I can’t believe May is already over. It has been a busy month – from signing over 400 bills into law to hosting our Howard County Cabinet Meeting to adding three new members to the Hogan family!

During the past month, we signed legislation into law that will put money back in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers and help us create even more good jobs for Marylanders. We also signed major education initiatives that improve STEM access and career development programs.

As we head into the summer months, I am looking forward to enjoying all that Maryland has to offer, from the mountains of Western Maryland to the beaches of the Eastern Shore! Be sure to stay up to date on what’s going on by following my Facebook page, Twitter, new Instagram account, and Snapchat (username: LarryHogan).

See you next month!

Governor Larry Hogan directed Maryland state agencies to coordinate and work together to keep Marylanders safe and informed following severe weather, which included extensive and persistent rain, major flooding, and power outages in multiple locations throughout the state. Ellicott City in Howard County was particularly devastated by this weather event, which also included significant flooding in Southwest Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Annapolis.

Governor Hogan declared a statewide State of Emergency on Sunday, May 27, which enables the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to all local jurisdictions that experienced flooding conditions.

Click here to read more about actions and operations are being undertaken by state agencies to respond to the storm and resources for those affected by the flooding and severe weather conditions.

On May 12th, Governor Larry Hogan hosteda cabinet meeting in Howard County at the Charles E. Miller Branch Library and Historical Center in Ellicott City, Md. The governor was joined by Lt. Governor and county resident Boyd Rutherford, who served as emcee for the meeting, as well as Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, dozens of Maryland cabinet secretaries and directors representing agencies across the state, and state and local officials.

This day of meetings and visits brought together elected officials, senior county leadership, local business owners, and public service personnel to discuss county specific issues and ensure direct engagement and communication with Howard County constituents.

“Everyone in our administration understands the incredible assets that we have here in Howard County and we are all very excited to be visiting more than 100 businesses here,” said Governor Hogan. “We have made it a priority to ensure that Howard County knows they have a voice in Annapolis, a seat at the table, and an administration that is working and fighting on their behalf each and every day.”

The Governor, Lt. Governor, and the cabinet secretaries and directors made over 100 stops. The governor visited the Double T Diner in Ellicott City, walked Main Street in Ellicott City, and much more.

Governor Larry Hogan announced that the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will permanently eliminate the $7.50 E-ZPass Maryland transponder fee for all new customers, putting $46 million back into Marylanders’ wallets over the next five years. In 2015, the governor announced major toll rollbacks across the state, resulting in $270 million in savings for our citizens.

“Today, we continue moving forward with a commitment to provide relief for Maryland taxpayers by putting an additional $46 million back into the pockets of hardworking middle class families, retirees, and small businesses – and back into our growing economy,” said Governor Hogan. “Three years ago, I stood here at this very spot and began a statewide toll cut that started with $270 million – the first time tolls had been cut in Maryland in 50 years – and with today’s transponder fee elimination, we have now cut taxes, tolls, and fees by over $1.2 billion in the last four years.”

Free transponders eliminate $6 million in fees and provide new E-ZPass Maryland customers $40 million in toll discounts over the next five years. Customers using E-ZPass Maryland save 25 percent or more on Maryland tolls. At the Bay Bridge, the savings increases to 37.5 percent, or $2.50 for an E-ZPass customer versus $4.00 using cash.