I have no doubt the decision Gov. Markell had to make regarding the budget crisis was not one he took lightly. I am sure he understands the impact his decision will have upon the largest work force in Delaware. I am not convinced he cares.

    One solution he offers is to allow sports betting. While this can be a lucrative business and revenue generator for the state it preys upon those with addictive personalities. As it stands, state monies support a variety of gambling support programs. Would implementing this solution lead us to later supporting more groups and people whose addiction we might awaken?

    The next solution is to shift the burden from all citizens of the state to those citizens employed by the state of Delaware. By cutting every state employee’s salary by a minimum of 8%, Recovery Delaware becomes the responsibility of the state workers. I find it preposterous that Gov. Markell expects employees to take an 8% cut in pay in exchange for nothing. Employees are expected to continue to work as diligently as the day before but for less pay. Imagine the impact of an 8% salary cut on an employee making $20,000 a year or the burden carried by families with two members in the employ of the state.

    What is a plausible solution? Though unfavorable to some, I believe it is time to introduce a state sales tax. The burden of the budget downfall is one that must be shouldered by all, not just those citizens under the employ of the state. Perhaps a sales tax enacted similarly as that of our neighboring state, Pennsylvania, which does not tax necessities. By enacting this tax, those who purchase more pay more taxes alleviating the burden from those less fortunate.

    Gov. Markell says in one sentence how much he values the state worker while the next he attacks them through salary and benefit cuts. What will be accomplished by reducing the employees’ pay? Losing 8% of my pay is equivalent to feeding my family for an entire year or paying three mortgage payments. I assure you at the end of each month my husband and I never think, “What are we going to do with all this extra money?” On the contrary, at the end of the month I am thankful to God because somehow we met all of our financial obligations, fed our family and made it one more month. Now, I look to my legislators to represent each of us in Delaware, stand up to Markell and provide solid solutions to secure Delaware’s financial future for all of us today and our children tomorrow. For the future of Delaware rests in the hands of those we elected; hopefully, we made good choices last November.