Session 2021 update: Focusing on COVID-19 relief and reopening

As the 442nd session of the Maryland General Assembly draws to a close, I remain focused on COVID-19 recovery and reopening on all fronts, expansion of broadband ac-cess, public safety, and fairness in representation for my Shore constituents.

We in the Senate of Maryland began our work by passing Governor Hogan’s RELIEF Act (Senate Bill 496). This emergency stimulus and tax relief package provided over$1 billion for Marylanders and small businesses. This law was enacted by Governor Hogan on February 15, 2021, and went into effect immediately. I am continuing to advocate for COVID-19 relief for Marylanders from all walks of life, including our restaurants, small businesses, watermen, farmers, and all those hardest hit by COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, my team has continued to provide requested assistance to over 2,000 constituents as they navigate the reopening of restaurants and small businesses, access relief programs, and apply for unemployment benefits. We also are working to assist constituents as they search for and schedule appointments for their COVID-19 vaccine. The supply of vaccines from the federal government remains limited, resulting in a delay of in-clinic availability or appointments. I am working with all stakeholders to increase and maximize the distribution of doses in my district and am glad there is a mass vaccination site at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury.

We all are excited about the full and safe return of students to their classrooms. I have heard from countless parents and guardians in my district who are happy to see their children back in a classroom receiving the best education possible. I am looking forward to visiting with local students in their classrooms once session is adjourned. 

I continue to meet with small business and industry stakeholders to help make the case for a full reopening of our economy and the removal of all restrictions. I person-ally lobbied the Hogan Administration to lift the earlier 10 p.m. restaurant closing restriction, and am supporting legislative initiatives such as the bill to allow restaurants to continue to do alcohol carryout and delivery with a food purchase after the pandemic is over.

Consistent with my approach to public service, I have introduced targeted legislation based on the priority needs of my constituents, including Wade’s Law, which increases penalties for criminally negligent driving causing life-threatening injuries; legislation to expand access to occupational therapy services and alcohol and drug counseling; and environmentally-sound legislation that prohibits the intentional release of a balloon into the atmosphere, which has strong local leadership and featured testimony from Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce President Kerrie Bunting.

I remain humbled to represent Ocean Pines in the Sen-ate of Maryland. Ocean Pines holds a special place in my heart as my parents, sister, and her family live here and is the home of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial where I have enjoyed sharing stories about our veterans with local students. As an active member of the Veteran’s Caucus, I will continue to work on initiatives that support Maryland veterans and look forward to participating in The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial ceremony in April.

Constituent service in support of our shared Shore goals remains my top priority, especially during these challenging times. I encourage you to stay in contact with me at [email protected] or www.marybethcarozza.com.

Onward and Upward!!