Statement from Senator Coons honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement commemorating the 26th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. was a visionary who believed that in order for America to be a truly great nation — one that unites its citizens toward the common goal of bettering our country — all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, or sexual orientation, and regardless of whether they were born poor or rich, or in an urban or rural community, deserve the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. Ensuring that our children live in a country that is free of hate and discrimination is a core principle of the equality movement that lives on today in no small part because of Dr. King’s historic work.

“As we pause to reflect on the 26th anniversary of Dr. King’s dream that shaped our country, we are reminded of his unfinished work that remains, and our responsibility to continue his work. The best way for each of us to honor his legacy is not with a day off from work or school, but with a day serving our communities. Service is already an important part of the daily lives of many Delawareans, and I applaud those that embrace the idea of a better life for our neighbors means a better life for our entire state. Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community’ wasn’t meant to be utopian or idealistic, but a realistic, achievable goal that we all ought to pursue.  

“To complete Dr. King’s work, we should look at every day as an opportunity to fight for social justice. He once said, ‘change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability.’ He was right. We must continue to fight hatred. We must continue to fight ignorance. We must stand up in our communities and say we are not going to sit by and accept inevitability, and rather that we will fight to shape a better world for our children. Our country was built by trailblazers speaking out on what they believed to be right, no matter the odds, and Dr. King’s legacy is a reminder that one person can still change the course of history.”

###

Senator Coons highlights “insourcing” as a smart investment for American companies

WASHINGTON – As the White House released a report on the increasing number of companies choosing to manufacture their products here in America, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today praised local companies that are creating high-quality local jobs by making the strategic business decision to manufacture in Delaware. During his tenure, Senator Coons has focused on American manufacturing as a key engine of our economic recovery.

“Delaware companies, both large and small, have found that ‘insourcing’ jobs is a smart investment to deliver high-quality products to their customers and good jobs in our communities,” Senator Coons said. “I believe strongly in the motto, ‘Made in America, Manufactured in Delaware,’ and this is a great way to get there. This new report shows the President’s aggressive efforts to pursue a new manufacturing agenda is beginning to deliver results for Delaware entrepreneurs and local workers.”

President Obama and Vice President Biden hosted a forum at the White House today to discuss the new report and highlight companies across the country that are choosing to make high-quality, affordable products in America, including Delaware-based DuPont. The company is making investments across its portfolio that will create hundreds of American jobs, including an investment of approximately $150 million in agricultural research that will create over 500 jobs in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. 

The report finds that many companies have brought jobs back to America for safety, quality and logistical reasons. It identifies a positive trend for American manufacturing, which has seen 334,000 jobs created over the past two years and increased nearly six percent since June of 2009, its fastest pace in a decade.

In his first year in the Senate, Senator Coons introduced a series of bills to stimulate job creation, including the bipartisan AGREE Act, sponsored with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) which will support job creation and domestic manufacturing, and the Job Creation Through Innovation Act, which is designed to jumpstart domestic manufacturing and create conditions to help businesses grow and create high-quality, high-paying middle-class jobs.

To read the report:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/investing_in_america_report_final.pdf

To learn more about the AGREE Act:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-coons-and-rubio-introduce-bipartisan-agree-act-to-support-job-creation

To learn more about the Job Creation Through Innovation Act:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/creating-jobs-and-promoting-innovation-is-focus-of-senator-coons-first-bill

###

Carper, Coons, Carney commend Delaware’s progress on education reform efforts

WILMINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) commended the First State’s progress on comprehensive education reform measures under Race to the Top, detailed in a report released by the U.S. Department of Education. The report profiled Delaware’s first-year progress on Race to the Top measures, including the state’s successes and remaining challenges. 

“Ensuring that Delaware’s students receive the highest quality education has always been one of my top priorities,” said Sen. Carper. “Today’s report reinforces the First State’s commitment to improving education for our children of all ages. While Delaware has made remarkable progress implementing the innovative and ambitious reforms supported by Race to the Top, we still have more work to do. I will continue to work with the Congressional Delegation, Governor Markell, Secretary Lowery and the Obama Administration to make sure that Delaware remains a national leader in educational achievement and overcomes the challenges that lie ahead in enacting further reforms.”

“We can’t stop working to make sure Delaware’s kids receive the best education possible,” Sen. Coons said. “This report shows that our state’s work in developing and implementing programs that have produced real progress in a variety of areas, from teacher training to SAT preparation, is paying off. That’s what Race to the Top is about: progress. Under the leadership of Governor Markell and Secretary Lowery, Delaware has significantly improved the quality of education that our children receive. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague to ensure that all students in the First State receive an education that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow.”

“Developing a world-class education system is critical to the long-term success of our nation,” said Congressman Carney.  “Delaware is a national leader in efforts to raise student achievement, give teachers the tools they need to be successful, and ensure that all our young people are prepared for success in college and careers.  This report shows some successes that Delaware has already achieved through Race to the Top, and areas that need more attention.  I look forward to seeing even more progress in the coming years, and will continue working with education leaders in the state to overcome any challenges that may exist.” 

The U.S. Department of Education’s report highlighted efforts such as holding monthly workshops, organizing visits to high-performing schools, and creating an online portal to share effective resources. The report also detailed areas for improvement, including the need for more time to develop student growth measures for the state’s educator evaluation system.

Other key accomplishments include: 

• Delaware initiated Common Core (national standards in mathematics and English language arts) training with 79 percent of the state’s teachers.

• Delaware offered free access to the SAT college-readiness exam for 11th graders to increase participation and encourage a higher rate of college enrollment. In 2011, 95 percent of 11th graders participated as compared to 36 percent in 2010.

• Delaware increased teacher and principal recruitment through alternative certification pathways by establishing new partnerships  — such as Teach for America, Delaware Leadership Project, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Residency at the University of Delaware. These partnerships have signed on approximately 150 new teachers and principals to train or enter classrooms in high-need schools in 2012-13. 

• During Year 1, Delaware supported four low-achieving schools in the Partnership Zone and planned intervention models that will be fully implemented during the 2011-12 school year. 

• Delaware awarded two rounds of Academic Achievement Awards, which provided $150,000 to five public schools for significantly closing the achievement gap and exceeding their required federal accountability progress.

To view a copy of the full report, please visit: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/performance.html 

###

Senator Coons to host series of “Main Street” meetings with small business owners

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons will host a series of “Main Street” meetings with small business owners and community leaders this week to listen to their concerns about the economy and to get their thoughts on growing businesses and creating jobs. 

“Small businesses are the backbones of communities up and down Delaware,” Senator Coons said.  “Whether by helping access small business loans or through common-sense tax relief, we must do all we can to support the needs of small business owners.  Given the right tools, small businesses and their ability to create jobs will provide the catalyst that puts some spark back into the economy.  I talk with small business owners just about every day, but these ‘Main Street’ meetings will facilitate a more dynamic group discussion that I hope will generate new ideas that we can apply in Washington to help create jobs for Delawareans and revive the economy.”

Three “Main Street” meetings have been scheduled before the Senate reconvenes this month:

Tuesday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Delaware City

Location: Delaware City Town Hall, 407 Clinton Street Delaware City, DE  19706

Tuesday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m.

New Castle City

Location: New Castle City Library, 424 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720

Wednesday, January 11 at 9:15 a.m.

Dover Small Business Walking Tour

Location: Begin at 101 West Loockerman Street, Suite 1A, Dover, DE 19904

Participants at each of the meetings are being invited by Senator Coons’ office and local organizations. All three are open to press.

Since taking office, Senator Coons has hosted three job fairs that combined have attracted more than 4,900 job seekers and well over a hundred employers. 

“Our economic recovery is directly tied to levels of employment in our communities,” Senator Coons said.  “We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to help out-of-work Delawareans have opportunities to get back to work and that those who are employed are able to keep their jobs.”

In Washington, Senator Coons and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced the bipartisan American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Act, also known as the AGREE Act, to support job creation, help businesses grow and help revive America’s economy.  Senator Coons has also introduced a series of bills designed to stimulate job creation, including the Job Creation Through Innovation Act, which is designed to jumpstart domestic manufacturing and create conditions to help businesses grow and create high-quality, high-paying middle-class jobs.  The Job Creation Through Innovation Act would expand, simplify and make permanent the Research & Development Tax Credit, create a new Small Business Innovation Tax Credit and a new Domestic Manufacturing Tax Credit, extend the 1603 Treasury Grants Program, and invest in the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit. 

###

Senator Coons congratulates Gen. Timmons on taking command of Delaware Air National Guard

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today congratulated Brigadier General Carol A. Timmons on her new position as Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Delaware National Guard. General Timmons – the first female to head Delaware’s Air National Guard – assumed her new position Sunday upon the retirement of Brigadier General J. Wayne Merritt.  

“Having strong, experienced leadership in command is important to the success of our Guard units,” Senator Coons said. “General Timmons is a true trailblazer and an inspiration to women in Delaware and around the country. She followed her dream to fly aircraft in service of our nation, and has done so with courage and honor.  I look forward to working with her, General Vavala, and the rest of the Delaware Guard leadership team on priorities in Washington for the men and women who serve our state. “

At today’s change of command ceremony at the Delaware Air National Guard main hangar, Senator Coons thanked both General Merritt and General Timmons for their service. He also honored all National Guard members for their essential role in keeping Delawareans safe, both at home and abroad, pointing to their service in Afghanistan and their lifesaving work during last winter’s snow emergencies.

Senator Coons also discussed legislation passed by the Senate this year to give the Chief of the National Guard Bureau a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and give the Guard a stronger voice in military planning. Senator Coons was a strong supporter of the measure from an early date and worked hard to secure bipartisan support for its passage. In today’s remarks, he highlighted cyber security and response to chemical, biological and nuclear attacks as key areas where the skills of National Guard members can help protect our national security on a daily basis.

Today’s ceremony marked General Merritt’s retirement after 42 years of service. General Merritt previously served as an executive assistant to the New Castle County Executive and as the senior manager of operations for New Castle County Special Services.

Earlier this year, General Timmons became the first federally recognized female general officer in the history of the Delaware National Guard.

###

Carper, Coons, Carney announce more than $700,000 for HIV prevention

WILMINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) today announced a total of $704,118 for the Delaware Division of Public Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevent to implement comprehensive HIV prevention programs that focus on reducing new infections, increasing access to care, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and promoting health equity.  The grant will enhance the Delaware Division of Public Health’s capacity to increase HIV testing, link HIV positive persons to medical care and other essential services, and increase program monitoring and accountability.

“Wellness and prevention programs are essential to diagnosing and treating illnesses before they become severe,” Senator Carper said. “I believe we need to change our country’s health care system from one that treats the sick to a health care delivery system that focuses on keeping Americans healthy. Targeted public health programs are useful tools to promote healthy lifestyles and practices that can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases as well as bring down medical costs. This grant will help the Delaware Division of Public Health’s HIV Prevention Program do just that. With the help of the Department of Health and Human Services, the HIV Prevention Program will provide coordinated care for Delawareans affected by HIV/AIDS by connecting individuals with the appropriate counseling, testing, and referral services. Thanks to the implementation of this grant, the HIV Prevention Program will help foster a culture of prevention by providing Delawareans at risk for HIV/AIDS with the support they need and deserve.”

“Education is the key to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in Delaware,” Senator Coons said.  “With more than 3,600 Delawareans currently living with HIV, this funding will provide the Delaware Division of Public Health with the resources they need to assist those who are infected and those who are at risk of contracting HIV. I welcome this important U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant and look forward to continuing my work with Delaware’s medical community to keep the First State healthy.”

“Far too many Delawareans and their families continue to struggle with the devastating impacts of HIV and AIDS,” Congressman Carney said.  “This grant brings much needed resources to our community to increase HIV prevention and education efforts, provide more testing, and help those living with the disease gain access to the quality care and services they need.”

The grant, which was awarded at the end of December 2011, provides funding through December 2012. The grant project period runs to the end of December 2016.

###

Delaware Congressional Delegation announces $500,000 for School-Based Health Centers

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) congratulated Affinity Health and Medical Systems, Inc. on receiving a $500,000 grant in federal funding for the School-Based Health Center Capital Program to expand school-based health centers’ capacity and modernize their facilities. 

Affinity Health and Medical System, Inc. has provided project management over projects that target the African-American, Latino, at-risk and underserved populations of New Castle County, Del. since its inception in 2003. Affinity Health and Medical Systems, Inc. is a collaboration of more than 50 local physicians, physician groups, health care providers, health care organizations and businesses that have joined together to provide services to government, private, educational, non-profit, correctional facilities, and at-risk populations in Delaware.

The organization will use this grant toward telehealth technology and video conferencing technology to support the provision of primary, behavioral and specialty care to at least 700 students at school-based health centers. This technology includes the establishment of a “hub” site for services at Affinity Health and Medical System, Inc. main headquarters and three telehealth-capable School Based Health Centers at Prestige Academy, Kuumba Academy and East Side Charter School in Wilmington, Del.

“One of the best things we can do to establish a good foundation for our children’s health now and in the future is to provide access to health care at an early age,” said Sen. Tom Carper. “This funding will help those that provide care able to do so for more students. Creating better access to care and giving work to more people to help do so make this funding a win-win for Delaware.” 

“Providing children with easy access to basic health services is essential to keeping them healthy and productive,” Senator Coons said. “Our schools are a place where our children spend a majority of their time and this funding will help monitor our children’s habits and respond quickly to emergencies. As a father of three school-age children, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the health of our young people.  Thanks to this funding, we will be better able to protect and prevent illness from occurring in the first place. 

“Giving children access to quality medical care at a young age helps them grow into healthy, responsible adults,” said Congressman Carney. “Schools play an important role in both the academic and personal development of students. This funding will help modernize school health facilities to ensure that our children receive the care they need to be successful in school and beyond.”

This grant, made possibly by the Affordable Care Act, was one of a number of grants awarded to 45 school-based health centers across the country allowing the number of children served to increase by nearly 50 percent. Clinics receiving the awards are already providing much-needed health care services to 112,000 children.  This grant will enable clinics nationwide to expand their capacity and modernize their facilities, which will allow them to treat an estimated additional 53,000 children in 29 states. 

School-based health centers enable children with acute or chronic illnesses to attend school, and improve the overall health and wellness of all children through health screenings, health promotion and disease prevention activities. Typically, a school-based clinic provides a combination of primary care, mental health care, substance abuse counseling, case management, dental health, nutrition education, health education and health promotion activities. 

The Affordable Care Act provides $200 million in funding from 2010 – 2013 for the School-Based Health Center Capital Program to address significant and pressing capital needs and to improve delivery and support expansion of services at school-based health centers.

###

Senator Coons praises House Republicans’ agreement to continue middle-class tax cut

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons commended the announcement by Speaker of the House John Boehner that House Republicans have agreed to the compromise for a two-month continuation of the payroll tax cut approved by the Senate last Saturday.

“The decision by House Republicans today to stop blocking the extension of the payroll tax cut is a victory for America’s middle class. It is a victory for the more than 160 million Americans whose taxes will no longer go up by an average of $1,000 on January 1.  It is unfortunate that, yet again, it took an over-dramatic standoff to finally reach common ground. Congress has a responsibility to work together to consider and pass legislation that helps grow our economy and create jobs. While I would have preferred the certainty of a clean one-year extension instead of the two-month compromise measure agreed-to today, I am glad my colleagues finally came together to act and avert additional financial hardship for so many Americans. I hope members of the House agree to Speaker Boehner’s unanimous consent request and allow this deal to proceed. It is an important step to continue our nation’s economic recovery. I applaud President Obama and Senator Reid for their leadership in securing this victory for America’s middle class.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.

Senators Coons, Carper urge USTR to boost poultry exports in negotiations with India

WASHINGTON – In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk Wednesday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper (both D-Del.) led a bipartisan group of 19 senators in urging the Office of the United States Trade Representative to resolve longstanding, non-scientifically based policies during Kirk’s upcoming meeting with India’s senior government leaders.

Since 2006, India’s trade policies have not conformed to the scientifically based World Organization for Animal Health standards on the viral disease avian influenza (AI). American poultry producers adhere to these globally recognized standards of food production.

“Despite the United States’ track record on AI and the very effective measures in place for AI, India continues to use this non-scientifically based position to prohibit U.S. poultry to access the Indian market,” the Senators wrote. “With two of the United States’ top poultry markets having been severely disrupted in the past three years, it is especially important that efforts be undertaken to replace them. The National Chicken Council estimates that U.S. poultry exports to India could exceed $300 million annually if appropriate, fair market access was provided in accordance with India’s obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization.”

“We respectfully request that during your upcoming discussions with the government of India, you strongly explain the important biosecurity measures that have been implemented in the U.S. and that the continued use of non-scientifically based measures to prevent trade is unacceptable.”

According to a study released earlier this year by the University of Delaware, poultry production and processing accounts for the largest share of Delaware’s $8 billion agriculture economy, at $3.2 billion. Last year, Delaware exported $111.5 million worth of chicken and chicken products across the globe. The industry is a leading employer in Delaware, supporting more than 13,000 jobs in Kent and Sussex County.

In addition to Senators Coons and Carper, the letter was signed by Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Daniel Coats (R-Ind.), Joe Manchin, III (D-W.Va.), Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jim Webb (D-Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Kay R. Hagan (D-N.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-W.Va.), James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Mark. R. Warner (D-Va.)

You can download a PDF of the letter here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/media/ustr-poultry-india.pdf

The text of the letter is pasted below:

December 21, 2011

The Honorable Ron Kirk

United States Trade Representative

Office of the United States Trade Representative

600 17th Street NW

Washington, DC 20508

Dear Ambassador Kirk:

We write to express our concern about India’s long-standing restrictive trade policies with respect to poultry and the variety of poultry products from the United States. These non-scientifically based policies are denying our poultry producers and processors access to a market with great economic potential.  We are thankful that the U.S. has for years raised concerns over India’s trade policies. Given that India’s trade barriers remain in place, we respectfully request that you continue to work to resolve this longstanding issue during your upcoming meeting in mid-January with the senior government leadership of India.

As you know, India uses a variety of trade barriers to prohibit the importation of U.S. poultry.  One issue involves India’s position on the viral disease avian influenza (AI).  India’s trade policies do not conform to World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards and are not scientifically justified.  India makes no distinction between low-pathogenic AI and the highly pathogenic AI.  India’s recently released risk assessment is not consistent with international standards for conducting a risk analysis and does not contain sufficient scientific evidence to support India’s AI restrictions.

The U.S., in cooperation with the major poultry-producing states, has one of the most comprehensive and rigorous programs in the world to prevent, control, and eradicate AI.  Few, if any, countries have in place the stringent biosecurity measures and controls to prevent AI from becoming a problem to poultry and, more importantly, to the human population.  The U.S. has set the gold standard on this issue and has a track record on AI that is unsurpassed around the world.  Despite the United States’ track record on AI and the very effective measures in place for AI, India continues to use this non-scientifically based position to prohibit U.S. poultry to access the Indian market.

With two of the United States’ top poultry markets having been severely disrupted in the past three years, it is especially important that efforts be undertaken to replace them.  The National Chicken Council estimates that U.S. poultry exports to India could exceed $300 million annually if appropriate, fair market access was provided in accordance with India’s obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

Accordingly, we respectfully request that during your upcoming discussions with the government of India, you strongly explain the important biosecurity measures that have been implemented in the U.S. and that the continued use of non-scientifically based measures to prevent trade is unacceptable.

We look forward to working with you on this very important issue and thank you for your full and careful attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Christopher A. Coons

Senator Johnny Isakson

Senator Thomas R. Carper

Senator Saxby Chambliss

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

Senator Thad Cochran

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

Senator Daniel Coats

Senator Joe Manchin, III

Senator Richard G. Lugar

Senator Tom Harkin

Senator Rob Portman

Senator Jim Webb

Senator John Boozman

Senator Kay R. Hagan

Senator Jeff Sessions

Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV

Senator James M. Inhofe

Senator Mark R. Warner

###

Senators Coons, Isakson express disappointment with inauguration of DRC President Kabila before election review

WASHINGTON – After twice calling for a thorough and transparent review of election results in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last week, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), expressed disappointment in President Kabila’s decision to proceed with his inauguration without performing a comprehensive review. 

“We are disappointed that President Kabila went forward with his inauguration without first addressing the widely reported irregularities in the election. It is critical that President Kabila takes meaningful steps to improve the credibility of the electoral process, especially given the ongoing tally of parliamentary election results.  President Kabila can demonstrate his commitment to credible election processes by accepting international technical assistance to ensure that the problems that plagued the presidential election and vote tabulation will not be repeated in future elections. 

“A team of Congolese and international experts should be established immediately to review the litany of problems associated with the elections, and develop a way forward acceptable to the Congolese people. The team of experts will shed light on the cause of irregularities, and the United States has offered technical assistance for a review of election results. President Kabila, Mr. Tshisekedi, and other opposition leaders should support such a review and resolve any disagreements through peaceful constructive dialogue.

“As Secretary Clinton said yesterday, we strongly urge all Congolese political leaders and their supporters to act responsibly and renounce violence. The United States and international community expect accountability for perpetrators of violence in the appropriate international or national forums, and we reiterate our previous call for President Kabila to direct Congolese security forces to refrain from violence and take appropriate measures to protect the Congolese people.”

###