ANNAPOLIS, Md. — This week in Annapolis, the General Assembly entered its second full week of the 2021 Legislative Session, and a steady stream of bills were introduced in both the House and Senate. Governor Larry Hogan[R] put forward a plan for reopening Maryland schools and revealed the 2022 budget. House Speaker Adrienne Jones unveiled a “black agenda” for Maryland that intends to combat systematic racism in the state.
Stories of the Week
- Speaker Jones unveiled a new “black agenda“ for Maryland. This includes a legislative package which contains bills addressing a wide range of racially-charged issues. Examples of such are bills focused on racial equity, economic disparities, police reform, and education.
- Governor Hogan announced a plan for reopening schools. In a press conference with the State Superintendent, Hogan called for Maryland schools to open in a “hybrid” capacity by March 1 of this year. This plan includes prioritization of vaccines for teachers and school staff, and an additional $780 million in funding for schools
- Hogan also revealed the FY2022 budget, the contents of which included extra funding for education and Pre-K, tax and stimulus relief for Maryland residents, and funds for restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
Bills To Watch
SB 414 — Climate Solutions Now Act of 2021 — Introduced in the Senate
SB 419 — No Knock Warrants Elimination — Introduced in the Senate.
HB 1 — Funding For Historically Black Colleges and Universities — Cross-filed in the Senate and House
SB 421 — Replacing Columbus Day with indigenous people’s day — Status Introduced
Contact Tyler at tylerchesser@thebaynet.com