Annapolis News-Week One-A Session of Opportunity and Accountability
2020 Maryland General Assembly Update
Week One-A Session of Opportunity and Accountability
Annapolis, MD—The 441st session of the Maryland General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. This session ushers in a new era of leadership in both the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. Senator Carozza participated in a press conference where Governor Larry Hogan outlined his measures to increase accountability in our government and educational system and toughen violent crime measures, and attended the first Eastern Shore Delegation meeting of the session. At the Delegation meeting, Carozza and the other members were briefed by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
CAROZZA WELCOMES OPPORTUNITY WITH NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP
The 441st session began with the election of Senator Bill Ferguson as President of the Senate and Senator Melony Griffith to be President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The full Senate also voted to confirm Nicole Xander as Secretary of the Senate, the first woman to hold this position. Former President of the Senate, Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., the longest serving Senate President in United States History, was elected the first President Emeritus of the Senate
“This new era of leadership provides a new opportunity to advocate for our Shore way of life,” Senator Carozza said.
"ACCOUNTABILITY" SET BY GOVERNOR HOGAN AT PRE-SESSION PRESS CONFERENCE
The day before the Maryland General Assembly convened, Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference and declared that this year’s session would be the Accountability Session. At the press conference Governor Hogan unveiled his legislative agenda that aims to create more accountability in our education system, tougher penalties for violent criminal offenses, and ethics reforms for elected officials. Senator Carozza is proud to support this agenda and looks forward to advocating for it in Annapolis.
EASTERN SHORE DELEGATION MEMBERS BRIEFED BY CABINET SECRETARIES
Senator Carozza participated in the first Eastern Shore Delegation meeting of the 2020 session on Friday, January 10. At this meeting the members were briefed by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Department of Agriculture (MDA) Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder. Secretary Haddaway-Riccio highlighted the importance of all stakeholders being involved in decisions pertaining to oyster harvesting. Secretary Bartenfelder notified the Delegation about the implementation of the Phosphorous Management Tool (PMT) after the PMT Advisory Committee voted against a delay and how the Department would notify and work with impacted farmers. Both Secretaries plan to introduce legislation on behalf of their departments during this legislative session to reduce regulatory burdens on their respective industries.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS APPROVES FUNDING FOR DISTRICT 38 PRIORITIES
On January 8, the Board of Public Works, consisting of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, approved funding for projects in District 38. The approved funding includes $882,000 in Program Open Space funds for 254.84 acres in Somerset County; $64, 350 to repair three parking lots at Fruitland Recreational Park; $416, 218 for the Ocean City Beach Replenishment Project; and a $1,065,803 grant to renovate the Three Lower Counties Community Services facility in Salisbury.
LOCALS IN ANNAPOLIS
Delegate Charles Otto, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator Addie Eckardt, Salisbury Mayor Jake Day with Senator Carozza attending the Maryland Municipal League's Opening Day Reception
Senator Carozza meeting with CRICKET Center Executive Director Wendy Myers; Board of Directors President Monica Martin; and Josiah, a therapy dog. Myers and Martin testified in support of legislation to allow therapy dogs in child court proceedings. (below)
Ocean City Career Firefighters Duane Phillips, Christopher Brown, Ryan Whittington and Christopher Tyson visited Annapolis on the opening day of the 441st session of the Maryland General Assembly.
Other Shore visitors to Annapolis this week included; President of the Worcester County Professional Fire Fighters Association Melissa Bragg of Salisbury; University of Maryland Eastern Shore President Heidi Anderson; Liz Mumford of Berlin and Beth Rodier of Bishopville.