From: State Representative John A. Kowalko, Jr. State Representative James Johnson
As a state we stand at a crossroads when it comes to economic development, and where we go from here will impact the lives and futures of many for years to come. Recent developments in Delaware and Maryland concerning job availability and job losses should spur us to a new specific course of action to coalesce statewide efforts in that regard. With the closing of the Avon Facility and the Daimler Chrysler Plant, both in Newark, we as a state must work to ensure that quality jobs are available for all citizens. While the fight continues in helping to save the Daimler Chrysler Plant, a new window of opportunity for the people of Delaware has been opened with the announcement of a major increase in the number of jobs at the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Meade in Maryland. Due to the Base Realignment and Closure Plan (BRAC) submitted by the Department of Defense, by 2009, between 14,000 and 16,000 high-paying, high-tech positions will be added to the base, which is only a half an hour from Delaware. When considering indirect jobs, such as contractors, the numbers jump to between 45,000 and 60,000 people. This is wonderful and welcome news not only for Maryland, but also for the state of Delaware. Housing deficiencies in Maryland mean that many could choose to live in Delaware, considering that the Aberdeen Proving Ground is less than thirty minutes away. Not only would this add to our already vibrant local economy, it would bring new opportunities to sustain job growth in the area. In order to ensure that Delaware benefits from the creation of thousands of jobs in the area, we are proposing to establish the Delaware Interstate Job Cooperative Task Force. House Concurrent Resolution No. 26 would establish a comprehensive coalition of groups that would engage the discussion at the state level and enable discourse between the General Assemblies of both Maryland and Delaware. Taskforce participants would include a wide array of stakeholders, including the Department of Labor and the Economic Development Office, state and local union organizations, local municipalities, and at large members of the public. The State of Maryland may find it difficult not only to provide housing for the number of new workers proposed, but also to supply the number of workers with the training and skills necessary to fill these positions. Delaware can offer a highly-skilled and dedicated workforce. Geographical boundaries of neighboring states should not impede job growth, job availability, or industry needs, and therefore, we would like to propose creating this task force in order to ensure that the people of Delaware are able to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. By establishing a relationship with the state of Maryland, we will be able to sustain cooperative efforts in the future regarding job creation, job availability, and industry growth, and we will be able to promote economic stability within the region. The task force could and should be expanded over the course of time to engage neighboring states in the discussion. It would eliminate the territorial and parochial attitudes that may hinder a smooth intertwining of job appointments and manpower availability. The key to effective interstate job creation is to elevate the discourse to the state level while still including a wide variety of stakeholders. We feel that this will guarantee engagement at the highest level of state government and therefore ensure a responsible path to a stable economic climate throughout the region.
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