Read more about the article 2024 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology
Broadband / Cyber / General Assembly News / Information Technology / MACo Testimony
2024 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2024 General Assembly.  Hackers are increasingly targeting states and local governments with sophisticated cyberattacks. Securing government information systems is critical, as a cyber intrusion can be very disruptive, jeopardizing sensitive information, public safety, and delivering essential services. As such, MACo's advocacy focuses on bolstering support for local cybersecurity efforts and ensuring a strategic, coordinated, and flexible approach to enhancing cybersecurity…

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April 11, 2024
Read more about the article Montgomery County Relaunches Free Computer Distribution Program for Low-Income Residents
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Montgomery County Relaunches Free Computer Distribution Program for Low-Income Residents

“Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, has launched a new program to distribute 60,000 free laptop computers to low-income families. There is a limit of one computer per resident. Eligible recipients must be Maryland residents, do not need to be U.S. citizens and may not have already received a computer from the County before April 2023. Residents must make an appointment online, certify that they do not have access to a computer,…

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February 8, 2024
Read more about the article Carroll County Empowers Residents with 5,000 Free Chromebooks in Tech Inclusion Initiative
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Carroll County Empowers Residents with 5,000 Free Chromebooks in Tech Inclusion Initiative

Carroll County Government is excited to announce a partnership with the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council to distribute 5,000 free HP Chromebook laptop computers to eligible Carroll County residents. The laptops will include instructions for set up and internet access. Distribution events begin 1/30; identification, eligibility, and county residency required Eligible residents can receive a computer at a distribution event, or through a distribution partner organization, until the end of April 2024 while supplies last. Eligibility information,…

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February 1, 2024
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Chromebook Program Aims to Connect Vulnerable Communities
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Anne Arundel Chromebook Program Aims to Connect Vulnerable Communities

Anne Arundel provides free Chromebooks to residents in need. Distribution events are scheduled at each of the library’s 16 locations now through June, 2024 County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL), on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, launched a program that will distribute 7,000 Chromebook devices to eligible county residents in an effort to close the digital divide. Through a grant awarded to Anne Arundel County by Maryland’s Connected Devices Program…

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January 25, 2024
Read more about the article State Seeks Input on Plan to Deploy $267M to Advance Digital Equity, Expand Internet Access
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State Seeks Input on Plan to Deploy $267M to Advance Digital Equity, Expand Internet Access

The Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband has drafted the state’s plans to connect all Marylanders to high-speed internet access and achieve digital equity. Marylanders are encouraged to submit feedback on the drafts during the public comment period, which ends December 2. Guided by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Distribution plan, the Office of Statewide Broadband developed an initial proposal, which outlines the deployment of $267 million in federal funding. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) program provides federal funding to…

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November 21, 2023
Read more about the article State Partners with Counties to Deliver $69M for High-Speed, Affordable Internet Access for Unserved Marylanders
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State Partners with Counties to Deliver $69M for High-Speed, Affordable Internet Access for Unserved Marylanders

Governor Wes Moore announced $69 million in federal funding for two new programs to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Broadband, the two programs, Home Stretch for Public Housing and Home Stretch for Difficult-to-Serve Properties, are expected to provide internet access to an estimated 15,000 unserved Maryland households. As Maryland continues its commitment to boost broadband infrastructure and connectivity, county governments…

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October 17, 2023
Read more about the article Empowering Baltimore: Mayor Scott Partners with BCIT and Pratt Library to Bridge the Digital Divide with Free Chromebooks
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Empowering Baltimore: Mayor Scott Partners with BCIT and Pratt Library to Bridge the Digital Divide with Free Chromebooks

Through a grant from the State of Maryland’s Connected Devices Program, Baltimore City received 30,000 Chromebooks. On October 3, 2023, Mayor Brandon M. Scott—along with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Jake Day—announced Baltimore City would distribute 30,000 free Chromebooks to eligible Baltimore City households.  “Closing the digital divide is one of the most important steps our community must take to improve equity in our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “So…

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October 10, 2023
Read more about the article Maryland Dept of Housing Opens Second Round of Applications for Jurisdictions to Receive Laptops
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Maryland Dept of Housing Opens Second Round of Applications for Jurisdictions to Receive Laptops

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has opened a second round of applications for local governments and their partners to request laptops for distribution to underserved households in communities throughout Maryland. Local Governments, Community Partners Encouraged to Apply for Devices to Distribute to Underserved Households The $30 million investment to distribute approximately 150,000 devices through the Office of Statewide Broadband is part of an effort to ensure Marylanders have the technology to access reliable,…

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September 13, 2023
Read more about the article Carroll County Residents Asked to Complete Survey on County Broadband Access
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Carroll County Residents Asked to Complete Survey on County Broadband Access

Carroll County is asking residents and businesses to complete a Carroll County Residential Broadband Survey to collect data regarding residents’ access to broadband internet. The survey is designed to identify locations that do not have access to broadband internet or have limited or problematic access, as well as those areas where connectivity is strong. The information will identify areas where broadband infrastructure does not exist or places that do not meet the minimum speed suggested…

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August 29, 2023
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