News You Can Use Archives

MD Internet Access: High Statewide, But Rural Counties Struggle to Keep Pace

Access to broadband in rural areas is an issue nationwide, and Maryland is no exception. New data from the Local Estimates of Internet Adoption (LEIA) program reveals that while Maryland maintains strong internet adoption rates overall, significant gaps persist in rural counties, affecting residents’ ability to participate fully in the digital economy, access education, and benefit from telehealth services. These insights, provided by the US Census Bureau in collaboration with the National Telecommunications and Information…

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September 9, 2024

Elections / News You Can Use

Election Disinformation: State Board Alerts Maryland Voters to Texting Scams

The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is warning voters about texting scams that spread false information about the 2024 general election. Some registered Maryland voters have reported receiving false text messages claiming they are not registered and directing them to click a link unrelated to SBE. The text reads: “URGENT: To vote in the upcoming election, you MUST be registered, but public records show you’re not registered at [voter address]. Click the link to…

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September 9, 2024

County News / Elections / Feature / General Assembly News / News You Can Use

Conduit Street Podcast: Polling, Politics, and Public Service – A Chat with Mileah Kromer

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by Mileah Kromer, the "vibe checker in chief." After 12 years of monitoring public perception of Maryland politics and issues through the Goucher College Poll, Kromer will serve as the inaugural director of UMBC's Institute of Politics.

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September 6, 2024

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Pensions & Public Funds

NACo Edge: Retirement Solutions for County Employees

When it comes to retirement investments, county employees may need help choosing the right thing at the right time. Join Nationwide and NACo EDGE for this September 18 webinar to learn how to help savers stay on track for retirement by offering automatic features that deliver in-plan lifetime income. Can’t wait for the webinar? Learn more at their resource hub at nrsforu.com. Also, enjoy this quick read and watch a 2-minute video in Nationwide's nrsforu.com…

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September 5, 2024

Business Affairs / County News / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / News You Can Use

Governor Moore Announces $7.3M in EARN Workforce Grants

Governor Wes Moore recently announced $7.3 million in EARN workforce grants for in-demand careers like healthcare and IT to make Maryland more competitive. Administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, the workforce grants aim to upskill more than 3,400 workers and support over 500 businesses. This investment, the largest in the program’s history, brings Maryland's total EARN funding to $13.7 million, benefiting over 5,500 workers. From the press release: "These grants empower our business owners…

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September 5, 2024

County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use

Charles County EDD Receives Silver Award From International Development Council

The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) has received a Silver Award for Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award underscores Charles County Economic Development Department's (EDD) commitment to its community. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awards organizations that display leadership and leave a lasting effect on communities for residents. IEDC identifies economic development departments, government organizations, initiatives, and projects that display…

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September 5, 2024

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

MD to Join IRS Direct File for 2025 Tax Season, Expanding Free Filing Options for Residents

More Than 700,000 Marylanders Eligible to Use Free Tax Filing Tool Next Year The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that Maryland will be the latest state to participate in the IRS Direct File program for the 2025 tax season. This initiative, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax filing and reduce costs for Maryland residents, ensuring they receive all available benefits and deductions.…

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September 4, 2024

County News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Baltimore City Reaches Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with JUUL Labs

Baltimore City has secured a significant multi-million-dollar settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of e-cigarettes. The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, charged JUUL with marketing practices that endangered the health of Baltimore’s residents, particularly minors, leading to substantial financial burdens on the City. As part of the agreement, JUUL can either make a one-time payment of $7.5 million by the end of 2024 or opt for a staggered payment plan totaling $8…

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September 4, 2024

County News / Feature / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

MDOT’s Draft Transportation Plan: Strategic Cuts and Billions Slashed, Preserves Local HUR Funding

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has unveiled its Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal 2025-2030, highlighting meaningful shifts in transportation funding that will directly impact county infrastructure projects. Amid sluggish economic growth, higher costs for materials and labor, and the downward revision in revenue forecasts for several critical funding sources, including the gas tax, titling tax, transit fares, and vehicle registration, MDOT faces significant budgetary challenges. This resulted in a $1.3 billion reduction…

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September 3, 2024

County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Mayor Scott Issues Plan for Administration of Opioid Restitution Funds

Mayor Brandon M. Scott, alongside city and state leaders, advocates, care providers, and residents who are working on the frontlines to combat opioid overdoses, signed an Executive Order establishing a comprehensive framework for the administration of opioid restitution funds in the City of Baltimore. The order follows recent announcements of settlement funds won by the City against major pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, now totaling $242.5 million. The City remains engaged in litigation against several other…

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August 29, 2024