The proposed legislative package would invest in demolition, recreation, schools, libraries, workforce development and other community programs across the city.

Democratic leadership in Maryland’s House of Delegates is working on a package of legislative proposals for the 2016 session that would invest millions of dollars in projects and programs to help Baltimore City. The goal of the package is to address problems that came to light after last spring’s unrest.

As reported in The Baltimore Sun:

The lawmakers said they looked for ways to inject money into existing programs and community networks to quickly show a difference to city residents. They also sought to coordinate an overwhelming number of suggestions on how the state could meaningfully intervene to help a city plagued by poverty.

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The proposals, which have not yet not been drafted as bills, also include making the city’s libraries stay open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Another would take the first steps to create a charter school where adults who dropped out of high school could get a real diploma instead of a G.E.D.

Busch, whose day job is as recreation administrator for Anne Arundel County government, wants to enhance Druid Hill and Herring Run parks to make what he described as a “destination” facility on each side of the city.

The construction plans would include a baseball diamond, potentially turf fields, lighting and a concessions area with a locker room.

He also wants the state to put up money to attract private companies to pay for organized sports leagues for city youth, and to persuade philanthropic organizations to provide transportation for kids to and from local schools.

Howard Libit, a spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said she’s “very appreciative of the speaker’s commitment to want to help the city.”

For more information read the full article in The Baltimore Sun.