RECOGNIZING APRIL 18, 2025, AS "NATIONAL LINE WORKER APPRECIATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Pettyjohn & Rep. Vanderwende

Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Richardson, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Carson, Dukes, Osienski, Postles, Romer, Ross Levin, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 55

RECOGNIZING APRIL 18, 2025, AS "NATIONAL LINE WORKER APPRECIATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, line workers play a vital role in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power lines and communication infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, during storms and emergencies, line workers are often among the first responders working to secure downed power lines and restore essential communication technologies, ensuring public safety and continuity of service during times of crisis; and

WHEREAS, even outside of emergencies, the work of a line worker is inherently dangerous and requires significant skill and courage; and

WHEREAS, there are currently over 120,000 line workers supporting the U.S. electrical grid, with the profession growing at a rate of approximately 2.94% annually; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is home to an estimated 390 line workers who contribute daily to our state and nation’s critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, becoming a journeyman line worker requires four years of rigorous training and hands-on experience; and

WHEREAS, line workers maintain and service an estimated 2.7 million transmission towers, 180 million utility poles, and 450,000 miles of power lines across the United States; and

WHEREAS, the first lineman in the United States, Ezra Cornell, played a pioneering role in building the Morse Telegraph and went on to found Cornell University; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Rosa “Rosie” Vasquez was inducted into the National Lineman Hall of Fame for being the first female American linewoman; and

WHEREAS, as of 2024, there are approximately 6,250 women working in the line trade across the country; and

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, more than 67,000 line personnel mobilized to restore power and rebuild infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, during Hurricane Ian, line workers working alongside first responders restored power to nearly 2 million customers across Florida and the Carolinas within 72 hours; and

WHEREAS, in the historic 2017 hurricane season, line workers responded to calls for assistance in Texas, the Southeast, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, North Carolina was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, which left over 430,000 people without power and prompted 500 line workers from 30 states to assist in restoring electricity; and

WHEREAS, line workers routinely face hazardous conditions, including severe weather and natural disasters, to keep our power systems functioning; and

WHEREAS, April 18th was first recognized as “National Line Worker Appreciation Day” in 2013 by the U.S. Senate; and

WHEREAS, this day serves to honor and recognize the dedication, service, and sacrifice of line workers who ensure the consistent delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities across the nation.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 18, 2025, is recognized as “National Line Worker Appreciation Day” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes April 18, 2025, as "National Line Worker Appreciation Day" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Pettyjohn