November 4, 2024

Tomorrow is a momentous day for our country and State. Marylanders have turned out strong this election cycle, with well-over one million of you casting your ballots so far. That represents more than one in three of the State’s registered voters. Baltimore City election officials are working hard to provide a secure and transparent voting experience, employing roughly 2,700 election judges and opening all election processes to the public, including the scanning of ballots on election night.

For those who have cast their ballot in early voting or by mail, thank you. For those who prefer voting on Election Day, I look forward to seeing you at the polls. For a comprehensive voting guide, including critical State and City ballot questions, check out The Baltimore Banner’s Voter Guide.

It is hard to overstate the importance of this election. Regardless of the outcome, I know that we will move forward with a deep commitment to democracy and bettering the lives of every Maryland resident.

Last week, the Maryland General Assembly held a joint hearing to examine how existing policies and procedures of the State’s Division of Parole and Probation within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) may have failed to protect an agent making a home visit last May. Agent Davis Martinez became the first Maryland parole agent killed in the line of duty. Since the incident, warrant apprehension officers, who are armed, carry out home visits when needed.

At the hearing, DPSCS Secretary Carolyn Scruggs reported the Division conducted meetings across the State to solicit input and provide suggestions for safer home visits. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3661, which represents parole agents, has asked for greater collaboration between the Union and the Division to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to keep its members safe.

A follow up hearing is likely to take place in the coming months ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, where the General Assembly will advance best practices that include input from all parties to ensure that agents’ well-being and safety are paramount.

President Joe Biden visited the Port of Baltimore last Tuesday to announce a $3 billion investment to boost climate-friendly equipment and infrastructure at ports across the country. The grants include $147 million for the Maryland Port Administration and will support over 2,000 jobs by enabling the purchase and installation of cargo-handling equipment and trucks to transition the port into a zero-greenhouse-gas-emission facility. During his visit, the President reiterated his commitment to provide federal money to replace the Key Bridge by the end of this year.

The Clean Ports Program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and funded by President Biden’s landmark 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history. The funding will slash more than three million metric tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to energy use by nearly 400,000 homes for one year. It also will cut 12,000 short tons of nitrogen oxides and other harmful pollutants.

After his speech, President Biden made a surprise visit to the 46th Legislative District’s own Bmore Licks for its delicious homemade chocolate ice cream, and to take selfies and chat with the crowd.

One of the most pressing concerns in Maryland is that of crime committed by young people and its impact on the day-to-day lives of residents. Last Friday, several key changes to current juvenile justice laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session came into effect--aimed at providing more accountability and oversight.

As of November 1, Marylanders between the ages of 10 and 12 may face consequences in court for certain firearms offenses as well as for aggravated animal cruelty. Under the new law, the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) will be required to notify a child’s lawyer and the local prosecutor if the child violates electronic monitoring as dictated by the terms of their detention. Further, children younger than 13 will automatically be subject to child-in-need-of-supervision petitions if accused of car theft. Such petitions refer children to juvenile courts for guidance, treatment or rehabilitation based on their behavior.

The legislation passed last Session also mandates the establishment of a statewide Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and Emerging Best Practices to enhance oversight and collaboration efforts. DJS must report data regarding young people involved in crimes involving a firearm to the Commission, including what steps the agency took following such incidents. That Commission will hold its first meeting this month.

The Commission is charged with reviewing the treatment of girls in the juvenile justice system, education and diversion programs, the use of child-in-need-of-supervision petitions, deaths that involve children under DJS supervision, and wait times for placement of children in facilities. The Commission is also tasked with researching new programs and collaborating with the Department of Labor to identify jobs and apprenticeships for youth under DJS supervision.

A focus on college and career readiness is one of the main priorities of the landmark Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the State’s sweeping education reform plan. Under a plan approved last week by the Blueprint’s Accountability and Implementation Board, expert review teams focused on career and technical education will visit all 24 school districts. This effort is the start of a two-year plan to help school officials find ways to partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to boost high school apprenticeship programs.

The Board also approved an Apprenticeships for High School Students in Maryland policy which will require a committee to develop a plan to engage employers, organize regular meetings with State agencies, and “consider equity challenges in apprenticeship expansion and what support, guidance and assistance might be needed for more rural communities with fewer employers.”

I was proud to participate in the ribbon cutting for Curtis Bay Elementary School's new State-funded playground in partnership with KABOOM! Delegates Clippinger, Lewis, Edelson, and I know that every child in Baltimore and Maryland deserves world-class play spaces designed in partnership with the community in which they're located.

The owners and operators of the Dali container ship will pay more than $100 million to the US. Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle its federal lawsuit. The announcement comes five weeks after the DOJ sued the owners of the Dali in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore for sending “an ill-prepared crew on an abjectly unseaworthy vessel to navigate the United States’ waterways.” The settlement ensures the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy and not the American taxpayer.

After legislative outreach, the Maryland State Board of Education voted unanimously last week to approve an emergency rule requiring that school leaders be notified if a student charged with “serious criminal offenses” is about to enroll in their school. School leaders were previously allowed, but not required, to share such information with other schools.

Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners announced last week that it agreed to a second one-year contract extension with CEO Sonja Santelises. The extension will provide Baltimore City Public Schools with continuity and buttress efforts to raise scores in literacy and math across the district. Dr. Santelises’ contract will run through June 2026.

The Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced a partnership to support construction of denser mixed-use projects near transit stations. The interagency agreement was developed to address Maryland’s housing shortage by adding mixed-income developments within a half mile of transit stations. The project will support the State’s green energy goals by making it easier for residents to use more energy-efficient public transportation to commute to and from work, home, and recreational activities.

The Greater Baltimore Urban League will celebrate 100 years of empowering African Americans at a gala on November 9 at the Hilton Inner Harbor. The storied organization helped integrate industries and institutions in Baltimore, including work to integrate the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1953. The celebration will honor the impact the organization has had on criminal justice reform, economic and political  empowerment, and civic engagement.

A new park in South Baltimore has been dedicated to the late Congressman Elijah Cummings by the Baltimore Peninsula Partnership. Elijah’s Park includes a sculptural pavilion, a playground, and a mural designed by local high school students inspired by Black Lives Matter. The park is located between Rye Street Market and 250 Mission.

Last month, I met with Thomas Anderson, the visionary behind The Manumission House. Mr. Anderson created the “Manumission Project” to provide safe, supportive housing for formerly incarcerated students. Its goal is to reduce recidivism by creating educational and economic opportunities and supportive services for this at-risk population. Efforts like this are powerful tools to assist in the rehabilitation of our young people to ensure a  stronger future for our children and our City.

If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email, bill.ferguson@senate.state.md.us, or by phone, 410-841-3600.

Unsubscribe from future updates