Each year, G.S. Proctor & Associates compiles for our clients a detailed report analyzing key developments in the legislative process affecting the issues and industries that matter most in the state of Maryland.
In the coming days, we’ll share the details of the report in a series of posts focused on the various areas of interest. For those interested in seeing the complete report now, you can download a PDF here.
Executive Summary | COVID | Education | Legalization | Healthcare | Local Government | Public Safety | Budget | Transportation | Utilities
COVID
For the past two years, the novel Coronavirus upended the U.S. economy and the nation as a whole. In contrast, from an entirely virtual 2021 session; the 444th General Assembly entered into the third year of the pandemic by allowing the public to access the building, despite the rising COVID-19 infections and mutations.
Many advocates were excited for the General Assembly to reopen its doors to the public
this session, few were hesitant for the return to ‘normalcy’. For both chambers, the coalition made several recommendations for the House and Senate, as well as pandemic safety protocols, including:
- Making fiscal and policy notes for all bills available on the General Assembly website prior to the two-day testimony sign-up window;
- Providing assistance for non-English speakers attempting to sign up to testify and having interpreters on-hand;
- Requiring all lawmakers to be visible on camera and clearly audible at all times;
- Giving the public access to written testimony in real-time rather than at the end of
- hearings; and
- Requiring registered lobbyists to adhere to the same COVID-19 restrictions placed on the general public.
While the coronavirus shifted political and business priorities globally and in Maryland for the past two years, this Legislative Session introduced legislation that prioritized infrastructure, economy and the health of Marylanders.
On Monday, March 28, 2022, Governor Hogan, Senate President Ferguson and House Speaker Jones, announced a $1.86 billion tax-relief agreement. The agreement aims to provide real, long-term relief for hard-working Marylanders dealing with inflation and higher prices, and to provide more opportunities to foster a strong recovery throughout the state.
This bipartisan agreement includes relief for retirees 65 and older making up to $100,000 in retirement income, and married couples making up to $150,000 in retirement income. Additionally, 80% of retirees will get a considerable tax break or pay no state income taxes at all. The plan consists of incentives — The Work Opportunity Tax Credit — to incentivize businesses and employers to retain and hire workers that have faced significant barriers to employment.