Thirty-five employers are signed-up and ready to hire at veterans job fair Saturday

WILMINGTON, Del. — U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Wilmington University announced that 35 employers are signed-up and ready to hire at Operation Success: Welcome Home—a job fair for veterans set for Saturday, April 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wilmington University in the Doberstein Admissions Center in New Castle.  The goal of the event is to help connect employers with talented men and women who have proven leadership and technical skills gained from military service.

“The men and women who serve in our armed forces come home with unique skills and tested leadership experience, bringing immense value to the employers who hire them,” Senator Coons said. “Dozens of employers who wisely recognize the value that veterans bring to the workplace have signed up for our job fair on Saturday, so veterans who are looking for work should definitely come and meet with them. I am pleased to partner with Wilmington University to help returning veterans get into the workforce, and hope many of our veterans who are looking for work join us on Saturday.”

“The purpose of Operation Success is simple: to provide a one-stop-shop to connect service members, veterans, and their families with civilian employment opportunities, education options, workshops to enhance quality of life, and to highlight military and veteran services that are offered in the community,” said Jim Webb, Military Affairs Coordinator at Wilmington University. “Veterans often face a multitude of challenges when seeking employment. Whether it’s a lack of higher education, a physical or psychological injury, or inadequate preparation for a post-military career. Operation Success was designed to address these challenges.”

Current employers who are signed up and ready to hire include:  DIMO Corp., Westside Family Healthcare, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, Delaware Army National Guard, Delaware Department of Labor-Division of Employment and Training, New Castle County Government, Delaware State Police, Swarthmore Financial Services, G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc., Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership, New Castle County EMS Division – Paramedics, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, JPMorgan Chase, Delaware Department of Transportation, AFLAC, Pepco Holdings Inc., American Registry of Pathology, WJ Publishing, UPS, Enterprise Holdings, New Jersey State Police, Amazon, Philadelphia Police Department, Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County, C-Tech w/Goodwill Delaware & Delaware County, Walmart Distribution Center, Discover Financial Services, State of Delaware, QVC, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Norfolk Southern, HBCS, Burris Logistics

The April 21^st event will also provide veterans with other information on topics including: education benefits, support for military children, healthcare and mental health resources, family services, and spousal support and employment.

In August 2011, Senator Coons convened a panel of Delaware’s top experts on veterans to discuss ideas for boosting hiring.  In May 2011, Senator Coons introduced Hire America’s Heroes Act which addressed many of the issues America’s veterans face as they re-enter the civilian workforce.

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Senator Coons stands behind President’s call for fairness in oil markets to reduce gas prices

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Energy Committee, today expressed strong support for President Obama’s plan to step up oversight and prevent manipulation in energy markets. With a gallon of gas in Delaware averaging $3.89, Senator Coons supports strong action to ensure that illegal market manipulation, market rigging and fraud are not keeping gas prices artificially high, squeezing Delaware families and slowing our economic recovery.

“Delaware families are seeing their household budgets crunched by high gas prices, and the least we can do is ensure energy markets are fair and honest,” Senator Coons said. “Although we have limited ability to reduce gas prices in the short term, we can prevent manipulation and fraud in the markets from sending prices skyrocketing for Delaware families. These illegal activities are hampering our nation’s economic recovery, and it’s time to crack down and put a stop to them.”

Earlier this month, Senator Coons joined several of his colleagues, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, in a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, requesting a full report on White House efforts to combat fraud in oil and gas markets.  The letter noted that experts have identified market speculation as a key driver of high prices consumers pay at the pump, and urged an “all hands on deck” strategy to address unjustifiably high gas prices.

This morning, President Obama called for additional measures to deter illegal market manipulation and hold accountable those who would break the law for their own financial gain.

For more details on the President’s plan, please visit www.whitehouse.gov. 

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Sen. Coons, Rep. Fattah introduce new tax credit to help kids go to college

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today introduced a Senate companion version of the Communities Committed to College Tax Credit Act of 2012, which U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday. The legislation is designed to help spur private investment in scholarship-funding trusts to make higher education more accessible and affordable for generations of Americans.

“We have to think outside the box and find new ways to help our students access and afford the education and training they need after high school to succeed in today’s global economy,” Senator Coons said. “As Tax Day is upon us, Americans across the country are receiving tax credits for supporting all kinds of charitable causes. It has been a pleasure working with Congressman Fattah to develop new tax credits that will spark private investment in higher education scholarships.”

In advance of Tax Day, Representative Fattah introduced a House version of the Communities Committed to College Tax Credit Act of 2012. Senator Coons introduced a companion version in the Senate on Tuesday to provide new tax incentives that will encourage private donors to support and sustain these kinds of educational trusts as part of their charitable giving.

This bill creates a 50% tax credit for contributions to qualifying scholarship-funding trusts.  There is a $1 billion limit on credits that can be distributed and no trust can receive more than $200 million.  Income from these trusts may be used only to provide college scholarships to students who have demonstrated financial need. The trusts established in conjunction with this legislation have the potential to last for generations, fueling a new resource for Americans of all income levels to access and afford higher education.

“The CORE Scholarship Trust, Kalamazoo Promise and Pittsburgh Promise are prime examples of what can happen when individuals invest in students from their communities to provide needed resources for college,” Rep. Fattah said. “By promising to provide funds upon high school graduation, these programs are developing college-going cultures that nurture students whose college days are still years away. We are providing an avenue for directing local dollars toward the education of local students and that’s a win-win for all involved.”  

With programs like the CORE Philly Scholarship Trust, Kalamazoo (Michigan) Promise and Pittsburgh Promise, communities across the country are coming together to provide local students the resources they need to access and afford higher education. In addition to transforming individual students into college graduates, these programs are also contributing to a broader culture of higher education that will influence young students to start planning for their college education early.

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Statement from Senator Coons recognizing Equal Pay Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, issued the following statement on Tuesday to recognize Equal Pay Day — the day that marks how far into the calendar year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Equal Pay Day was created in 1996 by the National Committee on Pay Equity as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages.

“It’s astonishing and saddening to think that in 2012, women still get paid less than men for doing the same work. As we pause today to reflect on the need for an ‘Equal Pay Day,’ we should also honor the progress women have made in our nation’s workforce. American women make up half our labor force and are the primary or co-breadwinners in six out of ten households, but still face wage discrimination.

 “In Delaware, on average, women are paid 81 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap of $9,505 between full-time working men and women. Women of color experience even greater disparity, with African-American women working full-time in Delaware being paid just 71 cents for every dollar paid to men. Latinas in Delaware are paid just 53 cents on the dollar.

“Equal pay for equal work is more than just basic fairness, it will also reduce the financial strain many families are currently facing. I applaud the efforts of so many to close the wage gap, including my colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, who introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act, of which I’m a proud cosponsor. Today, I re-pledge myself to fighting to end pay discrimination for Delawareans and all Americans. ”

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Senator Coons Skypes with eighth-graders in Bridgeville

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. — U.S. Senator Chris Coons hosted a video chat via Skype with students at Phillis Wheatley Middle School on Monday morning after students at the school wrote him letters about their concerns over the crimes against humanity committed in Africa by Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army. The LRA has terrorized Uganda and much of central Africa for more than 25 years.

More than 30 students gathered in eighth-grade teacher Allen Pepper’s social studies classroom for the chat, which the Senator led from his Wilmington office before heading to Washington to preside over the Senate this afternoon.

“It’s rare to have so many young people so concerned about a humanitarian issue abroad, and it’s important that we encourage them to stay involved,” Senator Coons said. “After seeing the Kony 2012 video, many young Delawareans were understandably concerned. They don’t like the idea that kids their own age are being brainwashed and forced to commit heinous crimes, and they want to help. I enjoyed reading their letters and hope they’ll stay engaged.”

Senator Coons began the 30-minute chat by responding to specific questions and concerns raised in the students’ letters to him. Students then asked additional questions about the Kony 2012 video and U.S. efforts to support Kony’s capture.

“I’m grateful to Mr. Pepper, Mr. Joseph, Principal Tunstall, and the staff at Phillis Wheatley Middle School who made the chat possible,” Senator Coons said. “This was a fun way to connect with students and let them know that this issue that is important to them is important to me, too.”

Senator Coons is chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. To help engage students on the issue, he put together a resource kit with more information. That kit can be found online here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/kony/.

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Carper, Coons, Carney announce $600,000 federal loan and grant for Kent County sewer system

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney today announced a total of $600,000 in U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) funding to help Kent County extend its existing sewer system from Kitts Hummock to Pickering Beach – reaching approximately 560 people, or 224 homes. 

“The Delaware Bay is a precious economic and environmental resource, and it is vital that we protect and preserve it for generations to come,” Senator Carper said. “This federal funding will allow Kent County to remove failing individual septic tanks and install a new central sewer system. By eliminating the harmful pollutants emitted from old or faulty septic systems, this project will help keep our waterways clean and our citizens safe.”

“One of the basic and critical functions of any local government is providing a trusted and comprehensive public works system,” Senator Coons said. “During my time in county government, I learned just how much of a challenge it can be for local governments to maintain a safe and reliable sewer system. It’s important, as well, that such systems are built and maintained in a way that respects and protects its surrounding environment, which is why this funding is so vital. This important USDA funding will help new communities access the system and repair or replace aging sections, all the while protecting the Delaware Bay.”

“Repairing crumbling public infrastructure like sewer systems is critically important for environmental protection and local quality-of-life,” Congressman Carney said. “This funding will provide Kent County residents in Pickering Beach with access to a modernized sewer system that efficiently serves the community, while helping ensure that the Delaware Bay is safe from pollution.”

“As we approach the 42nd anniversary of the first Earth Day, USDA Rural Development is pleased to be a partner in this important project,” Jack Tarburton, USDA Rural Development State Director, said.  “We know a strong economy is based on the principles of good environmental stewardship of our natural resources.  Since 2009, Rural Development has invested $78 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural Delaware.”

The funding comes in the form of a USDA Water and Waste Disposal loan of $200,000 and a USDA Water and Waste Disposal grant of $400,000.

The USDA Rural Development’s total investment in loans and grants for the project is $5,599,272. The amount of funding in loans and grants for FY 2006 was $3,539,935 to help Kent County Levy Court construct a sewer collection system for Kitts Hummock and the Willow Tree Mobile Home Park.  Between the two communities approximately 195 homes were going to be served.  As a result of a storm that occurred May of 2008 some of the homes were destroyed and the number of homes to be served by the project dropped to 184. In FY 2009, the USDA allocated $1,459,337 in loans and grants to help with a system design change that allowed the County to construct an all pressurized flood proof system, in response to the May 2008 storm.

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Carper, Coons, Carney urge businesses to reserve their spots now at Delaware job fairs

WILMINGTON, Del. – With less than two weeks before their first job fair of 2012, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney today encouraged local businesses ready to hire to reserve their spots before it’s too late. The first of three job fairs planned for this spring will be held on April 23 in Dover (see below for a complete schedule). The Congressional delegation hosted three job fairs across Delaware last year, with nearly 5,000 job seekers attending.

“We have recently seen some good signs that employers are gaining the confidence they need to accelerate hiring in the months ahead,” said Senator Carper. “While that’s encouraging, there are still far too many unemployed Delawareans and we have to continue our efforts to help get our friends and neighbors get back to work. That’s why I am again partnering with our Congressional delegation to bring employers and prospective employees together at job fairs throughout our state. We’ll build on the success of last year’s job fairs throughout Delaware and hopefully help more folks in need find good jobs.”

“We physically ran out of space for employers to set up at last year’s job fairs, so now really is the time for businesses and organizations looking to hire to reserve their tables for this year’s job fairs,” Senator Coons said. “Nearly 5,000 job seekers came to our job fairs last year, and while I’ve loved hearing from Delawareans who found work at one of them, others still need our help. Even though the economy has begun to pick up, we can’t stop trying to help our out-of-work neighbors find jobs. It remains my top priority. There are employers right here in Delaware ready to hire, and these job fairs will connect them with talented folks looking for jobs.”

“Too many qualified Delawareans continue to have difficulty finding employment,” said Congressman Carney.  “This event will bring together job seekers with businesses, public agencies, and our colleges and universities to provide them with the opportunities and support they need to get back in the workforce.  I’m confident that we can build on the success of last year’s delegation job fairs and recent economic growth to help get Delawareans back to work.”

Job Fair Schedule and Details:

• Kent County: April 23, 2012 at Delaware State University in Dover
• Sussex County: April 30, 2012 at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Rehoboth Beach
• New Castle County: June 25, 2012 at Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington

In addition to networking with companies looking to hire, job seekers can also take advantage of the myriad workshops, career counseling and resume review opportunities.

For more information or how to participate as an employer or job seekers, please call Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov. 

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Carper, Coons, Carney announce $200,000 federal loan for Middletown charter school

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney today announced a total of $200,000 in U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) funding to help the MOT Charter School in Middletown, Delaware, expand by an additional 19,000 square-feet. The USDA Community Facility Direct Loan will support the addition of a library, two classrooms and a gymnasium.

“Public charter schools – with the support of strong leaders, skilled educators, eager students and encouraging families – can help propel our students to a brighter, stronger future,” Senator Carper said. “Along with that support system it’s imperative that our students learn in a nurturing environment, which includes modern school facilities. This grant will help ensure that MOT Charter School will have the resources necessary to make improvements to meet the needs of a growing student body and provide its pupils with a well-balanced curriculum. I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues, the Administration, and the local Delaware community to support similar projects that help advance charter schools’ mission of innovation and excellence in our public education system.”

“In order to cultivate the next generation of inventors and business leaders, we must provide our students with the resources they need to reach their fullest educational potential,” Senator Coons said. “All Delaware students deserve to attend a school that meets the highest standards of learning and fosters an environment for creativity. This USDA loan will have a tremendous impact on expanding several critical areas of MOT Charter School, including STEM and the arts.”

“Ensuring that our children receive a quality education is one of my highest priorities,” Congressman Carney said. “We must continue to improve our education system and prepare Delaware students to succeed in a 21st century global economy. This loan will help provide facilities for our children and teachers that are critical to a positive learning environment.”

“Ultimately the expansion of the MOT Charter School supports the education of our children, but it also supports the Obama administration’s goal to help our local economy by keeping construction and trade jobs in place and ongoing,” Jack Tarburton, USDA Rural Development State Director, said.  “This year, we have four times the amount of funding available to help projects like this that support education and other essential facilities.  Projects can range from a library, fire and rescue building and equipment, health clinic, hospital, senior center and more.”

In addition to its 32 regular and specialized classrooms, the original school was designed with one multipurpose room that is used as a gym, lunchroom, and auditorium.  Renovations have been underway since June 2011 to expand the library and allow more room for books, as well as a student learning space and technology center. A new gymnasium will have seating for 750, and two new classrooms will house STEM and additional electives.

The expansion was funded in FY 2011 with $2,775,000 in USDA Community Facility Direct Loan and the most recent subsequent $200,000 Community Facility Direct Loan. Parent contributions and capital fundraising also helped finance the expansion. 

The MOT Charter School was built in 2002 with USDA Rural Development funding providing $3 million in Community Facility Direct Loan. WSFS also provided a $3 million loan guaranteed by USDA Rural Development. The school now educates 675 students in grades K-8.

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Senator Coons guest-teaches at Howard High School of Technology for Teach for America Week

WILMINGTON, Del. – In celebration of Teach For America (TFA) Week, Senator Chris Coons served as a guest teacher at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington on Thursday. Leading the advanced biology class normally taught by TFA science teacher Ashley Sorenson, Senator Coons spoke with juniors and seniors about the value of higher education and encouraged the students to pursue careers in science or technology.

“The 21st century economy is taking root in science and technology, and if we want to make our economy stronger and our nation more competitive, we have to give students the skills they need to succeed in STEM fields,” Senator Coons said about the experience. “It’s imperative that our children have positive role models to reinforce the importance of education and encourage them to pursue higher education, and that is what young Teach For America educators do.”

Since its launch in 1997, Teach For America Week has brought hundreds of distinguished guest teachers from across America into our nation’s schools to inspire students and raise awareness about the challenges facing students in low-income communities and demonstrate that when students are given the educational opportunities they deserve, they reach their highest potential.

A longtime advocate for improving college access, Senator Coons introduced legislation last month to help increase the number of low-income students able to access and complete a college education. The American Dream Accounts Act would authorize the Department of Education to award three-year competitive grants to support innovative and comprehensive partnerships that support low-income students in preparation for a college education. 

Click here to learn more about the American Dream Accounts Act: http://bit.ly/wH6ILD

Senator Coons and Wilmington University to host job fair for local veterans

WILMINGTON, Del. — U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Wilmington University today announced the details of Operation Success: Welcome Home — a job fair for veterans set for Saturday, April 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wilmington University in the auditorium of the Doberstein Admissions Center in New Castle.  The event will convene employers ready to hire talented men and women who have proven leadership and technical skills gained in their military service. Veterans are encouraged to register online at www.opsuccess.com.

“The men and women who serve in our armed forces come home with unique skills and tested leadership experience, bringing immense value to the employers who hire them,” Senator Coons said. “In talking with veterans, military leaders, business leaders, and government officials — as well as with business owners — it became clear that one of the best things we could do was simply to create opportunities for these employers to meet these talented Americans. I am pleased to partner with Wilmington University for Operation Success: Welcome Home to put our veterans in the same room with employers ready to help them return to the civilian workforce.”

“Over the years Wilmington University has been proud to salute the many men and women who serve our country,” said University President Dr. Jack P. Varsalona. “So often these veterans come home from service unaware of the great resources available to them, including the many educational benefits. Last year our University hosted Operation Success, an event for military, veterans and their families. We received such great feedback that we plan to host the event every year. This year, thanks to the overwhelming support of Senator Chris Coons, we are happy to announce a job fair portion of this outreach event.”

Operation Success: Welcome Home attendees will have the opportunity to speak with federal and private sector organizations and companies that currently have positions available for veterans. The April 21st event will also provide veterans with other information on topics including: education benefits, support for military children, healthcare and mental health resources, family services, and spousal support and employment.

For more information on Operation Success: Welcome Home visit www.opsuccess.com or email Jim Webb, Military Affairs Coordinator at Wilmington University: james.s.webb@wilmu.edu.

In August 2011, Senator Coons convened a panel of Delaware’s top experts on veterans to discuss ideas for boosting hiring.  In May 2011, Senator Coons introduced the Hire America’s Heroes Act, which addressed many of the issues America’s veterans face as they re-enter the civilian workforce.

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