Here’s an update on what’s happening in Annapolis at the end of the eleventh week of the 2023 Legislative Session. We are now down to 18 days remaining, and any bills that have not passed at least one chamber are effectively dead.
Weekly Video Update from Annapolis - Week 11
You can watch my weekly video update by clicking the picture below. In it I discuss passage of the Senate version of the state operating budget. I came into the Session with several concerns about how spending and taxation policy would move forward. While I remain cautious about the future, the budget passed by the Senate contained a number of positive things. Our Republican Caucus was able to work effectively to actually reduce overall spending from last year and restore funds that were cut from the school-choice BOOST program. More details are in the video:
Governor Moore’s Minimum Wage Proposal
This week, the Senate passed Governor Moore’s bill to accelerate the increase of the minimum wage in the State of Maryland. I opposed it. SB 555 – The Fair Wage Act would increase the minimum wage to $15/hour on October 1st, 18 months earlier than the current plan.
Senate Republicans opposed this proposal as it would place a new, significant financial burden on Maryland job creators who will have to bump up all wages, not limited to just those who already earn minimum wage. Job creators may also find themselves having to eliminate positions and seeking automated operations when possible. The only positive was that I was able to work with my Finance Committee colleagues in both parties to take out a provision that would have tied the minimum wage to inflation.
Another amendment offered by one of my Republican colleagues would have retained the current protections for small businesses with fewer than 14 employees and given them more time to implement the increase. This amendment was rejected. I will continue to stand up for small business owners and Maryland job creators.
Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit
On Thursday, April 20th, the MD Civic Education Coalition will be hosting an Education & Engagement Leadership Summit from 3:30pm – 7pm. The event will take place online. You can reserve a spot for free clicking here.
The MD Civic Education Coalition was extremely helpful with a bill that I sponsored, SB 271, which would establish the Maryland Civic Excellence Program in public school systems who wish to participate. Students would be recognized for civic engagement by receiving a seal on their diplomas, and schools with over 50% of graduating students who receive the seal would be recognized as a Center of Civil Excellence. SB 271 has passed the Senate and is now being worked on in the House of Delegates.
Senatorial Scholarships Available
If you are or know a high school senior or college student, please consider applying for a Senatorial Scholarship. For more information or to request an application, email Emily Van Horn at [email protected] and include your full address. Scholarships will be accepted up to April 15, 2023.