News
Maryland Legislative Update
The 447th Maryland Legislative Session begins on January 8th with Governor Moore and state lawmakers poised to tackle a projected $2.9 billion budget deficit, as well as several policy priorities. Over 550 bills have been pre-filed by state legislators, with another 2000 or so expected to be introduced once the 90-day session begins. But the focus of session will be on how to resolve the state’s budget woes, with a mix of budget cuts and tax increases expected. The solution is also expected to include additional revenue sources, such as increased on-line lottery or casino gaming, as well as changes to the state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education program.
Governor Moore has not announced his legislative agenda, but legislative leadership has signaled an interest in legislation to ensure access to in vitro fertilization services and legal protection for health care professionals providing such services. Other major issues expected to be considered include energy and climate policy, artificial intelligence, and the need for additional revenue to the fund the state’s transportation program.
On the Preferred Provider front, last month Governor Moore signed his long-awaited executive order to modernize the state’s procurement program. The order is intended to deliver process improvements and efficiencies to Maryland’s procurement system, promote accountability and transparency, and strengthen the state’s commitment to socioeconomic procurement programs. The order includes a provision requiring the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs (GOSBA) to evaluate the feasibility of shifting administration of the Preferred Provider Program from DGS to GOSBA.
Additional changes to the state’s Preferred Provider Program could be considered as the Moore Administration and legislators continue to evaluate the work and mission of Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE). After many of years of legislation targeting MCE and its business practices, a workgroup report requested by legislative leaders addressed wages, training, and the competitive advantage to MCE over potential small and minority business competitors. While the report suggested ways to administratively expand MBE participation and partnerships, it did not recommend any specific legislative changes.
Source: Manis Canning & Associates