The last few weeks have been extraordinarily busy, as several momentous occasions took place in the Fightin’ 46th Legislative District. I was excited that President Biden visited the Port of Baltimore to promote the passage of his $1.2 trillion infrastructure legislation, which provides critical funding for bridges, highway and airport construction, water pollution control, broadband expansion, and public transportation projects.
- Approximately $4.1 billion for highway aid and $409 million for bridge replacement and repairs;
- An estimated $1.7 billion over the next five years to improve public transit systems;
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$200 million to expand access to high-speed broadband in underserved areas. The legislation also extends the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which discounts monthly broadband bills for low-income households;
- $844 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state to ensure clean, safe drinking water.
- A $238 million investment for the health and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay;
- $158 million for Maryland's airports;
- $63 million for electric vehicle charging stations; and
- At least $15.9 million to prevent cyberattacks in the State.
The President rightly called this effort “a once-in-a-generation investment” to strengthen the long-neglected infrastructure of our country and our State that will eventually ease supply chain congestion and boost the nation’s economy. The opportunities the infrastructure bill provides Maryland are numerous and I am proud President Biden chose Baltimore’s port as the backdrop for his announcement—one of the largest and most dynamic in the nation.
With all that is going on, I hope you each have a chance to pause and reflect on the last year and all that it has brought as we enter this Thanksgiving season.
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Special Session of the General Assembly is Coming Dec. 6 |
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Two public hearings happened this week, including a state-wide virtual hearing on Monday to discuss the conceptual drafts. The public can submit comments via email to [email protected]. The General Assembly will be convening in a Special Session on December 6 to decide the final congressional map for Maryland.
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Speaker Jones and I will continue our open and transparent process and we encourage Marylanders to provide testimony and feedback. For general questions, email [email protected].
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COVID-19 Cases Rise, Booster Shots Approved |
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Daylight Savings time ended on November 7th, and the early darkness combined with cooler temperatures has pushed many of us inside. As a result, COVID-19 cases are up 31% over the last two weeks, a notable increase after having level case numbers throughout most of October.
The Senate Vaccine Oversight Workgroup, which has been convening since January to ensure an efficient, accessible, and equitable vaccine program in Maryland, received a briefing from the Maryland Department of Health to receive updated information on case data and vaccine efforts. During the meeting, we explored the State's plans to vaccinate children equitably. According to the Maryland Department of Health, ample vaccine supplies should be available to healthcare providers and other immunization sites across the State.
As the holidays approach, this is not the time to let down our guard. Get a booster if you are eligible. We urge you to consider vaccinating your school-age child now that it is authorized. Wear masks when you feel it is necessary and prudent given your setting.
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I had the pleasure of helping to open Rash Field Park alongside Mayor Scott and many other champions of our City. The $16 million renovation is the beginning of a renaissance for the Inner Harbor and will be enjoyed for years to come by residents and visitors alike.
The first phase of the 2.5-acre project, led by the Waterfront Partnership, includes a skate park, a nature play area, and an adventure playground. The park along Key Highway features a beach volleyball area and a field for sports leagues and other activities.
This is what we can do when we dream big and make a major investment in our downtown area. It is critical that we create a thriving, upbeat, energetic City core to attract residents and tourists to enjoy the harbor and support local businesses. This investment at Rash Field represents everything that is good with this City.
I look forward to the realization of the second phase of the park, which will expand it to seven acres. It will include walking and jogging paths, exercise equipment, a game lawn, and butterfly and bird gardens.
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State Leaders Meet to Discuss Service Program Maryland Corps |
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I had the privilege to meet with leaders from Maryland’s civic, business, public health, education, and environmental sectors yesterday as we discussed the future of service in our State through Maryland Corps.
In 2016, I worked with Senator Shelly Hettleman and Delegate Sandy Rosenberg to create Maryland Corps as a mechanism for expanding opportunity, repairing our civic fabric, and meeting our State’s workforce development needs. Nearly six years later, we are poised to modernize service opportunities by reshaping and expanding Maryland Corps – my top personal priority for the 2022 Legislative Session.
Maryland has the potential to be a national leader in making service accessible to young people in every corner of our State by breaking down barriers to entries, and strengthening local capacity of community partners and large scale employers. Our democracy hinges on bringing people together across lines of difference with a shared vision of community impact. We must take that step forward in the upcoming 2022 Legislative Session.
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Delegate Maggie McIntosh, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that she is not seeking reelection in a heartfelt guest commentary. Chairwoman McIntosh has been a dedicated partner, one of Baltimore’s most ardent champions, and is a teacher at her core. I am deeply thankful to have had the privilege to work alongside her, and to call her a true and genuine friend.
The Maryland Department of the Environment has released a report that it says will be a road map for updating storm water management practices to address more frequent and intense storms and flooding events related to climate change
An alarming editorial by education expert Kalman Hettleman reveals that Maryland’s lagging efforts at early childhood literacy have long-term effects. Evidence shows that children who do not master foundational reading skills in early grades almost never learn to read proficiently.
Maryland’s Purple Line is expected to restart full-scale work on the stalled light-rail project this spring. The project will connect neighborhoods, metro lines, and MARC commuter rail stations.
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If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email, [email protected], or by phone, 410-841-3600.
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