Reflections and looking ahead

The following appeared in the summer issue of the Ocean Pines Quarterly Report:

After a long and grueling 2021 legislative session in Annapolis, I truly am grateful to be back to making the rounds in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset, including several memorable events right here in Ocean Pines. Being part of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation’s events featuring The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans memorial will be a personal and professional highlight. I was moved by the reaction of so many of our Vietnam Veterans, including my own uncle, Eddie Rohe, who joined us for the opening ceremony. It was up- lifting and inspiring to know that the Wall delivered on its namesake of healing.
 
Along with this special event, I joined in the celebration of the new Pine’eer Craft Shop and already have purchased a couple of unique gifts from Ocean Pines artists. I also enjoyed attending the 20th Anniversary of The Parke celebration and the dedication of the Paul Rusko tennis bench at the Ocean Pines Tennis Club with my parents. These recent neighborhood happenings remind me of the warm family friendships that have developed and grown over the years in Ocean Pines.
 
Since the adjournment of the Maryland General Assembly in mid-April, I have stayed focused on our Shore COVID-19 recovery with more and more vaccinated, restrictions being lifted, and businesses moving to full operations. We in the Eastern Shore Delegation were successful in passing Governor Hogan’s bipartisan COVID-19 RELIEF Act early in the session, providing needed assistance to families and small businesses hard est hit by the pandemic. We also saw legislative victories with the passage of Wade’s Law, a bill that I worked on for the past five sessions which provides a just penalty on those convicted of criminally-negligent driving causing life-threatening injuries.
 
Also, two of my telehealth bills were approved this session including legislation establishing an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists and a bill permitting alcohol and drug trainees under supervision to continue providing needed telehealth counseling for those with addictions after the public health declarations are lifted. The spike in overdose deaths makes clear that Maryland’s opioid crisis did not subside during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful that my telehealth bills were approved with unanimous support this session.
 
Looking ahead, I am working with numerous employers and community partners to address the immediate and severe work- force shortage we are facing in all sectors, especially the hospitality business. We
need to use every creative option to grow our local work- force including recruiting local high school and college students, seasonal legal immigrants, and retirees who may be willing to take part-time positions during the busy tourist season.
 
Finally, I congratulate the Ocean Pines Police Department and entire community with Ocean Pines being named the safest city in Maryland by Safewise, a public safety website. Public safety is job number one, and I will continue to support law enforcement throughout my district and our home State of Maryland.
 
Constituent service in support of our shared Shore priorities remains my top priority. I encourage you to continue to share your concerns and priorities with me at [email protected] or www.marybethcarozza.com and look forward to seeing you around the Pines!