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“This is so important for our local governments, because local governments have to figure out how, not only do we best utilize artificial intelligence, but how do we also protect our constituents and protect information. How do you strike that balance?”asked Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Eastern Shore).   For the full story in Maryland Matters, click here:  AI to fight AI: Local governments consider artificial intelligence for cybersecurity - Maryland Matters

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Lower Shore) loves the Chesapeake Bay, but she continues to make sure her General Assembly colleagues and the public don’t forget about the state’s five coastal bays. Carozza made that case last month when state officials unveiled new license plates that called for protecting the Chesapeake and as well as the coastal bays. She did it again Thursday, during this week’s Maryland Association of Counties summer conference in Ocean City... For the full story in Maryland Matters online, click here: Carozza to colleagues: ‘Don’t forget about the coastal bays’ - Maryland Matters

The addition of a nod to the state’s coastal bays started when Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (D-Eastern Shore) bought a new car. Carozza already sported a vanity license plate referencing the Eastern Shore bays. She said the dealership offered her the opportunity to move to a bay plate. It was then that she learned there was no option for coastal bays. “I said, ‘Well, maybe we need to do something about that,'” Carozza said Tuesday. “I serve on the Maryland Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee,” she said. “I spend a lot of time ensuring that my colleagues know that not only do we need to focus on protecting the Chesapeake Bay, but we have the Maryland coastal bays to protect as well. “This was a way that we could raise the visibility of Maryland’s coastal bays and really have it highlighted on the bay license plate itself,” she said of the tweaked plate design. Carozza said she hopes the updates will increase the number of vehicles sporting the new plates. That would mean more money for bay-related projects and maybe “an increase for the Maryland coastal bays as well,” she said. For the full story: Maryland tweaks popular Chesapeake Bay plates - Maryland Matters

“There was tremendous interest on the part of Maryland’s municipal leaders to understand how Artificial Intelligence can be used to improve efficiencies and services, but at the same time, they wanted to know the major security risks involved in using AI in local government,” Carozza said.  “I would expect that many municipal leaders would be adopting AI policies to ensure the appropriate use of AI in local government.” The senator noted that while AI may have benefits, biased responses, complicated thinking, and deep fakes, all pose dangers to users. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza moderates AI workshop | News | oceancitytoday.com    

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day has announced that the state of Maryland has awarded a grant of nearly $2 million to provide broadband access for the residents and businesses of Smith Island. Joined by state and Somerset County officials, as well as members of Smith Island United, Secretary Day announced the funding from the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Network Infrastructure Program to Verizon to bring high-speed internet to the island.   For the full story, click below: Smith Island to get high-speed internet in big broadband breakthrough (delmarvanow.com)

Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R) said it’s about time that Smith Island got access to those basic services so many people are now accustomed to. “The infrastructure is absolutely essential and we have to fight harder on the shore to make sure we receive our fair share. And today, Smith Island is receiving part of that fair share. And we’re going to keep advocating not only for Smith Island, but for the entire shore,” said Senator Carozza. For the full story, click below: $2 million announced for Smith Island high speed internet - 47abc (wmdt.com)