Delaware Needs Tax Cuts and Jobs, Not Just Governor Meyer's Empty Unity Rhetoric

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer recently took to X, declaring his commitment to work with anyone to put the First State first. It’s a lofty pledge, one that resonates with Americans tired of partisan bickering. Voters want leaders who deliver solutions, not soundbites. But in an era where political unity feels like a relic, can Meyer actually bridge the divide and produce tangible results for Delawareans?

The governor’s call for collaboration sounds good on paper. Who wouldn’t want elected officials to set aside egos and focus on the common good? Yet, the reality of governance is messier. Delaware, like the nation, faces economic pressures, rising costs, and a polarized electorate. Meyer’s promise, while earnest, raises a critical question: does he have the backbone to prioritize practical outcomes over party loyalty?

Public sentiment backs this demand for action. Polls from early 2025 show 83% of Republicans and 58% of independents want leaders to work across party lines. Even 46% of Democrats agree. Delawareans, from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach, aren’t asking for miracles. They want jobs, lower prices, and a government that listens. Meyer’s challenge is to turn his rhetoric into reality.

Delaware’s economy is a microcosm of national struggles. Inflation and job security top voter concerns, with 78% of independents and 81% of Democrats rating them as critical. Meyer’s pledge to ‘get things done’ must zero in on these bread-and-butter issues. Tax cuts, streamlined regulations, and workforce development aren’t just buzzwords; they’re lifelines for small businesses and families.

History offers a playbook. The mid-20th century saw bipartisan coalitions deliver landmark policies like the Civil Rights Act. Today, effective lawmakers, from committee chairs to moderates, embed practical solutions in must-pass bills. Delaware could benefit from similar pragmatism. For instance, bipartisan efforts in Congress on workforce development show what’s possible when leaders focus on shared goals.

Yet, Meyer’s party has a track record of favoring bloated programs over lean, targeted fixes. Take health care: while bipartisan reforms like telehealth expansion gain traction, some Delaware leaders push costly, one-size-fits-all plans. Voters see through this. They want leaders who respect their wallets and deliver measurable wins, not ideological crusades.

The biggest hurdle to Meyer’s vision isn’t just policy disagreements; it’s the toxic polarization gripping politics. The Vanderbilt Unity Index pegs congressional polarization at a staggering 88.55. Delaware isn’t immune. Emotional distrust between parties fuels gridlock, making even simple compromises feel like betrayals.

This isn’t new. Polarization has ebbed and flowed since the Gilded Age, but today’s divide is uniquely bitter. Social media and cable news amplify outrage, turning neighbors into enemies. Meyer’s call for unity is noble, but it’s naive to think handshakes alone will fix this. Delawareans need a governor who can navigate this mess, not add to it.

Opponents of Meyer’s approach might argue that compromise dilutes principles. Some on the left demand unwavering loyalty to their agenda, dismissing bipartisan efforts as weakness. But this ignores reality. The filibuster, for example, forces negotiation, protecting minority voices. Delaware’s diverse voters—rural, urban, blue-collar, and professional—demand leaders who can broker deals, not burn bridges.

What does ‘putting the First State first’ look like? It’s not vague promises or photo-ops. It’s cutting red tape for small businesses in Dover. It’s ensuring Sussex County farmers aren’t crushed by federal overreach. It’s expanding job training in Wilmington without ballooning the deficit. Delawareans want a government that works for them, not against them.

Constituent services offer a model. Congressional offices across the country help citizens navigate federal bureaucracy, from securing grants to fixing VA benefits. Meyer could emulate this, prioritizing casework and outreach to rebuild trust. High-performing lawmakers credit such efforts for electoral success. Delawareans notice when their leaders show up.

The alternative—doubling down on partisan dogma—has failed. Gridlock breeds distrust, with 80% of Americans believing elected officials don’t care about them. Meyer’s pledge is a chance to break this cycle. But it requires courage to defy party hardliners and focus on what unites Delawareans: economic opportunity, personal freedom, and a government that delivers.

Governor Meyer stands at a crossroads. His commitment to work across party lines could redefine Delaware’s future, but only if he backs it with action. Voters are clear: they want results, not rhetoric. Economic stability, job growth, and efficient governance aren’t partisan issues; they’re human ones. Meyer must rise above the noise and deliver.

Delawareans deserve a leader who fights for their interests, not a cheerleader for party talking points. The path forward lies in pragmatic solutions, rooted in the values of hard work and personal responsibility. If Meyer can harness the public’s demand for unity and channel it into real outcomes, he might just prove that leadership can still trump division.