Message From Governor Larry Hogan
Dear Friend,
The busy 2018 legislative session is in the rear-view mirror, things are full speed ahead here in Annapolis! We are hard at work continuing to change Maryland for the better.
Over the past month, I’ve signed a number of key pieces of legislation, including a bipartisan crime package that will help keep repeat violent offenders off the streets, a critical bill to improve safety in our schools, and landmark economic development legislation poised to bring countless jobs to the state. You can read more about some of these bills below.
While we worked hard on many important issues during session, it’s safe to say that one of the highlights was on April 24th when Maryland SPCA, BARCS, and the Baltimore Humane Society brought a few furry friends to the state house.
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With beach weather finally here, we’re looking forward to a packed month filled with events across the state! Be sure to stay up to date on what’s going on by following my Facebook page, Twitter, and Snapchat (username: LarryHogan).
See you next month!
Your Governor,
Bill Signing Extravaganza
Governor Larry Hogan was joined by Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Speaker of the House Michael Busch to sign 207 bills into law at a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
“This morning, we are signing a number of important initiatives, including tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders and people who commit crimes with a gun,” said Governor Hogan. “Keeping Marylanders safe is our number one priority, and I again thank Senator Bobby Zirkin for his leadership on this issue, as well as President Miller, Speaker Busch, and legislators on both sides of the aisle for their bipartisan cooperation this session and for working with us to change Maryland for the better.”
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Governor Larry Hogan Signs Comprehensive Bipartisan Crime Legislation
In December 2017, Governor Hogan proposed a series of crime initiatives to address repeat violent offenders and criminal gang enterprises terrorizing communities across the state. Throughout the legislative session, Governor Hogan worked with legislators from both parties, led by Senator Zirkin, to ensure these critical initiatives were passed.
Key provisions in Senate Bill 101, signed today, include eliminating parole eligibility for repeat violent offenders and stronger sentences for people who commit crimes with a firearm. The legislation also prohibits violent offenders from being ordered to treatment in lieu of incarceration and strengthens sentences for sexual abuse of a minor.
Also signed as part of the crime package was Senate Bill 1137, which expands the existing volume dealer law to include fentanyl and will allow for more effective prosecution of high-level heroin traffickers.
Governor Hogan Signs into Law Bills Banning Puppy Mills
Governor Larry Hogan was joined by Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Speaker of the House Michael Busch to sign 207 bills into law at a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
Several of these measures work to safeguard animal welfare, including banning puppy mills and encouraging pet adoption.
“I want to thank the Maryland SPCA, BARCS, and the Baltimore Humane Society for bringing a few furry friends for the bill signing,” said Governor Hogan.
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Governor Larry Hogan Signs Landmark Economic Development Legislation
Governor Hogan also signed into law two pieces of historic legislation, the Promoting ext-Raordinary Innovation in Maryland’s Economy, or PRIME Act (SB 877) and the Maryland Metro/Transit Funding Act (SB 277/HB 372).
The governor commemorated the occasion by taking a ride on Metro’s Red Line from Bethesda to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station prior to the signing ceremony at The Music Center at Strathmore.
“These two critical pieces of legislation are excellent examples of our administration working in a bipartisan fashion to achieve real results for the people of Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “Dedicated public transportation funding and the potential economic boom of more than 100,000 new jobs with Amazon HQ2 are vital to Maryland’s advancement.”
The PRIME Act, which the governor introduced following Montgomery County’s selection as one of 20 potential locations for Amazon’s HQ2, provides $3 billion in tax credits and exemptions if and when Amazon locates in Maryland and creates a requisite number of jobs and economic activity. The centerpiece of the financial incentive package would allow the company to retain a portion of wages paid to employees, which would otherwise go toward state income taxes. The entire incentive package is strictly contingent upon Amazon choosing to locate in Maryland and meeting promised job creation targets. The governor’s plan also calls for significant transportation upgrades to the area around the potential site, which will also benefit local businesses and residents.
The Maryland Metro/Transit Funding Act provides $167 million in dedicated funding for the Metro system. Governor Hogan was the first regional leader to propose a solution to address the half-billion dollar a year shortfall that Metro is currently experiencing. The governor’s original proposal would have split the cost among Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the federal government, however the federal government declined to increase their contribution despite federal workers making up nearly 40 percent of riders. A three-way split between Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. was successfully negotiated, resulting in a steady stream of funding for this vital transit system, as the governor continues to advocate for the federal government to pay its fair share.
“With the enactment of these pieces of legislation today, we are sending a very clear message that we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to deliver real results for Maryland and for the Greater Washington metro region,” said the governor.
Read more here.
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