Incumbent Democrat Marc Elrich gained reelection for a second time period as Montgomery county government in Maryland’s most-populous county.
Maryland
Elrich, Alsobrooks win reelection to lead Maryland suburbs
![Elrich, Alsobrooks win reelection to lead Maryland suburbs Elrich, Alsobrooks win reelection to lead Maryland suburbs](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/4YW2JKHZWEI6ZAO3VQD2HFFINM.jpg&w=1440)
Though Elrich led comfortably in a county the place Democrats outnumber Republicans 4 to 1, the slim major raises questions on how the longtime Montgomery County politician will proceed with divided help from voters in his personal occasion.
Elrich enters a second time period with critics hitting him from each path for his stances on growth, his struggles to attract in new companies and what they describe as his failure to deal with local weather change or advance prison justice reforms. In an interview after his slim August major win, Elrich vowed to double down on points corresponding to reasonably priced housing, transit and well being fairness that languished because the pandemic absorbed county assets over the previous 2½ years.
“I’m excited for the chance to work with this council,” Elrich mentioned in a post-election speech. “There are many issues we need to do in widespread and we’re going to discover a strategy to do this stuff.”
Voters additionally chosen a largely new Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, filling two not too long ago added seats on the physique for the primary time.
Six new girls are more likely to be seated, making it a majority-female council. Within the 2018 election, just one girl secured a spot on the county’s legislative physique.
The council may even be bigger than up to now, after increasing from 9 to 11 seats starting in December. Two new districts have been added to the council in an effort to raised replicate individuals of colour inside the county, who collectively make up a majority of residents, and stability illustration that has traditionally drawn members disproportionately from the small, liberal enclave of Takoma Park.
Democrats Marilyn Balcombe (District 2), Kate Stewart (District 4), Kristin Mink (District 5), Natali Fani-González (District 6), Daybreak Luedtke (District 7) and Laurie-Anne Sayles (At Massive) have been all handily main over Republican opponents late Tuesday evening. Incumbent Democrats Andrew Friedson (District 1), Sidney Katz (District 3), Gabe Albornoz (At Massive), Evan Glass (At Massive), and Will Jawando (At Massive) additionally led their races. The seemingly all-Democrat sweep was no shock within the deep-blue county.
Voters additionally appeared more likely to approve a constitution modification that requires the consent of each the county government and the council to take away the county legal professional, who serves as one of many high authorized counsels for the Montgomery County authorities — a transfer designed to insulate the officeholder for reprisal for providing recommendation that appeared to favor one department of the native authorities over the opposite. Damascus voters have been more likely to approve a second constitution modification that enables the Board of License Commissioners to difficulty liquor licenses in that district.
Prince George’s County Government Angela D. Alsobrooks (D) was reelected in an uncontested basic election after sweeping apart a number of political outsiders in July’s primaries.
Alsobrooks, a rising star in Maryland politics who invited hypothesis of a gubernatorial run forward of this yr’s elections, will as a substitute enter a second time period as county government after campaigning on a file of initiating police reform and securing long-sought growth alternatives. After her swearing-in ceremony, Alsobrooks additionally vowed to depoliticize training, although college board debates have remained contentious and her critics declare that her appointees bear some blame.
Alsobrooks might be instantly tasked with deciding on the way forward for a youth curfew that she introduced in September and prolonged by means of the top of the yr following a spike in homicides over the summer time in Prince George’s. She’ll additionally make a ultimate push to have the county chosen as the positioning of the FBI’s new headquarters.
Voters elected a number of new council members to the Prince George’s County Council who promised a extra clear county authorities after the earlier council proposed a controversial redistricting map final yr that moved three liberal candidates out of their districts and drew accusations of gerrymandering.
New council members Wanika Fisher (District 2), Eric Olson (District 3), Ingrid Harrison (District 4) and Wala Blegay (District 6) will be part of incumbents Calvin S. Hawkins II (At-Massive), Mel Franklin (At-Massive), Thomas E. Dernoga (District 1), Jolene Ivey (District 5), Edward Burroughs III (District 8) and Sydney J. Harrison (District 9) on the 11-person council, all Democrats who ran uncontested within the deep-blue county after their major victories. They’re more likely to be joined by Krystal Oriadha (District 7), who led resoundingly in votes towards Republican Gary Falls.
Prince George’s voters additionally appeared more likely to move a constitution modification stress-free the residency requirement for candidates whose districts have been redrawn. Different constitution amendments — to publicly promote bids and proposals for county providers on a web site, and so as to add gender impartial language and different revisions to the county constitution — additionally appeared poised to move.
Votes to move 4 Prince George’s bond points to fund neighborhood school services, county buildings, libraries and different services have been main by giant margins by Tuesday night. Voters additionally appeared more likely to reject a bond difficulty to fund services for the general public security division.
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Maryland
Declines in revenue, federal aid drive cuts in proposed transportation projects – Maryland Matters
![Declines in revenue, federal aid drive cuts in proposed transportation projects – Maryland Matters Declines in revenue, federal aid drive cuts in proposed transportation projects – Maryland Matters](https://marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DSC_0311-scaled.jpeg)
Transportation projects around the state will be put on hold as officials grapple with ongoing budget constraints and a growing list of expensive projects.
A combination of budget pressures has created a $1.3 billion funding gap over a six year period, which Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said forced his department to defer projects across the state.
“We just don’t have enough dollars to do what we have to do within our means. So that’s what we’ve had to do,” he said.
The agency Tuesday released a draft of its latest Consolidated Transportation Program, a six-year budget that contains $19 billion in projects around the state. Wiedefeld said the draft required tough choices to address the budget gap, a “historical issue” that continues.
Wiedefeld said the state’s transportation funding shortfall is driven, in part, by an end to federal COVID-19 aid. Other factors include inflation, increased construction costs, less than expected revenue from the state’s gas tax, and reduced federal funding.
“The biggest one we do is we take a look at our financial forecast and all the ups and downs that may occur in the financial forecast,” Wiedefeld told reporters during a briefing Friday. “And so, in doing that, what we learned was that some of the projections that we had in terms of the growth of some of our sources were not growing at that rate, particularly our largest source of revenue, the motor fuel tax. There were some others that were either not growing or remaining flat again, not growing to the level that we’d hoped for.”
Wiedefeld said that resulted in roughly a $350 million decline in projected revenues over the six-year period of fiscal 2025-2030.
“At the same time, our operating costs continue to grow at a rate a little bit more significant that we have projected,” said Wiedefeld, adding $300 million in projected costs over the six-year period.
Counties scramble for answers, options as state signals deferral of transportation requests
Additionally, lawmakers earlier this year restored proposed cuts in state aid to local governments as part of Highway User Revenues as well as proposed cuts to transit systems run by 23 counties and Baltimore City. Restoration of those proposed cuts added another $400 million over six years, Wiedefeld said.
“So those three things basically are our realities that put pressure on the financial forecast,” he said.
Finally, Wiedefeld said the amount of federal aid is falling short of expectations.
“We were pushing all the modes to really buckle down and see where else we could get federal dollars for delivering projects,” he said. “We were shooting for roughly 80% federal, 20% local match, overall for the program. Basically, we were not able to achieve that, and we’re probably not going to be able to achieve that into the future.”
Instead, Wiedefeld said the state now expects a 75-25 split. “That 5%, although it sounds small, is significant, obviously, when you think of the amount of federal dollars that would bring down,” he said.
The resulting lack of revenue means counties will see priority projects not already underway slowed down or paused
“In effect, projects that are into the future — larger projects that we want to construct — we have to slow those down in terms of the process to get them to construction, until we have available dollars to pick that back up,” Wiedefeld said.
One large project that could suffer is the proposed widening of the American Legion Bridge.
“So, on the American Legion bridge, obviously, we have the record of decision for this, you know, larger improvement there,” said Wiedefeld. “But given the stress that we’re under, we’re going to have the state highway particularly focus on the pure state of good repair issues around the American Legion bridge.”
The state applied for a federal grant to help pay for the costs of repairing “structural issues with the bridge,” he said. “So that’s where we’ll be focusing,” Wiedefeld said.
News of the delays was delivered to county leaders by Wiedefeld and transportation officials during the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference last month.
The transportation secretary said he will also seek to slow down the purchase of zero-emissions buses in the coming years, as some major bus manufacturers are having issues with the performance of electric buses, as well as availability.
Moore warns of difficult fiscal decisions ahead
A new clean diesel bus costs the state $750,000. A hybrid bus costs about $1 million each. A new electric bus costs $1.4 million each.
“So, as you play that over the program period, if you defer that, it actually saves a lot of dollars,” Wiedefeld said. “It allows us not to dig deeper into operating cuts, that we would have to do, or system preservation cuts.”
Wiedefeld said he will not request cuts to his department’s operating budget as he did last year when he cut 8% across the board. He will also not request cuts to county aid or local transit networks.
“What we’ve done is we’ve gone through all those projects, and we’re going to defer those projects at a logical deferred point,” Wiedefeld said. “So basically, some of those projects were in different levels of study. We want to make sure that they stop at a point where we don’t lose any of the effort that we had done, but we don’t have the available funds right now to continue those projects. What you’ll see in the capital program is basically those projects that will be deferred.”
A year ago, Wiedefeld proposed cuts to county shares of highway user revenues and to local transportation networks.
Highway user revenues — decimated in cuts more than a decade ago — had yet to be restored to previous levels. Proposed cuts, nixed this spring by the General Assembly, would have eliminated planned increases in future years.
“Even so, the fiscal 2025 funding for HUR (highway user revenues) falls significantly short of Maryland’s appropriate and historic funding levels, even without adjusting for inflation,” the association of county governments said in a post on its website. “This gap becomes even more pronounced when accounting for rising road maintenance and materials costs.”
The association said it would continue to seek restoration of state highway aid.
“MACo and county leaders will continue urging Maryland policymakers to advance a sustainable plan to address critical infrastructure needs across the state,” the group said in its statement. “Proper restoration of the HUR formula should be a priority in advancing solutions that create sensible and reliable support for all locally maintained roadways.”
Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
![University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7 University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/937564c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5312x2789+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F61%2F70999d9446deb2038878edb3108f%2Fumd-administration-building-2015-1.jpg)
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024
![Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024 Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Maryland-1.jpg)
Pro Tip
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA®
- Apply for institutional scholarships
- Take a private student loan
- Enroll in a work-study program
- Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
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