Budget is In, Wicomico Wins The pace is already beginning to quicken in Annapolis as we wrap up our first full week of session. Week two was very productive and it feels great to be in the swing of things again. Over the past week, I have been meeting with numerous individuals regarding upcoming legislation. Our practice is to reach out to groups who are advocating legislation that I agree with and to those who are proposing things that I will not likely support. It is important to me to set aside time to listen to both sides while using that time together to explore how bills can be beneficial or detrimental to those of us who call the Shore home. I enjoy meeting people face-to-face when it comes to understanding the underlying issues that impact them daily, including and most importantly, you. This week I had the great opportunity to meet with representatives from the National Federation of the Blind and Trash Free MD to discuss issues, solutions, and their priorities. I began the week with Delegate Hill (Baltimore & Howard Counties), Dr. James Chappell, and members from the Comptroller's Office, seeking to understand the distinction between the cosmetic versus medical uses of Botox and taxes associated it. Through my service on the Environment and Transportation Committee, I also had opportunities to participate in several briefings held by Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Planning, Community Development Network of Maryland, Automated Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and Maryland State Police. Participating in these conversations and receiving information prior to bill hearings and voting is essential to ensuring that my votes reflect informed decisions for you. Throughout the week, I have had meetings with numerous colleagues in hopes of gaining support for the Highway User Revenues legislation that I am submitting. I was joined by Speaker of the House Mike Busch, Chair of the Appropriations Committee Delegate McIntosh (Baltimore City), and fellow legislators in discussion of the importance of Highway User Revenues and the effect they have on our counties and municipalities. It continues to be my priority, to restore these funds. We are all already paying into the fund via the gas tax, so I believe we should see the money return to benefit our roads.

Governor's Budget Governor Hogan released his budget for Fiscal Year 2018 on Wednesday. The proposed budget brought great news to Wicomico County as it allocates one million dollars toward renovations and a continuation of the Main Street project in downtown Salisbury. For months, I have been actively meeting with members of the administration to discuss the project and I am thankful to Governor Hogan for placing it in the budget. Education in Focus We welcomed the Eastern Shore of Maryland Educational Consortium, which includes all of the school superintendents of the Eastern Shore, at our weekly Eastern Shore Delegation meeting. We discussed specific issues facing our districts and afterward, I personally met with Dr. Donna C. Hanlin, Wicomico Superintendent of Schools, to discuss some construction projects at schools throughout the county.

This week, we are looking forward to receiving our drafted bills and will continue to garner more co-sponsors for our common-sense legislation. I will attend the grand opening of the Comptroller's call center in Salisbury as well as a tax briefing held by Comptroller Franchot. As always, if you would like to contact us with an idea, issue, or concern, please either call: 410-841-3431 or email carl.anderton@house.state.md.us. We look forward to hearing from you!