Legislative Weekly Update

Senator Adelaide Eckardt, District 37 Legislative Weekly Update March 1, 2017

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center unveiled this Harriet Tubman oil painting by a local Cambridge artist, George Wright. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center will be open to the public March 11th.

HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD VISITOR CENTER OPENING   The grand opening for the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center in Cambridge will be open to the public on March 11th . This beautiful, new facility is an important asset for our community. I am proud, and honored, to have this center in our area. The visitor center provides the opportunity to educate current and future generations about the courage and heroism of Mrs. Tubman. Here is an amazing venue to share her story as we honor the woman, who led countless to freedom, and devotedly served her country during one of America’s darkest times. The new center provides us with the chance to celebrate our deep rich cultural  heritage , review  the story of a local daughter and ponder the implications for us all today. Visitors from across Maryland, the nation and other countries , will have  the opportunity to explore the area and center to learn about our history on the Underground Railroad.

MARYLAND SECURES TRIPLE AAA BOND RATING Nancy Kopp, Maryland State Treasurer, announced last week that all major national bond rating agencies have re-affirmed the State’s strong AAA bond rating. Currently, Maryland is one of the eleven states to hold AAA rating, the highest possible rating for states. This achievement allows taxpayers in Maryland to continue to save millions of dollars due to this lower interest rates prompted by these ratings. Maryland’s strong, financial management has helped secure these critical AAA ratings. There are still ongoing concerns about the long term liability of the pension fund.

KEEP THE DOOR OPEN ACT  Senate Bill 476 – Behavioral Health Community Providers – Keep the Door Open Act was heard this week. Senate Bill 476 requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to adjust the rate of reimbursement (in the 2019 proposed fiscal budget) for community providers. In recent years, behavioral health service providers have been adequately compensated  for the services they provide. This bill is needed to attract and retain a qualified workforce in Maryland. All Marylanders deserve access to necessary behavioral health services – both mental health and substance use disorders. The bill as introduced has significant fiscal implications and hopefully will be worked out between the executive and legislative branches of government. The Governor has included additional funds in this year’s budget to address the Heroin and Opioid crisis.

It was great spending time with the Talbot County Legislative Page from St. Michaels High School, Will Rieck. Will has accepted his admissions offer and will attend the University of Michigan - Ann Harbor, LS&A Honors Program. Congratulations, Will!

BAY RESTORATION FUND UPDATE   Senate Bill 343 – Bay Restoration Fund – Eligible Costs legislation sparked a conversation regarding facilities that upgraded prior to July 1, 2013. Facilities that upgraded to enhanced nutrient removal prior to this did not receive any grant funding from the Bay Restoration Fund. I will be proposing a budget amendment to help municipalities who were unable to receive grant funding to be awarded a grant from the wastewater account of the Bay Restoration Fund. Senate Bill 343 was cross-filed with Delegate Adams’ House Bill 384. This bill is received a favorable with amendment report for the House Environment and Transportation Committee and is expected to pass the House.

SENATE BILL 266 - ENVIRONMENT - ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM - BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR NITROGEN REMOVAL - PROHIBITION   Senate Bill 266 was introduced and would require all new septic systems to utilize the Best Available Technology (BAT). This legislation is an attempt to bring back regulations, which Governor Hogan repealed, due to the cost.  Under this requirement, homeowners would face $800-$1,300 in costs annually to maintain systems conforming to the new regulations. BAT systems, coupled with a mandatory additional expense for sprinkler systems,  make starter homes in rural areas impossible to construct. I stand behind the Governor, and oppose this costly bill.

Senator Adelaide Eckardt District 37 – Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico Counties 410-841-3590; 410-221-6561