Gov. Wes Moore lays out vision for Maryland on first day in office

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Wednesday marked a new chapter for Maryland; Governor Wes Moore laid his hand on a bible, officially taking office. He is the first Black governor of Maryland, and the third Black person ever elected Governor in the United States.

First Moments as Governor

Gov. Moore began his remarks thanking his supporters, mentors, friends, and family. However, he also made note of the striking significance of the very spot he stood in.

“It’s impossible not to think about our past, and our path. We’re blocks away from the Annapolis Docks, where so many enslaved people arrived in this country against their will,” said Gov. Moore. “And, we are standing in front of a capitol that was built by their hands.”

The newly sworn-in Governor says since then, Maryland has made uneven, yet unimaginable progress.

“Right now, we are standing here in our history, in our shared history, in our collective history, made by people, who over the past two centuries, regardless of their origin story fought and built a city and a country that works for everybody,” said Gov. Moore. “It’s about marching forward. Today is not an indictment of the past. Today is a celebration of our collective future.”

Laying Out His Vision

Gov. Moore says Maryland’s “future is so bright it is blinding”. However, he says it will only stay bright with consistent collaboration and progress. While the Governor says Maryland is “asset-rich and strtegy-poor”, he says it can also be different, bold, and can lead the way for other states.

“[It’s] only if we are intentional, inclusive, and disciplined in confronting challenges, making hard choices, and seizing this opportunity in front of us,” said Gov. Moore. “We’ve been asked to accept that some of us will be left behind, and that in order for some to win, it means others must lose. Not only that, we’ve come to expect that the people who have lost will keep losing. We must refuse to accept that.”

Bolstering Maryland’s Economy

Gov. Moore says for too long, Maryland has left too many behind. He called the fact that Maryland has the highest medium in the country, while one in three children live in poverty, unacceptable. Also unacceptable, says the Governor, is the 50,000 Marylanders experiencing homelessness each year, and the 250,000 who do not have health coverage, and almost 20% of households are burdened by medical debt.

“It is time for our policies to be as bold as our aspirations, and to confront the fact that we have been offered false choices. We do not have to choose between a competitive economy and an equitable one,” said Gov. Moore.

Lifting Maryland from its national ranking of 43rd in unemployment, and 44th in the cost of doing business, is a key step says Gov. Moore. The Governor also says he plans to battle the eight to one racial wealth gap, and work towards raising minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Fighting Crime

Another top priority is reducing Maryland’s crime rate, says Gov. Moore.

“Over the last eight years, we have seen the rate of violent crime rise. Many Marylanders have grown weary in their faith in government to actually keep them safe,” said Gov. Moore.

Maryland incarcerates Black boys between the ages of 18 and 24 more than any other state, according to a November 2020 Justice Police Institute report. Governor Moore says this is a personal battle for him.

“I know what it feels like to have handcuffs on my wrists. I felt that when I was eleven years old,” said Gov. Moore. I also know what it’s like to stand with families mourning victims of violent crime.”

Gov. Moore says he intends to ensure law enforcement acts with accountability and integrity, without militarization. He also says supporting first responders is crucial. And, those who have been previously incarcerated can’t be left behind, either.

“We can welcome people who have earned a second chance to return to our communities,” said Gov. Moore.

Facing a Changing Climate

The newly sworn-in Governor called climate change an “existential threat” to Maryland. “It is happening now in our communities. So, confronting climate change represents another chance for Maryland to lead,” said Gov. Moore.

That chance to lead could come in the form of wind technology, grid electrification, and clean transit. Doing those things, says the Governor, would help reduce air pollution protect the Chesapeake Bay. Gov. Moore promised to put Maryland on track to generate 100% clean energy by 2035.

“Clean energy will not just be a part of our economy; clean energy will define our economy in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “But, that requires everybody: companies, communities, state and local governments, and the people.”

Supporting Students

Gov. Moore says he will take “bold and decisive action” in Maryland’s schools. He says Marylanders should not have to choose between an excellent education, and an equitable one.

“We will ensure that every single one of our students, every single one of our children, knows that this state loves and needs them, and will create policies that can help them thrive,” said Gov. Moore.

Investments in special education students, English language learners, LGBTQ+ students, and students experiencing homelessness can be expected as well, says Gov. Moore.

While Gov. Moore called Maryland home to some of the world’s greatest higher education institutions, he also acknowledged they’re not the next step for every high school graduate. For that reason, Gov. Moore announced that a service year option will be offered to all who complete 12th grade.

“We must end this myth that young people must attend one of those to be successful. That’s not the path for every student. To be clear, it wasn’t my path,” said Gov. Moore. “I joined the military at 17, and went to a two year college. I think things worked out pretty well.”

Call For Service and Unity

It was in that spirit that Gov. Moore laid out his vision for the next four years.

“The challenges that we will face will require all of us to answer the call for service; to go out and join the ranks of our teachers and our firefighters, our police officers and our civil servants, our nurses and our union members,” said Gov. Moore.

Gov. Moore says “toxic partisanship” will only set Maryland back; the state must govern on big principles, and not petty differences, he says.

“We must govern in a way that addresses the needs of all of our families, and not worrying about what political ideology asks us to believe, and asks us to do,” said Gov. Moore. “If we are divided, we can’t win. But, if we are united, we can’t lose.”

The inauguration served as an opportunity to lead and love, says Gov. Moore, and set an example.

“We have a unique opportunity to build and to grow. But that opportunity, to me, can only happen if we’re doing it together,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland, it’s time, and let’s lead, and let’s do it together.”