Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Operating Budget
Bill Hearing / County News / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Operating Budget

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the area of State budget policy in the 2021 General Assembly.  County governments receive support through multiple state operating budget programs, and shifts in the State's budget can affect county governments in various ways. MACo seeks county budget security through maintenance of current state funding levels, and new funding programs, and enhancements in areas of growth and need. This year the Maryland General Assembly…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Emergency Services and Intergovernmental Relations
Bill Hearing / County News / Emergency Management / General Assembly News / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Emergency Services and Intergovernmental Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the policy areas of emergency services and intergovernmental relations in the 2021 General Assembly.  County governments lead the delivery of public safety services in Maryland - responsible for county fire, police, and emergency services. MACo's advocacy in the area of emergency services includes urging for much-needed state support for local public services such as 9-1-1 call centers, front-line county services, and natural disaster response.…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education
Bill Hearing / Coronavirus / County News / Education / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the area of education policy in the 2021 General Assembly. Counties support education as the largest component of their budgets, with operating and capital support for schools typically representing a larger share of a county budget than all other functions combined. Statutory formulas drive most state-level funding, which requires constant attention to the state-county balance in funding responsibilities. The burden of costly mandates can…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Information & Ethics
Bill Hearing / County News / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Information & Ethics

This post summarizes the status of various public information & ethics bills that MACo took a position on during the 2021 Regular Session.  County governments gather and maintain public information as part of their various functions. Compliance with the Maryland Public Information Act and maintenance of a high level of ethics in all government practices are priorities throughout the administrative agencies and legislative bodies of Maryland's county governments. Through its advocacy and professional education in…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning & Zoning
Bill Hearing / County News / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning & Zoning

This post summarizes the status of various planning & zoning bills that MACo took a position on during the 2021 Regular Session.  Planning and zoning is an integral function of county governments and an area that spurs a high level of interaction with residents and business owners. In its planning & zoning advocacy, MACo seeks to protect the ability of local governments - those closest to the people and with the most insight into local…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Employee Benefits and Relations
Bill Hearing / Coronavirus / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / News You Can Use
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Employee Benefits and Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the area of employee benefits and employee relations in the 2021 General Assembly.  MACo advocates for fair state laws governing employment practices, labor representation, and employer-employee relationships. MACo becomes particularly engaged when a proposal has a disproportionate or unique effect on public sector employees - frequently those affecting public safety employees or other public workers who engage in sensitive and essential functions. This year…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Parks & Recreation
Bill Hearing / County News / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Parks & Recreation

This post summarizes the status of various parks and recreation bills that MACo took a position on during the 2021 Regular Session.  County government parks and recreation departments provide a range of public recreation programs for all segments of the population and maintain a large network of open spaces throughout Maryland. MACo's advocacy seeks to support the efforts of county parks and recreations by urging state and federal funding support and defending local determination of…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Finance and Procurement
County News / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Finance and Procurement

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the area of finance and procurement policy in the 2021 General Assembly.  This year the Maryland General Assembly conducted a legislative session unlike any other due to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic. The unique circumstances surrounding the 442nd legislative session, including necessary health and safety measures, posed a challenge for lawmakers and advocates alike. Despite the unusual circumstances, MACo’s advocacy still led to more positive…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues
Bill Hearing / County News / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's work in the area of tax policy in the 2021 General Assembly.  The General Assembly routinely considers proposals to change tax structures, often seeking to stimulate economic growth, encourage beneficial activities, or attract and retain residents. These proposals often are focused exclusively on the state's tax structure, but sometimes extend to local revenues as well. In general, MACo stands for local self-determination. Counties, led by their…

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April 13, 2021
Read more about the article 2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment
Bill Hearing / County News / Environment / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment

This post summarizes the status of various environmental bills that MACo took a position on during the 2021 Regular session.  MACo seeks sensible solutions to environmental issues that provide flexibility and do not place unreasonable burdens on county governments. This year the Maryland General Assembly conducted a legislative session unlike any other due to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic. The unique circumstances surrounding the 442nd legislative session, including necessary health and safety measures, posed a challenge…

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April 13, 2021
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