Delaware Gov. Markell Responds to Delaware’s Budget Challenge Reaching $800 Million

May 15, 2009 -- WILMINGTON – Delaware Governor Jack Markell released the following statement Friday in response to preliminary estimates from the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council that show the state’s budget shortfall for fiscal 09 has increased to $45 million and the shortfall for fiscal 2010 has climbed to $800 million:

“DEFAC’s estimates make our historic challenge even more daunting. My administration will spend the next six weeks working with the General Assembly to responsibly address the $800 million shortfall. I am grateful the legislature passed the sports lottery bill, but as the numbers show, we have a lot of work left to do.

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“As our budget work continues, I will not lose sight of the economic struggles Delaware families are facing everyday. The only way we are going to relieve the burdens on our neighbors is by growing the economy and creating jobs. My administration will keep working hard everyday to get Delawareans back to work and get our economy moving again.”

Source: Delaware Governor