Delaware’s Congressional Delegation Congratulates the University of Delaware on receiving $679,000 in Funding for its Delaware Sea Grant Program

WILMINGTON, DE – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-DE) announced $679,000 in federal funding for research of local marine and coastal habitats. The funding was made possible through the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Delaware Sea Grant Program.

“Delaware’s beaches are some of the state’s most important assets, both economically and ecologically,” the Delegation said. “This funding will provide educators with the necessary resources to conduct research that improves the health and wellbeing of our state’s marine areas. Each year millions of tourists visit our beaches, generating much-needed revenue for Delaware and creating jobs for thousands in the area. Because of this, it’s imperative that we continue to preserve the beauty and richness of our coastline.”

Congress established the National Sea Grant College Program in 1966 to address major marine challenges facing America. In 1976, the University of Delaware was designated the nation’s ninth Sea Grant College to, “promote the wise use, conservation, and management of marine and coastal resources through high-quality research, education, and outreach activities that benefit the public and the environment.”

Visit Delaware Sea Grant’s website for more information: http://www.deseagrant.org/

Delaware has wind at its back in offshore energy development

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) praised Monday’s joint announcement from Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Energy Secretary Steven Chu of a new strategic plan that designated Delaware one of four high-priority Wind Energy Areas in the mid-Atlantic. The designation means Delaware’s offshore wind energy development projects will receive expedited review and approval from the federal government.

“I’m pleased that Delaware is at the forefront of the federal government’s ‘Smart from the Start’ initiative,” Senator Coons said Monday. “This is good news for Delaware, both for the opportunity it gives our state to be a leader in clean, alternative energy development and for the chance to create a wealth of new high-tech jobs in the region.”

The joint plan, A National Offshore Wind Strategy: Creating an Offshore Wind Industry in the United States, demonstrates the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to alternative energy and represents the first time the departments of Interior and Energy have partnered in their approach to offshore wind energy. The plan focuses on overcoming three challenges – cost, technology, and grid interconnection – and could result in leases for wind farming off Delaware’s shore being issued as early as late 2011 or early 2012.

The Department of Energy announced three grants totaling $50.5 million in conjunction with today’s announcement. The grants are designed to encourage investment in research and development and to reduce specific market barriers to deployment of wind energy projects.

“It is my hope and expectation that this strategy will not only speed-up deployment of the projects already planned for Delaware, but encourage new wind projects off our shores, as well as research into innovative new technologies and development of a clean energy manufacturing base,” Senator Coons said. “This is an exciting step forward that I believe will attract new investments in Delaware.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The complete National Offshore Wind Strategy: Creating an Offshore Wind Industry in the United States plan as a PDF:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/pdfs/national_offshore_wind_strategy.pdf

A Department of Interior fact sheet on the National Offshore Wind Strategy:

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=186635

Senator Coons Cosponsors Legislation to Promote Innovation and Competitiveness

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Scott Brown (R-MA) in cosponsoring the Innovate America Act (S. 239).

“The Innovate America Act is exactly the kind of legislation I came to the Senate to support. Not only does it make important investments in promoting American competitiveness, it also saves us money by offsetting these investments with strategic budget cuts,” Senator Coons said.

This bill would authorize annually $50 million in funding to double the number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focused high schools nationwide and $66 million for grants to colleges and universities that succeed in retaining STEM majors through graduation. It would also expand the basic research tax credit, provide a new credit for equipment donations to high schools and technical colleges, and require that 10% of federally funded undergraduate research opportunities be set aside for freshmen. It supports advanced manufacturing by providing the Office if the U.S. Trade Representative with an extra $2 million each year to enforce trade rules and by launching a manufacturing assistance program to help small and medium sized firms increase exports.

To offset this funding, the bill reduces printing costs by the Government Printing Office and eliminates bonuses to government contractors that fail to meet performance goals. As a result, the Innovate America Act has a net savings of $11 billion.

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Senator Coons, family, donate to 7-year-old Clayton girl’s charitable school-supply drive

CLAYTON, Del. – Inspired by the efforts of second-grader Kaylee Davis, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) visited Clayton Saturday morning with his family to participate in her school-supply collection drive at the fire house.

Kaylee, 7, read online about a school in Rice, Texas, that was destroyed by a tornado in October – just two months after it had opened its doors. Wanting to help in whatever way they could, Kaylee and her parents connected with a teacher at the school and decided to try to collect supplies to help replace what was lost to the tornado.

A friend in the Clayton Fire Company shared Kaylee’s story with Senator Coons, who immediately wanted to help. The Senator and his wife, Annie, purchased school supplies and gift cards to contribute to the effort, dropping them off at the firehouse Saturday. Their children – Mike, 11, Jack, 11, and Maggie, 9 – each bought supplies using their allowances and gave them to Kaylee today, as well.

“It’s terrific to see someone Kaylee’s age so eager to help people in need,” Senator Coons said Saturday. “When we heard about what she was doing, all of us – my wife, my kids – we wanted to do what we could to help out.”

Supplies can be deposited in boxes at the WSFS bank branch on Jimmy Drive and at the 1st National Bank branch on Wyoming Deak Drive in Smyrna, as well as at the Clayton Fire House. Items requested include: pencils, red pens, scissors, markers, expo dry erase markers, white poster board, regular glue, glue sticks, electric pencil sharpeners, and construction paper.

“Kaylee’s efforts here are a reminder that we can all make a difference if we choose to get involved,” Senator Coons said. “Especially in these tough economic times, it’s incumbent on all of us to help others how best we can.”

Supplies will be collected until February 11, 2011.

Senator Coons statement on drop in nation’s unemployment rate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) trumpeted the latest jobs numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor, which showed unemployment had declined to 9.0 percent in January.

“I was heartened by today’s news that the unemployment rate dropped by nearly half a percent in January, and that the manufacturing sector in particular had its best month of growth since 1998. It is a sign that our economy is indeed recovering, but we can’t let up. Now is not the time to re-fight old political battles, but rather for Congress to work together to harness this momentum and look for ways to get more Americans back to work.”

The manufacturing sector added 49,000 jobs in January – the most since August 1998 and the most of all sectors in January.

The Department of Labor report comes three days after the Institute for Supply Management found stronger than expected growth in the manufacturing sector in January. Its index of manufacturing activity moved to 60.8 in January from 58.5 in December (ratings over 50 are generally indicative of a period of growth). The report also showed gains in its new orders index, production index, and hiring index.

The ISM report can be viewed here:

http://www.ism.ws/ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm?navItemNumber=12942

The Department of Labor report can be viewed here:

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.toc.htm

Senator Coons’ maiden speech on manufacturing can be read here:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/press/release/?id=2F5212C1-C153-4EEF-B372-6F3FACCB38E9

Or watched here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twwIWI5ZPTE

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Senator Coons urges Administration to emphasize peace with Israel in talks with Egypt

WASHINGTON – In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent on Friday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) urged the Administration to ensure that diplomatic efforts during the ongoing political transition in Egypt include an emphasis on its international obligation to maintain peace with Israel, as agreed to in the Camp David Accords more than three decades ago.

The letter, which was also signed by U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), said, “it is imperative that Egypt maintains its historic commitment to peace with Israel, as agreed to in the Camp David Accords, and that the Egyptian military and security forces ensure security on the border with Gaza.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Senator Casey is chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs. Senator Levin is chairman of the Committee on Armed Services.

A scanned copy of the letter is attached. The text of the letter is pasted below.

February 4, 2011

Dear Secretary Clinton:

We are writing to express our concern about the political crisis in Egypt. We appreciate the administration’s efforts to navigate this dynamic period and support the democratic and peaceful aspirations of the Egyptian people. We are particularly concerned about the recent surge of violence, and support the administration’s concerted effort to encourage a political outcome to the crisis resulting in sustainable reform.

With new freedoms, come new responsibilities for the future leaders and Government of Egypt. During this period of transition, we believe that the U.S. should send a strong message to key Egyptian leaders and members of the opposition, including the Muslim Brotherhood, that Egypt’s international obligations must be respected during a political transition and beyond.

Specifically, it is imperative that Egypt maintains its historic commitment to peace with Israel, as agreed to in the Camp David Accords, and that the Egyptian military and security forces ensure security on the border with Gaza. It is our sincere hope that all conversations with Egyptian officials and opposition leaders express the fact that Egypt’s peace with Israel is a vital U.S. and regional security interest. We urge that this message is conveyed as a central theme in all U.S. interactions with opposition figures, both public and private.

At this critical juncture, we believe the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people must be addressed. This includes the right to free expression and access to information, and we strongly support the administration’s calls on the Egyptian government to lift ongoing restrictions on Internet access, as well as cell phones and other means of communication.

Thank you for your efforts to support a peaceful transition in Egypt. We look forward to continuing a dialogue on encouraging political reform at this historic moment in the Middle East.

Sincerely,

Senator Casey, Senator Levin, Senator Coons

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Senator Coons applauds repeal of 1099 provision

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today applauded the Senate’s bipartisan vote to repeal Section 9006 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires small businesses to file 1099 forms with the IRS for individuals who receive a payment of $600 or more.

“I proudly voted tonight to repeal the burdensome 1099 reporting requirement placed upon small businesses,” Senator Coons said. “When I talk to small business owners in Delaware, they are consistent in their belief that government should be working to make it easier for their businesses to grow and take on more personnel, but the 1099 mandate did the opposite. That the amendment to repeal the mandate passed with wide bipartisan support is a demonstration of just how unnecessary and oppressive the measure was on small businesses.”

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Senator Coons statement on attempted repeal of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today issued the following statement after Senate Republicans’ latest assault on the health care reforms passed during the 111th Congress:

“Instead of working on bipartisan solutions to create jobs and grow our economy, today our attention was once again distracted by Republicans’ symbolic attempt at repealing a law already at work improving people’s lives. Repealing health care reform would have put almost half of all Americans under 65 at risk of being denied health insurance for a pre-existing condition. College students would be kicked off their parents’ insurance. Seniors would have to pay more for their prescription drugs with the Medicare donut hole reopened. Repealing this bill would add $230 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years and leave 32 million Americans without health insurance. Now is not the time to re-fight old political battles. Now is the time to come together to create jobs and continue growing our economy.”

Nearly 10,000 Delaware seniors would have fallen back into the Medicare ‘donut hole’ and be forced to pay higher prescription drug prices had Republicans had been successful in their repeal attempt. Repeal would have cost those seniors nearly $85 million over the next ten years.

Had Senator McConnell’s repeal amendment been passed and the “donut hole” been reopened:

In Kent County, 1,600 seniors would once again pay higher prescription drug prices.
In New Castle County, 5,054 seniors would once again pay higher prescription drug prices.
In Sussex County, 2,781 seniors would once again pay higher prescription drug prices.

The Republican repeal amendment would have also punished the approximately 82 percent of Delaware small businesses that qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which was designed to help small businesses and tax-exempt organizations afford the cost of providing health insurance to their employees. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees and average wages of less than $50,000 can receive a credit of up to 25 percent on the health insurance they provide to their workers – increasing to 50 percent in 2014.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed by the Senate in December 2009, before Senator Coons had been elected to the Senate.

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Delaware’s Congressional Delegation Congratulates Newark’s Manufacturing Extension Program on Receiving $50,400 in Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-DE) announced $50,400 in federal funding to strengthen and grow Delaware’s manufacturing industry. The funding was made possible through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, which will provide assistance to manufacturers through access to training resources and specific project assistance.

“The manufacturing sector of Delaware – a vital part of the state’s economy – has been hit hard by this recession. This funding with continue to revitalize our struggling industries, providing them with the resources they need to increase productivity and put more Delawareans back to work. It’s programs like this that help our manufacturing industry get back on track.”

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program’s mission is to support, strengthen, and grow U.S. manufacturing. To do this, it provides customized and direct assistance to manufacturers through its nationwide network of MEP centers, with nearly 400 locations across the country and more than 1,600 field staff working every day with companies in their plants and offices.

Visit NIST’s website for more information: http://www.nist.gov/mep/

Senator Coons Encouraged by January Manufacturing Index

WASHINGTON – Following a call for a new manufacturing agenda in his maiden speech on the Senate floor last week, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) expressed his encouragement at today’s announcement by the Institute for Supply Management of stronger than expected growth in America’s manufacturing sector. Specifically, in addition to overall growth, the data reveals increases in employment, production, and new export orders. Senator Coons said:

“Our manufacturing sector has long been a pathway to the middle class for generations of Americans. Manufacturing jobs are good, quality jobs and we need economic policies that promote high-tech and clean energy manufacturing right here in America. Delaware has become a model for new investment in advanced manufacturing, and I spoke last week about how we in Congress can replicate the Delaware model all over the country. I am encouraged that the latest manufacturing data released today by the Institute for Supply Management shows that we are on an upswing. We need to build on these gains to ensure that growth in our manufacturing sector translates into more middle class jobs in the months ahead and in the long-term, and I will continue to work with my colleagues toward that end.”

The Institute for Supply Management’s index of manufacturing activity moved to 60.8 in January, from 58.5 in December (ratings over 50 are generally indicative of a period of growth). The report also showed gains in its new orders index, production index, and hiring index.