By Del. Carl Anderton

The 440th Legislative Session in Maryland commenced on Wednesday, Jan. 8. It’s great to be back in Annapolis with Delegates and Senators from around the state as we get back into the swing of things. As always, we are working to serve our friends and neighbors at home and will continue to keep you updated on the issues that affect the Eastern Shore.

This was a monumental year as Speaker Adrienne Jones for being sworn in as the Speaker of the House of Delegates! We were excited to see our friend from the Eastern Shore and Speaker Pro Tem, Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes as she introduced the Speaker of the House.

The State of Maryland holds a monthly Board of Public Works meeting where Governor Hogan, Treasurer Kopp and Comptroller Franchot oversee projects and finances effecting the State. This month, they approved two projects in our district. They committed $64,350 from the Program Open Space funding to repair three parking lots at Fruitland Recreational Park. They also approved a request from Salisbury University to acquire three properties to build student housing. We are thankful to Governor Hogan and the Board of Public Works Members for recognizing how important these projects are in Wicomico County.

Governor Hogan also released his 2021 Budget this week. We will continue to keep you updated on funding priorities throughout session but here’s just a few of the many proposed in the budget: New Beaver Run Elementary School, Delmar wastewater treatment project, Downtown Salisbury revitalization, Salisbury University entrepreneurship center, Fruitland tuxents branch drainage upgrade… and many more! #MakingItHappen

Salisbury University’s Research Department joined us in Annapolis for their third annual Posters on the Bay event. It was attended by over 300 people who came to learn about research projects that our students have been working on for months. We look forward to welcoming them back for many years to come!

We are thankful for the ongoing support we have received. Please continue to reach out to us and do not hesitate to call our office at 410-841-3431 or email us at Carl.Anderton@house.state.md.us. Thank you!