Chris celebrates healthy kids with the United Way and the Blue Rocks
WILMINGTON — Chris stopped at Frawley Stadium today to help the United Way celebrate Healthy Kids Day with the Blue Rocks. Click on the image above to see the whole album!
Related Issues
Related Issues
Marking the one-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that killed 11 workers and led to the worst marine oil spill in history. Before the ruptured well was finally capped five months later, roughly 4.9 million barrels of crude oil had spewed into the Gulf of Mexico. There are estimates that at the height of the spill this equated to more than one Exxon Valdez per week flowing from the broken pipe.
The flow of oil had detrimental effects on wildlife and Gulf ecosystems, and severely impacted local economies that depend on the fishing, tourism and other coastal resource-based industries. While no energy resource is risk or cost-free, we need to ensure that an ecological disaster of this size and scope is prevented from ever occuring again.
In May 2010, President Obama created the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling with the goal of providing recommendations on how the United States can prevent and mitigate the impact of future spills that result from offshore drilling. The Commission released its final report earlier this year, stating that errors and misjudgments by the three companies — BP, Transocean, and Halliburton – all contributed to the disaster. The Commission found that it was “foreseeable and preventable” and made recommendations to address systemic problems across the oil industry’s risky business practices and the federal government’s and lax regulation enforcement.
Chris looks forward to working to working with his colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to address the Commission’s recommendations. He believes that we must continue to work on updating our safety and environmental regulations for offshore drilling and that we must also ensure that the ecosystems of the Gulf are fully recovered from this disaster and that Gulf Coast communities are fairly compensated for their losses.
Chris also understands that new regulations and enforcement, as well as changes in industry culture, are only part of the solution. If we are truly serious about preventing future environmental disasters as well as reducing our dependence on oil, the commonsense recommendations of the Commission can help lead the way, but we have to do more. We should also take longer-term steps to restore and diversify the Gulf with both traditional and renewable energy technologies. Chris believes that we must make fundamental changes in our energy systems so that we use our energy resources more wisely and efficiently. Furthermore, we must continue to invest in clean, renewable energy in order to transition our nation beyond fossil-based fuels.
In Delaware, we are lucky to have alternative different offshore energy resource in abundance – wind. Delaware and other mid-Atlantic states are working hard to develop a robust offshore wind industry and lead the country in the utilization of this important resource. Chris joined Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar when he announced the new “Smart from the Start” initiative, which will better facilitate citing, leasing and construction of new energy projects. Watch Senator Coons at the “Smart from the Start” announcement. This is an important step toward renewable energy adoption, energy independence, and new high tech jobs for our region. Thanks to “Smart from the Start” it will be easier for Delaware to tap into our wind energy potential.
How we power our future is one of the most critical questions of our time because it has far-reaching implications for our economy, national security, and environment. Offshore wind is only part of the clean energy picture, but an incredibly important one for Delaware that will bring jobs, economic growth, and home grown clean energy to our state. Chris is committed to making sure that the government plays a proactive role in promoting innovation, manufacturing, and construction in the clean energy field, as well as ensuring proper regulation of our industries so that oil spills and other preventable disasters become a thing of the past.
UD students discuss global poverty with Chris, ONE Campaign
NEWARK — A longtime anti-poverty advocate, Senator Coons participated in a panel discussion on global poverty and preventable diseases at the University of Delaware’s Newark campus Tuesday night.
More than 100 UD students attended the forum hosted by UD’s ONE chapter. Founded by U2 frontman Bono, ONE is an international, non-partisan grassroots anti-poverty campaign with more than two million members.
The conversation focused on global development issues, with an emphasis on International Affairs Budget and aid effectiveness. During a time when the budget is on the minds of many Americans, Chris stressed the importance international aid plays in America’s security.
As a country, it’s imperative that we make it a priority to provide assistance to developing nations. By providing basic resources like a quality education and healthcare, we decrease the likelihood of terrorist groups taking advantage of those in poor countries.
Chris was joined at the forum by Dr. Gretchen Bauer, head of the Political Science and International Relations Department at the University of Delaware, and Erin Hohlfelder, Health Policy Manager at The ONE Campaign.
Conor Leary, a student at University of Delaware and the new president of UD’s ONE Student Chapter, moderated.
Read more about it on the ONE Campaign’s blog.
How Delaware businesses can remain competitive in a global economy
GEORGETOWN — In an effort to better connect with Delaware’s business leaders, Senator Coons attended the Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club’s monthly luncheon at the Sussex Pine Country Club in Georgetown Tuesday.
During the luncheon, Chris discussed his work as a former attorney at W.L. Gore & Associates and his belief that in order to recover from this recession it’s imperative that the federal government provides incentives for the private sector to grow and create jobs.
During a question and answer portion of the luncheon, a Rotarian expressed concern over America maintaining it superiority in manufacturing. Senator Coons expressed optimism, remindin that our country is still the largest manufacturer in the world and while China has become a close competitor, his colleagues on Capitol Hill are working to keep America competitive into the future.
Senator Coons visits La Red Health Center
GEORGETOWN — Senator Chris Coons met with members of La Red Health Center’s executive team in Georgetown Tuesday to discuss the community’s access to affordable healthcare.
La Red, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, is Sussex County’s only federally qualified health center. The facility is available to all residents of Sussex County and receives approximately 15,000 medical visits from roughly 6,500 patients each year.
With the economic downturn and increased unemployment, there has been a large influx in residents seeking out La Red’s services. As a result, the Center has outgrown its current facility. In early February, La Red broke ground on a 15,000-square-foot facility with triple the amount of space and twice the number of examining rooms. During the meeting, the executives explained that one of their largest challenges was attracting doctors to their current center, due to the limited space and medical equipment. Thanks to the new facility, two new doctors, a dentist and a dental hygienist will be added to its current staff of 45 employees.
The Affordable Care Act allocates $11 billion over the next five years to federally qualified health facilities that are similar to La Red. This money will expand American’s access to quality, affordable healthcare.
News Journal voices support for Senator Coons’ jobs bill
Delaware’s largest newspaper, the News Journal, on Saturday published an editorial voicing support for the Job Creation Through Innovation Act — Senator Coons’ first bill, which he introduced last week.
“By increasing the R&D tax credit from 14 percent to 20 percent and making it refundable, the “little guy” has an incentive to be innovative in markets ruled by bigger companies,” the paper wrote.
“Being able to quickly hire workers to design products and conduct quality assurance testing also recycles some of that tax credit back into local economies.”
The Senator’s week ahead schedule: April 18 to April 24
Monday, April 18 at 4:00 p.m. Senator Coons will speak to University of Delaware honors students. University of Delaware, 116 Gore Hall, Newark, Del. – Closed to Press.
Tuesday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a press event with the Small Business Administration and Dover Federal Credit Union – 1075 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover, Del. – Open to Press.
Tuesday, April 19 at 11:50 a.m. – Senator Coons will speak at a Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary meeting. Sussex Pines Country Club, 22426 Sussex Pines Road, Georgetown, Del. – Open to press.
Tuesday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. – Senator Coons will tour the La Red Community Health Center. The center was recently remodeled and celebrated its 10-year anniversary. 505 West Market Street, Georgetown, Del. – Closed to press.
Tuesday, April 19 at 3:00 p.m. – Senator Coons will tour Miller Metals. 16356 Sussex Highway, Bridgeville, Del. – Open to press.
Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Senator Coons will speak at the University of Delaware’s One Campaign Forum. University of Delaware, 140 Smith Hall, Newark, Del. – Open to press.
Wednesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. – Senator Coons will attend an Executive Briefing and Town Hall Meeting with Siemens’ Workers. 700 GBC Drive, Newark, Del. – Closed to press.
Wednesday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. Senator Coons will attend a press event for the New Castle County Smart Energy Programs. The Senator will be joined by County Executive Clark to highlight the cleanenergy initiatives the county has implemented, including its 49 kW solar array on roof of the Hockessin Library. Hockessin Library, 1023 Valley Road, Hockessin, Del. – Open to press.
Thursday, April 21 at 10:00 a.m. Senator Coons will attend a community outreach event at the Newark Senior Center to inform seniors on the constituent services provided by his office. Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, Del. – Open to press.
Thursday, April 21 at 2:15 p.m. Senator Coons will tour the Kraft Food Facility. 1250 West North Street, Dover, Del. – Closed to press.
Sunday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m. Senator Coons will appear on CBS’ “Face the Nation” program.
Note: Schedule is subject to change.
Recognizing the work of county governments
In recognition of National County Government Month, this week Senator Coons submitted a statement into the Record trumpeting the work done by America’s county governments:
Mr. President, I rise to recognize the contributions made each day by our nation’s 3,068 county governments, and the men and women who serve in county government. They are tireless public servants whose daily efforts to ensure that local government works for all Americans are honored during National County Government Month, which takes place each April.
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In New Castle County, as in many counties across the country, we felt the impact of the call to duty on service members and their families, as county employees – many in our public safety community – deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with units of the Reserve and National Guard. I am pleased to join Judge Whitley and county officials across the country in honoring service members and veterans, and highlighting the important services county governments provide.
Mr. President, National County Government Month also provides the Senate with an opportunity to acknowledge that county governments – with the help of the National Association of Counties – are working together to restore the partnership among all levels of government to serve communities across America better. We in the Senate share our constituents with county government officials and face common challenges. It is incumbent upon us to recognize the men and women who work tirelessly within local governments and provide essential services directly to our constituents. They deserve our sincerest gratitude.
Video: Chris talks about the Job Creation Through Innovation Act
Senator Coons talks to Delawareans about the Job Creation Through Innovation Act, which he introduced today.
Questions and answers about the Job Creation Through Innovation Act
Senator Coons’ first bill, the Job Creation Through Innovation Act, will help jumpstart domestic manufacturing and create conditions to help businesses grow and create high-quality, high-paying middle-class jobs. Here are answers to seven key questions about the bill:
Q: What will this bill to do help Delaware?
The Job Creation Through Innovation Act will help Delaware businesses innovate, create jobs and stay globally competitive. First, it increases and makes permanent the research and development tax credit. It creates a Domestic Manufacturing Credit to provide an incentive for companies to invest and create jobs here at home. Right now many new, small businesses are ineligible for the R&D tax credit because they aren’t profitable yet, so this bill creates a new Small Business Innovation credit to provide tax relief to these businesses. Finally, it extends two programs created by the Recovery Act designed to promote clean energy technology and investment. These incentives were heavily used and critical to energy project developers and Delaware manufacturers, as well as to the production of clean and green energy, and the expansion and retrofit of clean and green production capacity.
Q: Why is a permanent R&D tax credit needed?
The R&D tax credit has been temporarily extended 14 times since it was enacted 30 years ago and it is currently set to expire at the end of the year. This lack of permanence is problematic. Many R&D projects have multi-year planning horizons. If firms aren’t assured they will benefit from the credit over the expected life of an R&D project, they are unlikely to include it in their determination of annual R&D budgets. This renders the credit essentially irrelevant, given its purpose is to incentivize firms to invest more in R&D than they otherwise would have.
Q: Why is research and development important to the U.S.?
The formula for our economic success has long been the unstoppable combination of an innovative citizenry and investment in cutting-edge research. This is what generates companies that invent new products, often high-tech and research-driven products, and, along with these, create skilled jobs right here in the United States. Many of these jobs are in the manufacturing sector. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average manufacturing worker in our country earned roughly twenty-five percent more than workers in all other sectors – that’s over seventy-two thousand dollars last year, including pay and benefits, while the average non-manufacturing worker earned less than fifty-nine thousand. Manufacturing jobs, created as a result of R&D investment and innovation, mean higher wages and better benefits.
Q: How does the Domestic Manufacturing Credit work? How would you target this at manufacturers?
The provision incentivizes keeping jobs in the United States by increasing the existing R&D tax credit for companies that produce most of their goods domestically. The Domestic Manufacturing Credit would increase incrementally to reward a higher percentage of domestic production – an additional 2 percentage points for 50% to 60% of sales from domestically-produced goods; up to a 10 percentage point increase for companies with 90% to 100% of their receipts from domestic production. For example, a company with 100 percent domestic production that would normally receive a 20% R&D tax credit would receive a 30% credit under this proposal.
Q: Why does the legislation include a new Small Business Innovation Credit?
Under current law, the R&D tax credit is non-refundable, which is to say that only profitable firms can benefit from credit. This poses a special problem for small, fledgling research-intensive firms. In recent decades, numerous commercially successful technological innovations have originated with such firms. Many of these firms spend substantial sums on R&D during their first few years, despite experiencing large financial losses. For this reason, the legislation would create a new small business innovation credit by allowing firms with 500 employees or less to claim a new, refundable R&D credit.
Q: What Delaware businesses could benefit from this proposal?
Delaware firms, both small and large, that invest significantly in R&D in the United States and create high-paying jobs associated with that R&D stand to benefit the most from this legislation. Delaware’s agricultural, biotech, chemical, energy and manufacturing sectors rely on the R&D tax credit to grow and create jobs.
Q: There are a number of energy tax incentives in place, why are the two energy incentives so important to Delaware?
It is important to send a longer more certain signal if we are going to reduce our dependence on fossil resources by producing clean energy in the U.S. The renewable energy production and advanced energy manufacturing tax credits were critical to keeping clean energy projects and jobs in place in the last several years. The incentives for in the Act work in tandem to send that signal.
During the meltdown, the tax equity market was frozen which threatened to sideline thousands of renewable projects. Through the Treasury Grants Program for renewables, Delaware companies have been able to support dozens of solar and wind projects. At the same time, Senator Coons wants the U.S. to be a leader in sourcing products for renewable energy from domestic manufacturers. Thus, the advanced energy manufacturing credit supports a range of clean tech manufacturing projects such as building materials, wind turbine towers and blades, solar equipment, batteries and many other clean tech projects.