MD lawmakers weigh in on State of the State Address and future goals
MARYLAND– Governor Larry Hogan gave his State of the State Address Wednesday evening, talking about challenges and accomplishments the state has seen.
“The Governor’s slogan has always been, “Get Maryland back in business, keep Maryland open for business” and he certainly has held true to that from my perspective,” Senator Addie Eckardt said.
But, Maryland’s outgoing Governor also spoke about the path forward saying he wants the General Assembly to pass legislation to eliminate every penny of state retirement taxes for all Marylanders. That’s Something some lawmakers are on board with.
“Fully support tax cuts to retirees especially in my district there’s a large number of retirees there and we need to keep Marylanders in Maryland,” Delegate Wayne Hartman, Chief Deputy Minority Whip, said.
Speaker Pro Tem Sheree Sample-Hughes says committees will be reviewing tax cuts, and if we look all the way up to 2027, based on the proposal, the State would lose about $730 million.
“So, while it sounds good at face value we also need to be cognizant of the fact that there is a decrease in revenue,” Speaker Pro Tem Sample-Hughes said.
Another, thing Governor Hogan wants to see is more jobs being created. Delegate Wayne Hartman said he thinks there’s jobs available it’s just a matter of training.
“We need to get training available for career and technology related jobs,” Delegate Hartman said.
Maryland’s 62nd Governor also wants legislation to be passed increasing penalties for those who use guns to commit violent crimes. Senator Addie Eckardt said she’s on board.
“There were two more murders in Dorchester County last week and the community is just discouraged, feels demoralized, is very frustrated,” Senator Eckardt said.
Speaker Pro Tem Sample-Hughes said there’s a lot that’s going to be addressed this session when it comes to criminal policies in Maryland, including addressing ghost guns in the state.
“Making certain those ghost guns get off the street, they are not allowed here in the state of Maryland,” Speaker Pro Tem Sample Hughes said.
Speaker Pro Tem Sample Hughes also said she was happy to see Governor Hogan speak on expanding capabilities and partnerships at the Port of Baltimore.
Also in the address, the Governor wants to see judge sentencing records published, but that’s something Delegate Hartman disagrees with because he doesn’t want too see judges attacked for their records.
Senator Edkardt said she would like to see a revitalization of business of our natural fisheries and of our historic fisheries.
