Nurses who work for the State of Delaware, specifically  Stockley Center, have been underpaid prior and throughout the  COVID pandemic. They are the lowest paid in the state, and estimated to be in the bottom 26% in the country.  The highest paid nurse is currently making $7.77 less an hour than the average base rate for a brand new Registered Nurse with only an Associates Degree in our area.  The last cost of living wage adjustments for the State of Delaware Registered Nurses was over 15 years ago. The area has boomed raising the cost of living significantly . This does not include the inflation the entire country is experiencing. The state of Delaware nurses are also not receiving incentives, retention  bonuses or bonuses to pick up overtime that is offered at other facilities. This being fact, the state of Delaware is losing nurses and having a hard time keeping the ones that are currently employed.  The registered nurses that are currently working are feeling burnt out and underappreciated. This petition is to help raise awareness and hopefully assist the Registered Nurses obtain the raise, bonuses and  recognition they deserve.