Message From Governor Larry Hogan

Dear Friend, The 2017 legislative session is well underway, and our team is working hard on behalf of all Marylanders! This year we have proposed a robust, comprehensive, and common sense legislative package that includes 33 initiatives promoting economic growth and job creation to record funding for education. Some of our most recently announced initiatives include efforts to fight heroin and opioid addiction, ethics reform for our elected representatives, and a new program that will finally bring stability to our state pension system. To see the full list of our priorities, click here. I was elected to focus on Maryland and to do everything I could to make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I will never take my eye off that ball. Just days before giving my third State of the State Address, the First Lady and I were very proud to announce the birth of our first grandson, Cam Sterling! He was born on January 6, but was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore where he spent the week. He is now doing great and home with his Mom and Dad! To see more photos, click here. As we continue to work hard this session and plan for the year ahead, stay tuned to future newsletters for a firsthand look at the progress we are making to Change Maryland for the Better. Your Governor,

We Can – And We Must – Do More

On February 1, Governor Hogan delivered his third State of the State Address, entitled “Real and Lasting Change.” To see the full, closed-captioned speech, click here.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – Honoring Our Men and Women in Uniform

Governor Larry Hogan issued a statewide proclamation declaring Monday, January 9, 2017 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Maryland. National Law Enforcement Day is acknowledged annually on January 9, when states and organizations across the country show their support for our nation’s law enforcement officers. Government House was also lit blue on the evening of January 9 in recognition and support of Maryland’s law enforcement officials.

“I know that these days, sometimes, our brave men and women in law enforcement don’t always get the appreciation and respect that they deserve. We’re here to let you know that you do have the respect and appreciation of the people of Maryland,” said Governor Hogan at a reception with law enforcement officers from several agencies. “We want to thank you for what you to every day, putting your lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe. We’re mourning all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we’re here to recognize them, as well.”

In recognition and celebration of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Governor Hogan met with officers from the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland Transit Administration Police, Maryland Capitol Police, and Baltimore City School Police. He also met with representatives from the Maryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization that provides resources for families and coworkers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Freezin’ for a Reason – Taking the Plunge

“It was my sincere privilege to attend the Polar Bear Plunge and present the Jimmy Myrick Jr. Governor’s Courage Award. Last year, I had the honor of presenting the Governor’s Courage Award to my next door neighbor in the hospital: Jimmy Myrick Jr., a Super Plunger in the Polar Bear Plunge who had Down syndrome and faced leukemia.

Unfortunately, Jimmy passed away shortly after I presented him with the award. This year, and every year from here on out, this award will be given in his name. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Adam Hays, who has logged more than 1,100 cycling training miles in 2016 and raised over $10,000 as a Super Plunger. We recognize his exceptional courage in the face of adversity, marked most remarkably by 34 brain surgeries in 32 years.” -Governor Hogan

Click here to see video from the event.