In 2011 Delaware Gov. Jack Markell launched a statewide financial empowerment program called $tand By Me®. $tand By Me aims to empower Delaware residents to increase their economic security by providing access to a personal financial coach and consumer-friendly financial products. Those services help residents become more financially self-sufficient, gain access to other financial services, and improve their future economic opportunities. $tand By Me is a public-private partnership with an annual program budget of $1.9 million.