Maryland

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Gives Democrats Full Control Over State’s Government

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2023

Press Room

BALTIMORE—

Wes Moore,

the brand new governor of Maryland, mentioned he needs to fast-track a minimum-wage improve, replenish the ranks of short-handed state companies and enhance schooling funding within the closely Democratic state, which for the previous eight years was led by a extremely fashionable Republican.

Mr. Moore, a 44-year-old Democrat, has been a Rhodes scholar, an Military officer deployed to Afghanistan, a Wall Avenue banker, a bestselling writer and the chief government of an antipoverty basis. He takes the reins from

Larry Hogan,

a term-limited Republican. Mr. Hogan left workplace with a 77% approval ranking and the backing of 81% of Democratic voters, which Maryland pollster Patrick Gonzales, a Democrat, attributed no less than partially to Mr. Hogan’s comparatively average political profile and private reference to voters.

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Mr. Moore mentioned in an interview that he would concentrate on “work, wages and wealth,” a theme he touched on throughout his inaugural deal with Wednesday. A few of his early proposals—which embrace elevating the statewide minimal wage to $15 an hour this 12 months as an alternative of in 2025, because the lawmakers had beforehand adopted—have been effectively acquired within the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature. He mentioned he would additionally put a precedence on restarting a public-transit challenge in Baltimore that Mr. Hogan scrapped and on filling state jobs that his predecessor had left vacant.

In a farewell deal with final week, Mr. Hogan mentioned he had presided over tax cuts totaling $4.7 billion, file investments in schooling and an financial rebound that turned a $5.1 billion deficit right into a surplus.

Former Gov. Larry Hogan, a average Republican, left workplace with excessive approval scores—together with from Democrats.

Picture:

Julio Cortez/Related Press

Mr. Moore was inaugurated Wednesday within the state capital Annapolis, changing into the state’s first Black governor and certainly one of a handful of Black candidates elected governor of any state. “It’s very humbling,” Mr. Moore mentioned within the interview, noting Maryland was house to Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and the late Supreme Courtroom Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Some Republicans mentioned they doubted the brand new Democratic trifecta—management of the Home of Delegates, Senate and governor’s workplace—would mark an enormous change provided that Democrats within the Common Meeting overrode a lot of Mr. Hogan’s vetoes.

“The Democratic supermajority has been driving the practice for the final eight years anyway,” mentioned state Delegate Jason Buckel, Minority Chief of the 39 Republicans within the 141-seat Home.

However high Democrats mentioned they count on to forge an in depth working relationship with the brand new administration, giving the social gathering an excellent better hand in shaping insurance policies.

“We really feel, and a few of my different leaders within the Home really feel, we’ll have an actual accomplice within the governor’s mansion,” mentioned Maryland’s Home Speaker

Adrienne Jones.

The Home speaker and Senate President

Invoice Ferguson,

each Democrats, mentioned they shared Mr. Moore’s sense of urgency in filling the massive variety of open positions throughout state authorities.

“Probation officers, corrections officers, law enforcement officials—we actually have vacancies within the 1000’s throughout the state of Maryland,” Mr. Moore mentioned.

Mr. Moore mentioned he hoped to boost Maryland’s minimal wage and fill empty positions throughout state companies.

Picture:

Julio Cortez/Related Press

On Tuesday, Mr. Hogan’s final full day as governor, a spokesman declined to touch upon the vacancies.

Mr. Ferguson mentioned the state is in good monetary form with a surplus of $3.7 billion, which might be used to assist pay for Democratic priorities.

One other shared Democratic precedence is attempting to revive the Purple Line, a proposed light-rail challenge in Baltimore that Mr. Hogan referred to as a boondoggle and canceled in 2015 after the state secured $900 million in federal funding. Proponents say the east-west hyperlink is essential for serving to residents of impoverished West Baltimore attain jobs on the town’s east facet.

“You can’t have financial mobility if you happen to do not need bodily mobility,” Mr. Moore mentioned. He mentioned he made the west-to-east journey utilizing public transit and it took greater than 90 minutes to cowl lower than 5 miles. The unique funding has evaporated, however he mentioned there could also be different federal funds to faucet into, with out providing specifics. He mentioned his administration would conduct a “deep dive” evaluation and work to replace the idea.

Republican legislative leaders take a dim view of such an effort. “We’ve got actual, current-need issues with respect to transportation and getting people to jobs that want fast focus. The Purple Line isn’t going to resolve that,” mentioned state Sen. Stephen Hershey, who leads the 13-member GOP caucus within the 47-seat Senate.

When Mr. Moore began his bid for governor, he was higher identified than many within the crowded Democratic subject largely due to his 2010 memoir, “The Different Wes Moore.” The guide describes his evolution from wayward scholar within the Bronx to Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Johns Hopkins College, alongside the story of one other Wes Moore, who grew up in Baltimore and was imprisoned for his position within the killing of a police officer.

Mr. Moore confronted criticism that the guide overplayed his connection to Baltimore, together with a blurb on the paperback model that inaccurately described him as a Baltimore native. The Moore marketing campaign blamed the error on the writer and mentioned it was corrected after Mr. Moore twice requested a repair. A Moore spokesman mentioned the matter had been litigated in the course of the marketing campaign.

Within the common election, Mr. Moore routed GOP state lawmaker

Dan Cox,

who was endorsed by former President

Donald Trump.

Mr. Cox ran on plans to chop taxes, cut back crime and cease what he referred to as gender indoctrination of schoolchildren. At their solely debate, the 2 candidates sparred over points together with abortion, crime and schooling coverage.

Mr. Moore is Maryland’s first Black governor.

Picture:

Shuran Huang/Bloomberg Information

The state police union backed Mr. Moore within the common election, attracted by his Military stint, the place he turned a captain and paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, mentioned Clyde Boatwright, president of the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police. “There’s a novel connection there along with his service within the army that parallels with civilian regulation enforcement,” he mentioned.

One other pillar of Mr. Moore’s help comes from the state lecturers union.

Cheryl Bost,

president of the Maryland State Schooling Affiliation, mentioned the union wished Mr. Moore to chop funding for a private-school voucher program and award bonuses to high school help employees.

The state is implementing its Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a Common Meeting-passed initiative to extend schooling funding. Mr. Moore mentioned he plans main investments in help of the blueprint, together with a push to broaden apprenticeship packages, teacher-training initiatives and common pre-Okay.

Write to Scott Calvert at scott.calvert@wsj.com

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Maryland

4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Maryland & Virginia

Published

5 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Press Room

4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Maryland & Virginia

The Fourth of July is a short distance away and the festivities are in the air. And a fireworks show is a must to celebrate the Independence Day of America. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact scenic viewpoints to watch fireworks. In this article, we will explore the top scenic locations in Maryland and Virginia to watch the fireworks the right way.

Fourth of July fireworks in Maryland and Virginia.

Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch in 2024 celebrations in DC

Fourth of July fireworks show in Maryland: Top locations to visit

Six Flags America Fireworks Celebration: Timing

Plan your day at Six Flags America for the celebration of the Fourth of July with their day-long activities including rides, slides, and entertainment and an evening filled with DJ parties. Conclude your day with a display of fun fireworks at 9:15 pm. The tickets for the three-day event from July 4 to July 6 are priced at $25 and offer VIP fireworks packages as well, as reported by NBC Washington.

Germantown Glory Concert and Fireworks: Timing

For the folks residing in Montgomery County, the concert will be a family-friendly option to celebrate Independence Day. There is no entry fee and the concert will start at 7 pm on July 4. Visit the South Germantown Recreational Park in Boyds with your picnic sets and enjoy food from vendors as you enjoy the lively performance by the Central City Orchestra. No pets and alcoholic beverages are allowed at the concert.

Also Read: 2024 Fourth of July survey: Best US cities to celebrate Independence Day

Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration: Timing

Enjoy the music era of the 80s and 90s covered by the band Uncle Jesse followed by the address from the mayor and council. As reported by NBC Washington, visit Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park (1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland) by 7 pm and enjoy a performance by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. There are parking lots available and everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and picnic sets to enjoy a comfortable evening. Fireworks will follow at 9:15 pm and there is no admission fee.

Frederick’s 4th: Timing

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Frederick County at Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland from noon to dusk. The two-stage set for the event will ensure family entertainment with rides, food, fireworks and more one and performances by Milk Mountain, Sons of Pirates, and 8 OHMS on the other. Wine and beer from three separate gardens will be available followed by an evening of fireworks. There is no admission fee for the celebrations.

Charles County Fairgrounds Fireworks

Station yourself at Charles County Fairgrounds (8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, Maryland) by 10:30 pm on the Independence Day evening to celebrate with live music, food from vendors, rides for children and the must-show of fireworks. There is no admission fee to pay at the venue.

Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Los Angeles

Fourth of July fireworks show in Virginia: Top locations to visit

Stafford County

Those looking to celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, DJ and lawn games can head to John Lee Pratt Park (120 River Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia) with fireworks at 9:30 pm. According to NBC Washington, the event is free for residents of Stafford County and for others, there is a charge of $10 for every car and $5 for every walk-in. A life performance by the Fredericksburg concert band is also scheduled at 6:30 pm.

Manassas’ Celebrate America

The historic downtown of Manassas will start its celebration at 3:00 pm at Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William St. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm preceded by fun activities including kids’ rides, face paintings, and food from vendors. People interested can bring chairs, tables and blankets and station themselves on the Manassas Museum lawn.

Also Read: 4th of July sales in US: Shop top brands on furniture, fashion, beauty and more

Great Falls

Looking for farms to celebrate the Fourth of July? Head towards Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls in Virginia who are offering fun activities including inflatable rides, a climbing wall and a cornhole tournament at a donation of $20 per family and premium locations for fireworks at $150-$300. The farms will open at 6 pm and individuals can participate or volunteer for the tournament through their website. Fireworks will follow at 9 pm.

Fairfax: We Stand United

The Fairfax High School is celebrating Independence Day with historic home tours and parades at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax. The evening shows will begin at 6:30 pm and fireworks at 9:30 pm. There is a space crunch in parking lots, however, people can park at Woodson High School and take a shuttle bus to the location of the fireworks, as reported by NBC Washington.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration

Head to 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains for a day full of activities priced at $50 per car in advance for up to six passengers and $60 at the gate. The Great Meadow is hosting their 35th annual Fourth of July celebrations which will start at 5 pm. Their award-winning fireworks with drones and will fire off at dusk. The day will kick off with an air show by the Flying Circus and lawn games for the family. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase or people can bring their picnic.

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Maryland

Montgomery County man dies after altercation with neighbor, family seeks answers

Published

12 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Press Room

Montgomery County man dies after altercation with neighbor, family seeks answers

article

GERMANTOWN, Md. – A Germantown man has passed away following a heated altercation with his neighbor nearly three weeks ago.

Montgomery County police reported that 40-year-old Marvin Guevara died over the weekend at a nearby hospital.

Guevara’s family is grappling with his sudden death, awaiting the results of an autopsy to understand what led to his tragic end.

“I really thought my dad was going to make it. He’s a really strong man. WAS a really strong man,” said Marvin Guevara Jr., Guevara’s son.

Guevara Sr. had been hospitalized for 17 days, fighting for his life after an argument turned physical with his next-door neighbor.

“My dad got hurt really bad,” added Guevara Jr.

According to Guevara Jr., who rushed to their home on Bucklodge Road in Boyds upon learning of the incident, his father was dizzy and struggling after sustaining multiple punches to the head during the dispute.

Police indicated that the altercation escalated when a female neighbor confronted Guevara about his dogs, which had wandered into her backyard.

The confrontation turned violent when the neighbor allegedly struck Guevara in the head.

Guevara’s daughter-in-law, who witnessed the incident, described the neighbor as attacking him from behind, causing him to collapse.

Video footage captured the tense aftermath, with voices heard urging Guevara to leave their property.

FOX 5 reached out to the neighbor for comment, who responded defensively, claiming Guevara had been trespassing.

Despite the family’s grief, no arrests have been made yet.

Police are awaiting the results of the autopsy from the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the official cause of Guevara’s death.

“He was a wonderful person; always smiled. He was always there for others – always had a good heart,” Guevara Jr. remembered his father.

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Maryland

Team Maryland Announces $2.5 Million to Bolster School-Based Medicaid & CHIP Services for Children – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

Published

19 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Press Room

Team Maryland Announces $2.5 Million to Bolster School-Based Medicaid & CHIP Services for Children – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $2.5 million in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funding to bolster school-based health services for Maryland children.

Made available through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the federal dollars will be used to enhance facilities, recruit health care providers, and develop systems to further reinvest in growing school-based health care offerings for students. School-based health care allows children and adolescents – especially those in underserved communities – to access critical primary, preventive, mental, and behavioral health care in convenient, trusted settings, and has been shown to have positive impacts on both the health and academic outcomes of students.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of our children is an investment in our future,” said the lawmakers. “Team Maryland has long fought to secure stronger, more expansive health benefits for children, particularly through Medicaid and CHIP, and this federal funding will help further that mission.”

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