needing more blogging or some such, but blogging is not voting or organizing really -- the reach is much too limited.
Call to Support the WDEL Feed A Friend Drive Now!

Call to Support the WDEL Feed A Friend Drive Now!

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Today's the day! The WDEL Feed a Friend Campaign is officially on starting at 9AM. Remember that this event raises funds for the Newark Area Welfare Committee, the Sunday Breakfast Mission, the Emmanuel Dining Room, YWCA Delaware and the St. Paul’s Church Outreach Center -- all great organizations working to feed our neighbors who might need a little help. For each $11.50 you can pledge, these groups can buy a case of food -- a great deal for the money. We're encouraging all of DL's readers and commenters to call WDEL during Al Mascitti’s show from 9 til 12 to pledge what you can to this worthy cause. If you can, please help spread the word to your Facebook friends and ask them to call in too.