Senators Coons and Collins Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing UNICEF’s 75th Anniversary

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a resolution celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and applauding the role UNICEF has played in protecting the rights and lives of vulnerable children worldwide. UNICEF was established on December 11, 1946 to provide assistance to vulnerable children around the world.

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution celebrating 75 years of UNICEF,” said Senator Coons. “Each year, UNICEF staff in all corners of the world work to support and empower children to ensure that every child has access to clean water, education, protection from abuse, and immunizations in over 190 countries and territories. As Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations appropriations subcommittee, I have been proud to support UNICEF’s life-saving work, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”

“Over the past 75 years, the United Nations Children’s Fund has been a lifeline to children facing poverty, malnutrition, and disease around the world,” said Senator Collins.  “Our bipartisan resolution celebrates UNICEF’s milestone anniversary and recognizes the important work the organization does to provide relief to millions of children.  It also underscores the United States’ continued partnership with UNICEF to help ensure that children have access to essential medical services, clean drinking water, a quality education, and a brighter future.”

Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, applauded the senators’ recognition of this anniversary: “Senator Coons and Senator Collins are champions for children everywhere. On behalf of the ten million Americans who have supported UNICEF’s work, I appreciate the bipartisan recognition of UNICEF’s anniversary, and its long partnership with the United States. We look forward to continuing our work together to build a better world for children.” 

Full resolution text here.

President Biden signs bipartisan Coons-Cornyn bill to protect U.S. law enforcement serving abroad

WASHINGTON — At a ceremony at the White House today, President Biden signed into law the Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). The bill ensures individuals who have killed or attempted to kill U.S. federal officers and employees serving abroad can be brought to justice in the United States.

The bill is named for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Special Agents Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila, who were attacked by Mexican drug cartels in San Luis Potosi, Mexico on February 15, 2011. Special Agent Zapata died from his injuries, and although the perpetrators were apprehended, last year a federal appeals court dismissed the murder convictions due to a lack of jurisdiction over the crimes committed against law enforcement stationed overseas. The Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act would clarify that federal officers and employees serving overseas are protected, and that U.S. courts may try their attackers in a U.S. court of law.

“President Biden is taking important steps to ensure protection and justice for federal officers attacked overseas,” said Senator Coons, who attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House. “This clarification of federal law will ensure that anyone who attacks our law enforcement officials will face accountability from the United States, no matter where any act of violence may occur.”

“No matter where federal law enforcement officers are called to serve, they know that their oath to protect our nation extends beyond American soil,” said Senator Cornyn. “This new law will ensure federal officers and employees serving internationally have the protection of the laws they have been sworn to defend by closing a loophole which will deliver justice and honor their courageous service.”

Additional cosponsors include Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) led the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

Along with the Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act, President Biden also signed into law two bills cosponsored by Senator Coons: the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which will provide for increased Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program (PSOB) awards in certain instances, and the COPS Counseling Act, which will incentivize officers to utilize peer support programs.

Full text of the Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act is available here. 

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Senate adopts Sens. Coons and Scott’s resolution designating November as National College Application Month

WASHINGTON – Last night, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) designating November as National College Application Month. The bipartisan resolution encourages students to look toward their future and consider their college options. A companion is set to be introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Susan Wild (D-Pa.) and Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.).

“Higher education provides an important path for students, but not all students are aware of their options. National College Application Month tells students to dream big and emphasizes the importance of exploring their resources and opportunities,” said Senator Coons. “I’m excited to bring my colleagues together in recognition of this important moment in so many people’s lives.”

“A quality education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities,” said Senator Tim Scott. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we must continue working to ensure that nothing stands in the way of a positive future for our young people. With today’s resolution, we affirm our commitment to breaking barriers to higher education and encourage all students — regardless of age — to pursue their dreams and continue their educational journey.”

“Too often, students feel discouraged from exploring higher education because they aren’t aware of all the available options,” said Representative Wild. “Before making a life-changing decision, students deserve to have the support they need to evaluate the possibilities of higher education and understand the complexities of the financial aid system. Through this bipartisan resolution, we are helping students break into higher education and ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

“There are many opportunities for students to continue pursuing their education for a successful career,” said Representative Guthrie. “This month I’m highlighting the opportunity of higher education by designating November as National College Application Month. Kentucky’s Second District is home to many bright students and excellent higher education institutions. I encourage students to make decisions that are best for them in furthering their education after high school and applying to an institution of higher education is an option to set them on the right path to a great career. I enjoyed working with my colleagues to reintroduce this important recognition.”

Even though colleges and universities provide pathways to economic opportunity, there has been a decline in enrollment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for students in poverty and students of color. The complexity of financial aid systems and rising college costs can serve as additional barriers for students and families as they assess the viability of higher education programs. The bipartisan resolution notes that there is value in identifying and comparing postsecondary options, and it is important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The resolution cites data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that the unemployment rate for young adults with a bachelor’s degree is a full 20 points lower than workers with only a high school diploma. That gap has widened exponentially because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s now almost 3 times higher than the overall national unemployment rate.

In addition to Senators Coons and Scott, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

ACT CEO Janet Godwin said, “This national recognition is a call to action for all of us to work harder to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. The college application process can be confusing and daunting for students. That’s why ACAC events assist high school seniors, including those who are systemically underserved, with submitting at least one college application. We appreciate the President and members of Congress along with our partners for the collaboration on this important endeavor.”

Stephanie Owens, executive director of Reach Higher and vice president, student advocacy and engagement at Common App, said, “Education is the single most important investment one can make for their future, and it changes the trajectory of lives for generations. At Common App, we work every day to tear down barriers for students to be able to apply to college. I’m grateful to President Biden and Congress for recognizing the need to support students across the country in the college-going process.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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Coons, Portman introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize wildlife trafficking law

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to combat international wildlife trafficking and strengthen interagency efforts to tackle the issue. Wildlife trafficking remains a serious transnational crime and threatens the conservation of vulnerable wildlife, regional security, and economic opportunity. It has also been linked to other organized criminal activities, including trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and people. The Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2021 would reauthorize legislation led by Senator Coons that was signed into law in 2016. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).

Since it was passed into law in 2016, the END Wildlife Trafficking Act has facilitated the arrest of members of wildlife trafficking networks and supported interagency efforts to tackle the issue globally through country-specific and regional initiatives. The END Wildlife Reauthorization and Improvements Act reauthorizes the duties of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and related reports on major wildlife trafficking countries, expands the role of technology in anti-trafficking efforts, provides additional legal authorities for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prosecute wildlife trafficking cases, and prevents funds from benefitting security forces that commit human rights violations.

“Wildlife trafficking is not just a critical conservation issue; it also threatens the security of the United States and our international partners,” said Senator Chris Coons. “The Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking has done outstanding work, but the threats posed by wildlife poaching and trafficking are constantly evolving. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my fellow co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, Senator Portman.”

“As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I am pleased to join Senator Coons in introducing the END Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act to help prevent the trafficking and poaching of the world’s most threatened species. Wildlife trafficking is not only a matter of conservation but also national security and international stability, as billions in profits from the illegal wildlife trade are used to finance other illicit and terrorist activity,” said Senator Portman. “By reauthorizing and expanding the responsibilities of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and enhancing existing law enforcement authorities, this bill strengthens the tools the U.S. government has to help combat trafficking around the globe. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this important bipartisan legislation.”

“Wildlife trafficking is a despicable practice and heinous crime that endangers conservation, our nation’s security, and many other crucial concerns,” said Congresswoman Meng, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. “We must continue our efforts to combat the problem and passing the END Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act is essential to helping ensure that we continue to make progress in this fight. I am pleased to join Rep. Fortenberry and Senators Coons and Portman in working to address this critical issue in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, and I look forward to the legislation being approved both houses of Congress.”

“The sad nexus of wildlife trafficking, environmental degradation, and resulting destabilization lends itself to terrorism financing and a host of other dangers,” said Congressman Fortenberry. “The END Act is an important initiative to stop poaching and prevent funds from going to corrupt regimes.”

The End Wildlife Trafficking and Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2021 is endorsed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, Conservation International, International Fund for Animal Welfare, African Wildlife Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.

“Wildlife trafficking has menacing implications for animal welfare, conservation, public health, and national security, and to stop this global war on wildlife, we need to place the nation on a wartime footing,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund. “Through their leadership, Senators Coons and Portman, and Representatives Fortenberry and Meng, have added more bite to existing programs, strengthening the government’s emphasis on technology to improve anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts, and confront the increasing reliance of bad actors on digital currency and payment platforms for their illicit commerce.”

“Wildlife trafficking poses grave threats for human health, global security, and sustainable development. I applaud Senators Coons and Portman, Representatives Fortenberry and Meng, and other leaders of the House & Senate International Conservation Caucus for their continued strong leadership on this issue,” said David H. Barron, Chairman of the ICCF Group. 

“The END Wildlife Trafficking Act has played a key role in guiding and enhancing U.S. Government efforts to stop illegal wildlife trade globally. It is also helping to address one of the root causes of the spillover of wildlife-borne diseases that can lead to pandemics, such as COVID-19. Wildlife trafficking not only drives the extinction of species but is also linked to corruption, instability, and financing for transnational criminal networks that threaten local communities and U.S. security interests alike,” said Ginette Hemley, World Wildlife Fund Senior Vice President for Wildlife Conservation. “Reauthorizing and strengthening this law is vitally important, given the critical role that well-coordinated U.S. technical and financial assistance plays in supporting international cooperation to end wildlife trafficking. We thank the champions of this legislation for continuing to demonstrate their leadership on this issue, which has had strong and consistent bipartisan support.”

“The biodiversity crisis we’re currently facing threatens more than a million species with extinction, while also compromising the life support systems we humans depend on. To effectively address this, we must tackle the direct exploitation of species, which is a leading driver of species loss and, resulting, ecosystem collapse,” said Zak Smith, Director, International Wildlife Conservation at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “Reauthorizing this law—and focusing on the scourge of wildlife trafficking that jeopardizes species around the world and undermines ecosystem health—is an important step for saving species and ourselves.” 

Endorser quotes here. 

Bill text is available here.  

A one-pager is available here.  

A section by section is available here. 

Senator Coons announces new Communications Director

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) announced the hiring of Will Baskin-Gerwitz as his new Communications Director.

“As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and enact generational legislation that will impact working families across the country, it’s more important than ever that my office clearly communicates how we’re making a difference for the people of Delaware,” said Senator Coons. “I’m glad to have Will on my team at this pivotal moment to continue the tradition of dedicated, innovative professionals leading my communications office.”

Before joining Senator Coons’ office, Baskin-Gerwitz worked as a Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee, where he worked with states in the mid-Atlantic and across the Northeast to secure President Biden’s election and advance the Biden agenda. Prior to that, he worked across the country on Democratic campaigns, including as the Communications Director for the re-election campaign of former Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.). He will work primarily in Senator Coons’ Washington office.

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President Biden signs into law Coons-backed bipartisan infrastructure bill

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after President Biden signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, landmark legislation that Sen. Coons helped negotiate. The bipartisan infrastructure deal will make the most significant long-term investment in U.S. highways, rail, transit systems, clean energy, and other infrastructure-related programs in nearly a century.

“President Biden’s signing of the bipartisan infrastructure deal lays the foundation for many years of infrastructure improvements across the United States – from upgrades to our roads, railroads, and bridges, to improving clean water, climate resiliency, and access to high-speed internet,” Sen. Coons, who attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House, said. “The new law will promote clean energy while producing high-quality and good-paying jobs across our state without raising taxes, and I was honored to be a part of the group that negotiated this deal. I look forward to passing the rest of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda through Congress to further improve the lives of folks in Delaware.”

Sen. Coons’ statement on Sen. Leahy’s retirement announcement

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, announced his intention to retire.

“In a successful decades-long career serving the people of Vermont and our nation, Senator Leahy has left an important mark on our country. He leaves behind a strong legacy—from championing nutrition for millions of American families to preserving civil liberties and privacy to leading transformative investments as the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Senator Leahy brought his passion for justice, his commitment to serving his constituents, his sharp eye for a great photograph, and his dedication to our country to Washington. Whether on the Judiciary or Appropriations committees, whether traveling with family or on Senate business, Senator Leahy was always available to offer advice and encouragement, and he will be sorely missed in the Senate.

“Senator Leahy offered me welcome and memorable advice on how to navigate the Senate when I arrived in 2010, and his wife, Marcelle, has been a great friend and mentor to Annie.  Senator Leahy and Marcelle included Annie and me in many events over our early years in the Senate, and we will always be grateful for their friendship, advice, and fellowship over the past decade that we have served together.  We have enjoyed serving and traveling together and will miss them as colleagues and friends.  Annie and I wish Patrick and Marcelle well in their future together.”

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ICYMI: Senator Coons leads first bipartisan delegation to COP26 climate conference

GLASGOW, U.K. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, led the first bipartisan congressional delegation to COP26 over the weekend. In addition to several bilateral meetings with officials from other countries, members of Senator Coons’ delegation met with former Vice President Al Gore and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. They also joined a bipartisan event hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center and Global Energy Center, and visited the Flexitricity Control Center, a facility focused on reducing emissions and aggregating energy demand for Scottish consumers.

On Saturday, at the Atlantic Council event entitled “Bridging the Divide on Climate – A Bipartisan Conversation with U.S. Legislators,” Senator Coons spoke alongside U.S. Representative John Curtis (R-Utah), chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus. The event consisted of a pair of panels with lawmakers discussing the topics of climate resilience, natural climate solutions, and the energy transition. It was organized with help from the American Conservation Coalition, a nonprofit that mobilizes young conservatives around environmental action. Other panelists included Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

The panels on climate resilience and the energy transition were moderated by Benji Backer, founder of the American Conservation Coalition, and Randy Bell, Director of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center.

“I co-founded the Climate Solutions Caucus several years ago. A number of the members of the caucus are here with us. And our point across the fourteen members, seven Republicans and seven Democrats, is not that we agree on every policy proposal,” Senator Coons said at the Atlantic Council event. “But that we agree that the climate is changing, and that human action is contributing to it, and we need to find sustainable solutions.” Senator Coons also celebrated the potential of bipartisan solutions, highlighting the recently-passed $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a historic bipartisan bill that will invest $73 billion in energy efficiency, deployment and innovation and $47 billion in climate resilience solutions.

On Saturday, Senator Coons and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) also joined USAID Administrator Samantha Power, Power Africa Coordinator Mark Carrato, Bezos Earth Fund President & CEO Andrew Steer, and Rockefeller Foundation Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff Liz Yee in delivering remarks to celebrate the signing of an MOU for $10 billion in climate finance that will expand access to renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.

On Sunday, Members of the delegation toured the Flexitricity Control Center in Edinburgh and heard from leaders of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and the H100 Fife hydrogen project. Flexitricity, a Scottish renewable energy provider, works to improve energy security and cut energy costs by providing clean electricity during times of high demand.

In an NBC Nightly News segment aired Monday, Senator Coons appeared alongside Senator Murkowski and spoke about the U.S. commitment to combatting climate change.

Photos from each event are available at the following links: Atlantic Council & Flexitricity.

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Sen. Coons, colleagues urge Treasury Department to create a Presidential Commission on Financial Inclusion

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), along with Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), sent a letter to Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen and Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo urging the creation of a Presidential Commission on Financial Inclusion. In the letter, the senators propose this new commission be tasked with creating a national, interagency financial inclusion strategy with the goal of providing all people with the ability to access, utilize, and reap the benefits of financial products and services.

Financial inclusion results in better financial well-being and long-term security for all people and the economy. A government-led national financial inclusion strategy, implemented in coordination with the financial services industry and community organizations, is an important step to rebuilding our economy in an equitable, stable, and resilient way. More than 35 countries have already established national financial inclusion strategies.

“We believe a whole-of-government strategy—in partnership with the financial services industry and community organizations—is a critical step to fill the remaining gaps and achieve financial inclusion in the United States,” the senators wrote. “The necessary fact-finding and planning can begin with a new Presidential Commission at the Department of the Treasury tasked with creating a national, interagency financial inclusion strategy. Such a commission would build on the Administration’s existing actions and leadership to build an equitable economy, work that began on President Biden’s first day in office.”

Last month, Senator Coons spoke about the need for a national financial inclusion strategy at the 2021 Global Inclusive Growth Summit.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Yellen and Deputy Secretary Adeyemo:

Over the past few decades, the United States and Americans have enjoyed the benefits of a strong and growing consumer financial services system.  This system has allowed millions of people to create savings accounts for retirement, apply for affordable loans, and recover from financial shocks.  It has evolved using technology to reach more individuals and families than ever.  The financial services sector, through federal actions like the Community Reinvestment Act and private sector prioritization of racial equity in hiring, has increased investment in both minority and rural communities and entrepreneurs representing those communities, who are critical to creating prosperity.

However, too many people in America still cannot equitably access, properly utilize, and successfully reap the benefits of the financial system to build short-term stability and long-term financial security.  For example, 14% of American households making less than $40,000 annually did not have bank accounts prior to the pandemic,^[i]  and one-third had no savings at all.^[ii]  During the pandemic, emergency relief programs supported millions, but the existing cracks in our financial system prevented aid from reaching some of the most vulnerable in America.  When Economic Impact Payments were created, millions of Americans did not receive them.  Of the 162 million individuals eligible, the Treasury Department lacked bank account information for half of these taxpayers.^[iii]  For small businesses, while federal agencies delivered much-needed relief across the country, the preexisting gaps in access to our financial institutions caused thousands of minority-owned businesses to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans late or not at all.^[iv] 

Additionally, people of color do not reap the full benefits of the United States’ financial system: 58% of Black and Latino families did not have three months of emergency savings prior to the pandemic.^[v]  Financial exclusion also permeates rural communities that often exist in “banking deserts,” places without physical bank branches and limited digital connectivity. 

Given these challenges, we believe a whole-of-government strategy—in partnership with the financial services industry and community organizations—is a critical step to fill the remaining gaps and achieve financial inclusion in the United States.^[vi]  The necessary fact-finding and planning can begin with a new Presidential Commission at the Department of the Treasury tasked with creating a national, interagency financial inclusion strategy.  Such a commission would build on the Administration’s existing actions and leadership to build an equitable economy, work that began on President Biden’s first day in office.^[vii]  It is a proposal that is not only supported by Congress, but also leaders in the private sector and civil society.  By ultimately creating a national financial inclusion strategy, the U.S. would join more than 35 countries who have established similar strategies of their own.

We believe that a Commission like this should be made up of a diverse, bipartisan group of private individuals with relevant experience, including working to increase access to financial services and improve outcomes for underserved populations.  The Commission should work with relevant agencies across the federal government to devise an effective national strategy.

We recommend the Commission have a four-part mandate:

1.     Catalogue the federal government’s existing programs and initiatives that affect financial inclusion;

2.     Catalogue existing efforts by community organizations and financial services providers to reach underserved communities and create a more inclusive financial system;

3.     Evaluate how technology can be utilized to improve outcomes for underserved Americans; and

4.     Devise a financial inclusion strategy for the federal government to implement in partnership with the financial services industry and community organizations.

Our hope is that this Presidential Commission will provide our government, community organizations, and the financial services sector with a holistic strategy to advance financial inclusion.  This strategy will strengthen the financial wellness of households and help ensure a robust and inclusive economic recovery from the inequitable harms of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.

CC:

Mr. Brian Deese

Director

National Economic Council

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, D.C. 20220 

Sincerely,

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Sen. Coons on passing of former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, a longtime public leader who served Delaware in elected office from 1975 to 2009.

“Governor Ruth Ann Minner worked tirelessly for decades to make Delaware a better place for all of us. From championing anti-smoking laws to starting the SEED scholarship program, her significant accomplishments continue to benefit our state today.

“From her early days in the General Assembly to her election as our only female governor, Ruth Ann doggedly climbed the proverbial ladder, paving the way for every woman to be elected to public office in Delaware.

“Annie and I fondly remember attending her annual picnics at her home down in Milford, where nothing would light up her face more than talking about her family, particularly her grandchildren. She was a devoted matriarch to not just her own family but to our entire state. Ruth Ann Minner was tough as nails, kept her word, and cared deeply about the people of Delaware. She will be sorely missed.”