MD lawmakers look back on successes, discuss future plans after end of legislative session

MARYLAND – “It’s been a long 90 days,” Delegate Tom Hutchinson said.

The 445th Maryland legislative session is officially in the books and some lawmakers are describing it as a learning curve. “This was the first session after an election. We have new leadership in the Governor’s office, and we had new players in several departments,” Delegate Charles Otto said.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza says the Eastern Shore delegation had a strong session addressing several key issues.

One of those included legislation creating a commission to study trauma center funding, including Tidal Health.

Senator Carozza says that center is vital as it’s the only one of the Eastern Shore. “They have been woefully under funded by the state and they laid it out. They showed that since 2017 they’ve been trying to make sure that their rates and reimbursement are fair and they have not been,” Senator Carozza said.

“I reached out to every trauma center across the state, and they were thrilled that somebody had an interest in wanting to help them,” Delegate Hutchinson said.

Despite this, Senator Carozza says the democratic majority made things challenging for her party, passing several measures she didn’t support which included legislation on recreational marijuana. “I just believe that we took on that issue before we were even prepared as a state to move forward. I voted against that legislation,” Senator Carozza said.

Delegate Hutchison says although some of his plans fell through the cracks, he already has a game plan to keep pushing for initiatives like supporting the state’s poultry industry. “It is our number one industry in the state of Maryland, and I want to make sure it stays strong for us here on the Eastern Shore,” Delegate Hutchinson said.

Moving forward, lawmakers say the focus now turns to the state budget that will fund several key projects like public education.

Another win for the shore was legislation sponsored by Senator Carozza, implementing a stronger retirement system for the Crisfield Police Department. Senator Carozza says it will help retain and recruit personnel.

Lawmakers also noted the sanitary district and Sunday hunting allowed here in Wicomico County as a success.

Freshman Delegate Tom Hutchinson tells us he has plans to address more healthcare concerns and finding more ways to support local waterman.