Governor Re-frames Energy Debate: 100% Clean by 2040, Reach Zero-Carbon
Business Affairs / Environment
Governor Re-frames Energy Debate: 100% Clean by 2040, Reach Zero-Carbon

Governor Hogan made a much-awaited statement about the "clean energy jobs" legislation passed late this session - he'll let it become law, but plans to extend those goals and try to focus the economic impacts within Maryland. SB 516 was one of the most closely-watched bills of the 2019 session. On its face, the proposal is to increase the mandates share of "clean energy" sources used by suppliers in Maryland. The drama had everything: broad…

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May 22, 2019
Craig Rice Joins NACo Board of Directors
NACo and Federal Issues
Craig Rice Joins NACo Board of Directors

Montgomery County Council Member and MACo's Education Subcommittee Chair Craig Rice has joined the NACo Board of Directors. Maryland has two seats on the National Association of Counties' Board of Directors, the body that guides the overall direction and efforts of our nationwide association. Craig Rice, a third-term Council Member in Montgomery County, has been appointed to serve as Maryland's second representative, joining Baltimore City Council Member Sharon Green Middleton. From Rice's online biography page…

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May 22, 2019
Transportation and Public Works
Comments Open on Baltimore-area Transportation Plan “Maximize2045”

A far-reaching regional transportation plan is open for comment, hosted by the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board. The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board is a sub-entity of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, which serves as a collaborative entity serving the entire Baltimore area. About Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan is a regional long-range transportation plan that seeks to make the best use of—or maximize—the resources that make up and support the Baltimore region’s transportation…

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May 21, 2019
LGIT’s Newest Offering: Pass-Through Post-Employment Health Coverage
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations
LGIT’s Newest Offering: Pass-Through Post-Employment Health Coverage

Looking for a workable solution for retiree and post-65 health care? LGIT now partners with AmWins to help you deliver a flexible offering at no cost to your county. You know the Local Government Insurance Trust already - built for and owned by its local government members, they offer insurance and loss control services to Maryland local governments. Great rates, great service, and the members retain the excesses that would otherwise be sent back to…

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May 20, 2019
US Education Could Learn from High-Performing Countries
Education
US Education Could Learn from High-Performing Countries

An education policy panel discusses ways that approaches from Finland, South Korea, Singapore and elsewhere might direct American education reforms. At an event hosted by the National Center on Education and the Economy, education experts discussed a lack of a "national strategy" for American public education, and suggested lessons from other high-performing countries may be an ingredient toward better outcomes. From coverage on Education Dive: "We've been too intellectually reliant on the public sector," Professor Sharon…

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May 18, 2019
Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Hogan on Kirwan Blueprint: Okay on 2019 Bill, Yes to Funding It, and We’ll See About The Long Term

Governor Hogan says he will fund the education "blueprint" bill's programs for the upcoming year, but expresses concerns about long term plan's affordability. Settling increasing anxiety among many stakeholders, Governor Hogan today announced his intentions regarding the first stage of school funding reforms, passed in SB 1030 this session. The essence of his views: -The bill's FY 2020 funding was left to the Governor's discretion whether to approve - he will do so. The General…

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May 15, 2019
Dial in to the May 21 NACo NE Regional Meeting
Employee Benefits and Relations / Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Dial in to the May 21 NACo NE Regional Meeting

NACo's Northeast Region holds a monthly call-in to discuss federal and regional issues - hold the time for this meeting at 9am on May 21. At the May call, NACo legislative staff are expected to update members on a range of federal topics, including the latest on federal funding proposals, and the continuing saga of federal overtime rules. County elected and appointed officials are welcome on the call. The full meeting agenda is below: NACo…

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May 15, 2019
Medical Marijuana at Work: Where Is the Line Drawn?
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Medical Marijuana at Work: Where Is the Line Drawn?

States, including Maryland, have moved to legalize medically-recommended marijuana - but frequently without altering workplace laws. Courts may be moving in the employees' direction. Medical cannabis has been approved in more than 30 states, but most of them have not made accompanying changes to workplace protections. Can an employee, using marijuana in compliance with that state's process for legal purchase and use, be disciplined or terminated for showing signs on the job? Is the need…

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May 15, 2019
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!
Economic Development / Education / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!

A recent US News & World Report study rates Maryland in the top tier of "best states." US News and World Report recently released its quantitative rankings for all 50 states -- with Maryland finished #6 in the ranking, with nearby Virginia just behind at #7. US News routinely offers their well-known rankings and reviews of colleges and universities, and has expanded to offering analysis of other fields as well. From US News coverage: The Best States…

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May 14, 2019
Baltimore Among Nationwide “Complete Streets” Leaders
County News / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Baltimore Among Nationwide “Complete Streets” Leaders

Smart Growth America, a national organization promoting sensible planning approaches, has named Baltimore City among its top US sites for "Complete Streets" Baltimore ranks in the top five US cities for "complete streets" programs, according to Smart Growth America, a leading organization promoting such policies. From their website: Pedestrian fatalities have reached epidemic proportions, with more than 49,340 people walking being struck and killed by drivers between 2008 and 2017, according to Dangerous by Design…

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May 10, 2019
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