Guest column: Good to be back on the Shore

The following appeared in the spring 2023 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: /documents/20124/91011/OP_newsletter_v55no3_web.pdf/48fe5b2d-9750-8028-7c2a-eba214908eba

 
With the Maryland General Assembly adjourned until January, it’s good to be back on the Shore, visiting with constituents and attending local events, especially those with my parents, Tony and Mary Pat Carozza of Ocean Pines. With a new governor and many new legislators, I have stayed focused on balancing local bills and key policies impacting the Shore while providing quality constituent service.
 
Several of the bills I introduced in the 2023 session have been signed into law, including Senate Bill 823, which allows for a $40 discount on the annual $75 State Park Pass for law enforcement and first responders, including fire/EMS/paramedics and 9-1-1- specialists; and Senate Bill 493, establishing a commission to study the adequacy of trauma funding across Maryland. This was a top legislative priority, as TidalHealth is the only trauma center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and it’s vital to ensure fair funding for the trauma center in the future. Additionally, $9.5 million was set aside to assist trauma centers experiencing financial challenges, and I worked to successfully secure $250,000 for needed medical equipment at Atlantic General Hospital. 
 
Another local capital bond that I supported and introduced by Del. Wayne Hartman provides $75,000 for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station renovation. The Maryland General Assembly also passed Senate Bill 414, focusing on recruitment and retention incentives for firefighters and other first responders to address the workforce and volunteer shortage. I expect similar legislation to be reintroduced next session to increase recruitment and retention initiatives for law enforcement as well.
 
As a member of the Maryland General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 553, Keep Our Heroes Home Act, which increases the maximum amount of military retirement income that may be exempt from Maryland income tax from $5,000 to $12,500 for veterans younger than 55 and from $15,000 to $20,000 for veterans 55 and older. The bill unanimously passed both the Senate and House.
 
Retiree tax relief will continue to be a top priority for me. I again cosponsored Senate Bill 461, the Retirement Tax Elimination Act of 2023 designed to phase out all retiree state income tax by 2028 for retired seniors at least 65 years old, not employed full-time, and on a fixed income. This would help those on fixed incomes who have worked all their lives and now are retired but having problems keeping up with inflation and the high cost of living. SB 461 did not advance this session but will be reintroduced next session.
 
One of the major achievements of the previous 2022 legislative session was the long-awaited passage of Gov. Hogan’s retiree tax relief legislation, which I cosponsored. This legislation included $1.55 billion reduction in taxes over five years for retirees 65 or older. Individual Marylanders who make less than $100,000 a year in retirement income receive a $1,000 subtraction off the income taxes they owe, and married couples making $150,000 or less receive a $1,750 subtraction. I will continue to advocate for a full exemption for all retirees.
 
As violent crime continues to increase everywhere, we are fortunate that our local communities, especially Ocean Pines, remain relatively low in crime and we want to keep it that way. The Joint Republican Caucus sponsored and advocated for several bills to combat Maryland’s violent crime crisis by increasing penalties on repeat, violent offenders using guns and other gun crimes, but the Maryland General Assembly failed to act on these measures.
 
With the brutal murders of local law enforcement Delmar Police Cpl. Keith Heacook in 2021 and Wicomico Sheriff Cpl. Glenn Hilliard in 2022 by repeat, violent offenders, I vow to continue my push for increasing penalties against these hardened criminals who kill and have a total disregard for human life.
           
Turning to the positive, one of my most rewarding public service experiences is awarding and presenting my Senate scholarship to our local students. These scholarships help keep our local student talent right here in Maryland, with many scholarship recipients attending Salisbury University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Wor-Wic Community College, all three in District 38.
 
It is an honor to attend these high school award ceremonies and let these remarkable students know their hard work has paid off. However, this program is not only open to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted at a Maryland community college or university, public or private, but also to returning veterans, single mothers, and other adults who have decided to pursue their passions through education, training, and a new career. For more information on my Maryland Senate Scholarship program, please email me at [email protected].
 
I truly am grateful and blessed for this opportunity to serve the people of Ocean Pines and all of District 38, which includes a total of 11 municipalities spread throughout Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties. It is a special joy when I can participate in events with my parents, like the annual and very meaningful Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, or ask them to represent me at local small business openings like Popce’s Homemade Ice Cream in Ocean Pines sponsored by the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce. With these type of sweets involved, this was not a hard sell to my folks!
 
I wish you a very happy, healthy, and relaxing summer, and hope to see you when I’m out making my constituent rounds.