Ruth for Delaware

Our students are our most valuable resource, and our government is failing them. Delaware has the fourth-highest spending per student on education yet ranks 48th in educational outcomes. As a former tech educator, Ruth knows that not all students are the same, which is why she has been a fierce advocate for tailored education so each student gets the education they deserve.

Ruth will ensure that students and parents have the ability to choose what kind of education they want and assure quality throughout all of the different educational paths. Ruth had an untraditional path to becoming an educator and wants to make entering the field more accessible, thus making Delaware a more attractive state for teachers. As a former educator, Ruth knows what needs to be done to fix Delaware’s public education system.

A successful businesswoman, Ruth Briggs King understands the issues impacting Main Street. Small Businesses cannot develop because they lack the appropriate infrastructure. As a legislator, Ruth fought to reduce government regulation and ease the burden on entrepreneurs. Recognizing the growing popularity of vocational education, she believes that trade work is a key contributor to helping businesses grow on a local level.

Delaware ranks last in the nation for GDP growth. By removing regulatory roadblocks, Ruth will push legislation that allows businesses to flourish. Whether it is small businesses or large corporations, quick state approvals are necessary for communities to build a strong economy.

Delaware’s most vulnerable groups have now been subjected to rising gang violence and drug use. As a State Representative, Ruth pushed for funding to expand the Safe Streets Initiative that was implemented in Kent County. Ruth will fight to address the increase of theft occurring to small businesses to make Delaware safer for business.

Additionally, Ruth is passionate about increasing safety on Delaware’s roads. Delaware has too many fatalities due to vehicle accidents and congestion, impacting our utility workers. Ruth envisions a Delaware with the safest workplaces, schools, communities, and roadways in America.

Ruth’s family has a rich history of military service, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Delaware was once a haven for retired veterans. Now, veterans throughout Delaware are facing a crisis when it comes to their healthcare. Many veterans have to drive almost 100 miles to be turned away for care due to a lack of capacity, as some wings of veteran facilities are closed due to a lack of staffing. This treatment is unacceptable for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Ruth will fight to ensure that veterans get the fast and quality care that they deserve.

As an advocate for women, Ruth understands that female veterans can be underrecognized and less likely to seek and receive care. Ruth will ensure that all veterans—no matter their gender—have access to the best medical care in the country.

A fifth-generation farming family, Ruth grew up in rural Sussex County. Ruth understands the hard work and value the agricultural community has for Delaware’s economy. As Lieutenant Governor, Ruth will fight to preserve Delaware’s farmland and protect our environment.

Migration and retirement from other states have put a tremendous strain on Delaware’s healthcare system. Ruth has observed hospitals struggling to bring in specialties and expand to meet the growing needs of the population. As Lieutenant Governor, Ruth will push legislation that supports the expansion of primary and emergency care for communities throughout Delaware.

Ruth also recognizes the need for funding to grow the presence of geriatric and psychiatric care within the state. She looks to fund Delaware residency programs to retain healthcare professionals in the state. Ruth believes the state should pass legislation to help fund and staff state hospitals to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare within Delaware. A leader on this issue, Ruth served on the Council of State Government Taskforce on Emerging Issues in Healthcare and their taskforce on Long-Term Care.

From internet access to road construction, infrastructure is the foundation of communities across Delaware. Safer roads, better schools, and access to broadband are essential for improving Delaware’s way of life.

Delaware was losing business and impacting the qualify of life with the lack of rural broadband services. Her first steps in the legislature were to bring this issue to the forefront for rural areas, increasing the potential for economic growth and personal communication. Because of Ruth’s leadership, Delaware is prepared to install fiber and increase access throughout the state. Ruth understands that internet access in the 21st century is not a luxury-it is essential, and she will treat it as such.