Legislative Session- January

Week 3 Session is really picking up as Legislators submit their bills to be heard in Committee and on the House Floor. As bills are submitted, we are always working to address the concerns of our constituents on the Eastern Shore. We have a few bills in the drafting process and have especially been working to restore municipal highway user revenues. The bill would not only assist the current needs of road maintenance but it would also establish a long-term source of funding for future municipal transportation projects. As a member of the Environment and Transportation Committee, I am hopeful that this will provide us with opportunities in targeting highway user revenues. We passed a bill in 2018 and we are looking forward to working with the Legislature, Speaker Jones and Governor Hogan to get these restored for years to come. Last week in committee we heard briefings in several areas including the state of the bay. My colleagues and I are committed to working towards healthier waterways throughout Maryland. Governor Hogan Last week, Governor Hogan announced a $1 billion tax relief proposal to make it more affordable for retirees to stay in Maryland. This legislation will lower taxes for more than 200,000 Marylander's and will provide much needed relief to those who have dedicated years to our state's economy. You can find more information on this proposal here. Governor Hogan also announced his proposal for the largest school construction initiative in state history. He has introduced the Building Opportunity Act of 2020, which will provide $3.9 billion in school construction funding over the next five years. It is expected to create more than 27,000 new jobs and fulfill every funding request submitted by Maryland school systems. We are grateful to the Hogan Administration for continuing to put education on the forefront.  Eastern Shore Delegation Last week we heard from several groups in Delegation including Choptank Electric Cooperative. Delegate Sheree Sample- Hughes and various members of the Eastern Shore Delegation are sponsoring a bill that will allow Choptank Electric Cooperative to provide reliable internet access to people living throughout Choptank's service area. Current state restrictions prevent Choptank members from delivering broadband quickly and efficiently and with 36% of Marylanders without internet that meet FCC standards, this presents a huge problem on the Eastern Shore. I plan to co-sponsor this legislation to make Choptank Cooperative a member-regulated utility. We have been getting emails from hundreds of people around the state who support this initiative and will be sure to keep you updated as this bill moves through the legislature.  On Monday, we attended the Taste of Maryland Reception that featured restaurants from across the state. We were excited to see our friends from Evo who's craft beers were a huge hit! The 2020 Scholarship is now open! Please email carl.anderton@house.state.md.us to receive the application. Thank you for the continuous support! 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!