The Allegany-Garrett County PACE reception is coming together for next week in Annapolis. Over 100 Senators and Delegates will attend the evening event on Thursday as well as a legislative breakfast Friday morning.  Jeremy Irons, event co-chair, says the main talking points this year have to do with the region’s natural resources…    

A coalition of Maryland State Legislators, restaurant owners, and Fair Wage advocates are working to introduce a bill to raise the subminimum wage for thousands of tipped service workers.  The bill comes on the heels of a recent report by the State Comptroller citing labor force participation in Maryland has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, Maryland restaurant workers are paid a sub minimum wage of $3.63 plus the promise of tips. Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage explains how tipping has evolved…    

The West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program is encouraging women to be screened as part of national Cervial Cancer Awareness Month. Programs are available through the state for those who are uninsured or underinsured.  Early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes and survival rates. Dr. Stephanie Blank of the Mount Sinai health system talks about what age group is most effected…    

Delegate Jason Buckel of Allegany County and Delegate Jesse Pippy of Frederick County were re-elected to serve as Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the Maryland General Assembly. The Leader and Whip run for their leadership positions as a team. First elected to serve as Minority Leader in 2021, Delegate Buckel previously served as Chief Deputy Minority Whip.  Buckel said it is a privilege to have the opportunity to work and lead the members of the caucus. Legislative politics is team politics and you have to work together. Delegate Pippy previously served as the Chairman of the Caucus Steering Committee.

State Comptroller Brooke Lierman has announced Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund allocations for counties across the state. The fund allocates a portion of tax revenue generated from the sales of adult-use cannabis directly to communities disproportionately affected by prior cannabis prohibition enforcement.  Maryland collected over $12 million in cannabis sales tax revenue between July and September.  Allegany County will receive 1.043% or $44,378. Uses for the money include mental health and substance abuse services, education, and housing and homelessness prevention services.

Governor Wes Moore had been hesitant through the summer to put anything in stone about his approach to the increasing problems of crime but his introduction of three public safety measures shows his interest in addressing the issues. The possible bills include support for victims of crime, apprenticeships to recruit and retain those in public safety, and the establishment of a Center for Firearm Violence Prevention.  He says his administration is focusing on using every tool at their disposal…    

There will be a two hour delay Wednesday, January 10 for schools in Mineral and Hampshire Counties.  FSU also has a two hour delay Wednesday.  Potomac State will begin classes at 10 a.m.

Governor Wes Moore this morning signed the State’s first State of Preparedness declaration ahead of a potentially hazardous winter weather system that is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding to areas of Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, the significant weather system is expected to impact the region this afternoon, bringing multiple threats that require heightened awareness and preparedness from Marylanders and those visiting our State. “By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related…

Drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will see increases in tolls that went in to effect on January 7th.  The Turnpike Commission approved a toll increase last year which includes a 5% increase for EZ Pass and Toll-by-Plate customers.  EZ Pass drivers continue to get the lowest toll rates, saving nearly 60% on tolls. Passenger traffic is at approximately 95% of pre-pandemic levels.  An average of 500,000 cars use the Pennsylvania Turnpike on a daily basis.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has some New Year’s resolutions that it hopes drivers will share.  The resolutions list helps to ensure all road users are safe and prepared on and off the road.  Maryland passed 600 roadway fatalities in 2023, so the number one resolution for 2024 is “Be the Driver Who Saves Lives”  and make safe choices behind the wheel.  Number two is to use the term “crash” versus “accident” as it is apparent that most incidents are preventable. More information is available through the MVA Highway Safety office at zerodeathsmd.gov.