Eastern Shore Delegation push for education, infrastructure and healthcare funding in state budget

ANNAPOLIS, Md – With just days left in the legislative session members of the Eastern Shore Delegation say the focus now shifts to finishing the budget and getting crucial items for the eastern shore included before the Monday deadline.

“We were able to add the budget efforts to address Alzheimer’s which is huge- as is often said on the eastern shore we are a graying population and with that, we need to make sure we have healthcare that is sustainable, accessible,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Sheree Sample-Hughes.

Those funds support Assisted Living Programs and dementia services established by the state last year. Another Healthcare item is funding for TidalHealth’s Trauma unit and capital improvements at Atlantic General Hospital as well as helping to build a new center in Easton.

“Making sure in the case of Tidalhealth as the shores only trauma center it has the funds to operate is important because it doesn’t just service the 150,000 residents on the shore, it is also for the eight million that come during the summer,” said State Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

Lawmakers also pushed to help school districts on the shore have the funds to meet the goals of the state Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

“The budget now includes the support systems that are needed for someone to help Sheppard them through the process, I’ve heard from Dorchester and Wicomico county schools superintendents of their concerns,” Speaker Pro Tempore Sample-Hughes said.

Other line items include funding for infrastructure upgrades for cities, towns, and local landmarks.

“Governor Hogan was always good about putting money in for Perdue stadium and we are seeing we will put the pressure on for that to continue under Governor Moore,” said Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

Delegate Carl Anderton tells us that he is glad they were able to add funding for infrastructure for the City of Salisbury, funding for the local FOP, SBY Airport, and countless organizations that look to receive state dollars to cover their operations.

“Something concrete something you can point to, that’s what I’m proud to be able to show folks we got here,” he said adding that the funding for the City of Salisbury would go towards “infrastructure underground and above ground, not bike lanes.”

Speaker Pro Tempore Same-Hughes tells us that despite over 600 bills being passed on average per session, many will also hit the finish line before Sine Die on Monday.

“We are used to this pace and we are going to make sure that those priorities are getting through as much as possible,” she said.