>> THIS PROGRAM IS MADE BY MPT TO ENRICH THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT OUR STATE AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.
THANK YOU.
>> Jeff: THE HELP WANTED SIGN IS UP AT MARYLAND SCHOOLS.
>> SO THERE HAS BEEN A DECLINE IN THOSE ENTERING THE TEACH PIPELINE.
>> Jeff: PLICING POLICE PROSECUTORS.
>> WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO IS FIND, YOU KNOW, A, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A BETTER WAY, AN EASIER WAY TO PROSECUTE OR INVESTIGATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, RIGHT?
>> I WOULD SAY THAT IT KIND OF JUST MOVES THIS PROCESS AWAY FROM CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
>> Jeff: AND A FOCUS ON WOMEN'S HISTORY.
>> HISTORY WILL SHOW YOU IF YOU LEARN FROM IT, IT WILL GIVE YOU STRATEGIES.
>> CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT.
THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE."
>> Jeff: GOOD EVENING.
THE BIG STORY AROUND "STATE CIRCLE" THIS WEEK IS AN EXODUS OF TEACHERS.
MARYLAND IS AMONG THREE QUARTERS OF STATES REPORTING TEACHER SHORTAGES.
SUE KOPEN REPORTS ON LEGISLATION TO REVERSE THAT TREND.
>> Sue: TEACHING IS A FAMILY TRADITION FOR JALEN BRIDGE FORTSDZ.
>> I'VE ALWAYS BEEN REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT EDUCATION.
I COME FROM A FAMILY FULL OF EDUCATORS.
MY MOM AND MY BLOR I A STEECH.
MY SISTER-IN-LAW IS A TEACHER.
MY GRANDMOTHER IS A TEACHER.
>> Sue: THIS MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SENIOR MAJORING IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION IS ABOUT TO BECOME THE FIRST IN HER FAMILY, THOUGH, TO GET A TEACHING DEGREE.
THE PATH TO HER TEACHING CAREER HASN'T BEEN EASY.
>> I WAS COMPLETELY UNPREPARED FOR HOW CHALLENGING IT WOULD BE, NOT AS MUCHS AS LIKE THE COURSE MATERIAL BUT JUST FINANCIALLY AS FAR AS TUITION REQUIREMENTS, NOT INTERNSHIP, TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM YOUR PLACEMENT EVERY SINGLE DAY.
IT BAINL A REALLY HARD FINANCIAL STRAIN ON ME AND MY FAMILY.
AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO EVER HAVE TO FEEL THAT STRAIN.
>> Sue: MORGAN STATE'S TEACHING ENROLLMENT PROGRAM IS UP A BIT BUT STATEWIDE IT'S DOWN, ABOUT 30%.
AND THE TEACHER SHORTFALL ISN'T LIMITED TO THOSE JUST COMING INTO THE PIPELINE.
>> WEAVE A LOT OF TEACHERS -- WE HAVE A LOT OF TEACHERS WHO ARE NOW LEAVING THE PROFESSION, SO THERE HAS BEEN A DECLINE IN THOSE ENTERING THE TEACHER PIPELINE, AND THERE'S ALSO BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF RESIGNATIONS AND PEOPLE TO LEAVE SO THAT IS WHAT HAS CREATED THIS CURRENT SITUATION THAT HAS BROUGHT US CLOSE TO CRISIS PROPORTIONS.
>> Sue: IN ANNAPOLIS THIS WEEK, TESTIMONY BEFORE THE SENATE EDUCATION ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE ON A PLAN BY THE MOORE ADMINISTRATION TO TACKLE THE TEACHER SHORTAGE PROBLEM.
>> IF WE DO NOT SOLVE THE EDUCATOR SHORTAGE CRISIS, IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE PROVIDING THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION THAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE COME TO EXPECT IN A STATE THAT DEEPLY VALUES EDUCATION, AND IT WILL NOT FRANKLY BE POSSIBLE TO ADEQUATELY IMPLEMENT THE BLUEPRINT AS THE LEGISLATURE HAS LAID OUT.
>> Sue: THE GOVERNOR IS ASKING THE LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE THE MARYLAND EDUCATOR SHORTAGE ACT OF 2023.
AMONG ITS PROVISIONS, IT EXPANDS AND REVISES THE CURRENTLY UNDERUTILIZED TEACHING FELLOWS FOR MARYLAND PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP MONEY FOR A PROMISE TO TEACH IN MARYLAND CLASSROOMS.
IT CREATES A GRANT PROGRAM TO LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AS WELL AS ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS FOR THE CREATION OF GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER PROGRAMS.
AND IT CREATES A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE STIPEND TO STUDENT TEACHERS UP TO $20,000.
AMONG THOSE ENCOURAGING LAWMAKERS TO SUPPORT THE PLAN, JALEN BRIDGE FORTSDZ.
>> A STIPEND WOULD MEAN THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE $30 UBERES I TAKE TO AND FROM MY INTERNSHIP EVERY DAY.
I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD GROCERIES TO PACK A LUNCH SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO TBHAILT 7:00 P.M.
WHEN MY UNIVERSITY DINING HALL OPENS TO HAVE MY FIRST FELLOW O MEAL OF THE DAY.
A FAVORABLE REPORT ON THIS BILL MEANS THAT PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAVE A DESIRE TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN OF M. CAN ACHIEVE THAT REDEEM, THAT WE CAN HELP PEOPLE BECOME MORE THAN THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES.
>> Sue: OTHER PROSKSZ OF GOVERNOR'S PLAN INCLUDE A RETIREMENT FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WITH TEACHER PROGRAMS TO DEVELOP SPECIFIC GOALS TOREY REVIEWMENT AND RETENTION OF STUDENT TEACHERS AND A REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CREATE A DASHBOARD SO THAT THE PUBLIC CAN TRACK EDUCATOR SHORTAGES AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON SCHOOLS AROUND THE STATE.
I'M SUE KOPEN FOR STATE CIRCLE.
>> Jeff: BOTH HOUSES OF THE LEGISLATURE MOVING AHEAD THIS WEEK ON BILLS TO SET UP A REFERENDUM ON ABORTION.
WHEN VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS NEXT YEAR, THEY'LL BE ASKED TO DECIDE WHETHER ABORTION RIGHTS SHOULD BE GUARANTEED IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
ABORTION PROCEDURES ALREADY ARE LEGAL UNDER STATE LAW.
>> HB 75 IS RIN, CHOOSES RIRNS WINNERS AND LOSERS.
THE BILL CHOOSES THE REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF THE MOTHER OVER THE REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF THE PREBORN CHILD.
HOUSE BILL 705, AS WRITTEN, ALLOWS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LIFE OF THE PREBORN CHILD AND FOREVER TAKES AWAY THE PREBORN CHILD'S OWN RIGHT TO REPRODUCTION.
>> THIS BILL IS ABOUT THE RIGHT OF WOMAN TO MAKE THE FUNDAMENTAL DECISION ABOUT HER OWN PREGNANCY.
ULTIMATELY, THIS BILL IS ABOUT GIVING MARYLANDERS A DECISION ABOUT WHETHER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM SHOULD BE ENSHRINED IN OUR STATE CONSTITUTION.
IT IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PROTECTION THAT WE CAN GIVE PEOPLE IN MARYLAND.
>> Jeff: MARYLAND PROVIDERS REPORT TREATING PATIENTS DENIED ABORTION SERVICES IN OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED ACCESS FOLLOWING THE SUPREME COURT'S DOBBS DECISION.
A LEGAL TURF BATTLE PLAYING OUT BETWEEN LOCAL PROSECUTORS AND MARYLAND'S ATTORNEY GENERAL.
TWO YEARS AGO THE AG'S OFFICE WAS PUT IN CHARGE OF INVESTIGATING CASES WHERE POLICE THE STATE SENATE THIS WEEK TOOK THAT A STEP FURTHER, VOTING TO HAVE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAKE THE DECISION ON WHETHER OFFICERS SHOULD BEES PROSECUTED TO TAKE THE CASE TO COURT.
THAT AUTHORITY CURRENTLY RESTS WITH THE LOCAL STATE'S ATTORNEYS.
>> THIS SEEMS TO BE TARGETING OBVIOUSLY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO IS FIND, YOU KNOW, A -- I DON'T% KNOW FIGHTS A BETTER WAY, AN'SIER WAY TO PROS -- AN EASIER WAY TO PROSECUTE OR INVESTIGATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, RIGHT?
>> I WOULDN'T SAY, I WOULD SAY IT KIND OF JUST MOVES THIS PROCESS AWAY FROM CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND HAS A NEUTRAL FACT FINDER AND DECISION MAKER MAKE THOSE DECISIONS.
JUST REMOVING IT FROM THAT CONFLICT.
AND SO IT'S NEITHER PRO NOR CON FOR THE OFFICER.
IT'S INDEPENDENT.
IT'S NOT WEIGHTED EITHER WAY.
>> Jeff: A HOUSE OF DELEGATES COMMITTEE HEARD FROM LOCAL PROSECUTORS WHO DENIED THEY HAVE A CONFLICT AND ARGUED FOR RETAINING CONTROL OF THOSE CASES.
IN THE MOST RECENT ELECTION, MARYLAND VOTERS APPROVED LEGALIZING SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA OR CANNABIS FOR RECREATIONAL USE.
THIS WEEK THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ADVANCED THE BILL THAT WILL SET UP THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEW INDUSTRY.
>> THE OVERALL SOCIETAL BENEFIT IS SCHEDULE THE ZERO TO HAVE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WALKING AROUND STONED.
IT'S JUST THE FACTS.
I'M NOTE TRYING TO DEMEAN ANYBODY.
I MEAN, YOU JUST CANNOT ARGUE.
THERE IS NO SOICIALTD BENEFIT TO MASSIVE USES OF MARIJUANA.
>> MY COMPLEEG IS BASICALLY SAYING WE DON'T WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH MARIJUANA.
WE WERE ELECTED TO DO JUST THAT.
IN FACT, OUR CITIZENS TOLD US TO DO JUST THAT.
THEY TOLD US TO GET INVOLVED.
THEY TOLD TO US REGULATED AND PROVIDE SOMETHING SAFE FOR THEM.
I'VE GOT TO BE INVOLVED BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY CONSTITUENTS OF HAVE HAVE ACCESS BUT IT'S ALSO SAFE.
THAT MEANS THE STATE HAS TO GET INVOLVED.
>> Jeff: EXISTING.
MEDICAL CANNABIS LOCATIONS WILL BE AMONG THE BUSINESSES LICENSED TO SELL RECREATIONAL CANNABIS.
THAT STARTS IN JULY.
MARYLAND'S POTENTIAL FOR WIND POWER STILL LARGELY A WINDMILL OF THE MIND.
BUT AS CHARLES ROBINSON REPORTS, LAWMAKERS ARE PLOIRCHG WAYS TO SPEED UP -- LOOKING WHAIZ TO SPEED UP THAT PROCESS.
>> OFFSHORE WIND IS A HIGH WHAFT FACTOR CLEAN ENERGY SOURCE AND SO IT IS CRUCIAL TO THE MIX THAT WE HAVE TO GET IN ORDER TO MEET MARYLAND'S GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS AND THAT WE HAVE TO MEET IN ORDER TO GET TO 100% CLEAN ENERGY.
>> OFFSHORE WIND IS BY FAR AND ABOVE THE MOST EXPENSIVE ASSET YOU HAVE.
IT'S MORE EXPENSIVE LAN THAN LAND-BASED WIND.
PHOTOVOLTAICS, IT DOESN'T EVEN SHOW UP IN THE ANALYSIS.
>> Charles: THE DEBATE OVER SENATE BILL 71 BETTER KNOWN AS THE POWER ACT, HAD ITS EXRICTS AND PROPONENTS.
A CROSS-SECTION OF INTERESTED PARTIES LENT THEIR SUPPORT.
>> MARYLAND HAS THE CHANCE TO BE THE HUB FOR UP AND DOWN THE EAST COAST FOR OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT, AND THESE BILLS THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT HOPEFULLY WE'RE GOING TO PASS, ONLY HELPS US MAKE THAT HAPPEN.
>> Charles: CLEAN ENERGY HAS BEEN THE GOAL OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND FOR A LONG TIME, BUT THIS NEW BILL WILL ACCELERATE THE PROCESS.
>.THE PROPOSE WOULD CREATE A TRANSMISSION LINE WHICH WOULD LINK THE VARIED WIND FARMS NOW ON THE DRAWING BOARD.
>> THINK ABOUT THE ANNAL DISWREE GEE OF SEVERALUR EXTENSION CORDS LUNG OUT VERSUS ONE LONG EXTENSION CORD AND A POWER STRIP TO WHICH ALL THE WIND ENERGY CAN HOOK INTO.
IT'S MUCH MORE EFFICIENT TO HAVE THAT POWER STRIP OUT THERE.
IT'S MUCH BETTER THAN THE EIGHT PARALLEL EXTENSION CORDS.
>> Charles: TO DATE SOME 7,000 JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED AND THAT NUMBER IS LIKELY TO QUADRUPLE ACCORDING TO THE BILL'S SPORNSES.
THERE'S SCEPTICISM, ESPECIALLY FROM THE SENATOR WHO REPRESENTS OCEAN CITY.
>> VERY CONCERNED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, ADDINGS MASSIVE HIGH VOAJT POWER LINES AND -- VOLTAGE POWER LINES AND DANGEROUS CABLE LINES TO OUR TOWN IN OCEAN CITY.
>> THIS LEGISLATION IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT FOR FUTURE GENERATION, AND THEN WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSMISSION, IF WE DON'T PASS THIS BILL, THE RISK TO OCEAN CITY AND POTENTIALLY THE BEACHES DELAWARE AS WELL, TRUTHFULLY TBOSH THAT'S LEASE AREAS AND YOU CAN HAVE EIGHT CORDS ESSENTIALLY OR NINE OR TEN OR DEPENDING ON HOW MANY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THERE ARE, EACH INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WOULD BE A SEPARATE LINE ESSENTIALLY THAT'S HOOKING INTO THE SYSTEM.
>> Charles: WHEN WIND FARMS WERE PROPOSED OFF THE COAST OF OCEAN CITY, IT WAS CUTTING EDGE.
CAUGHT UP.
NEW JERSEY HAS ALREADY SUNK SOME $2.1 BILLION TO CREATE WHAT MARYLAND WANTS TO DO WITH ITS TRANSMISSION LINE.
TO OFFSET ITS COST, THOSE BACKING THE BILL SAY TAXPAYERS AND NOT RATEPAYERS WILL BEAR THE COSTS OVER TEN YEARS.
IN ANNAPOLIS, I'M CHARLES ROBINSON OR "STATE CIRCLE."
>> Jeff: FUNDING FOR HOMELESSNESS CAN BE DEPENDENT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PROVIDING DATA ON A PROBLEM THAT IS OFTEN HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS.
NANCY YAMADA TELLS US HOW LEGISLATORS ARE TRYING TO HELP.
>> I'VE BEEN HOMELESS FOR ALMOST A YEAR.
>> Nancy: TRACI DODSON IS 52 YEARS OLD.
>> IT'S VERY HARD AND IT'S A HARD STRUGGLE.
TRYING TO KEEP A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD, FOOD IN YOUR BELLY, HEALTH, EVERYTHING.
>> Nancy: FOR NOW SHE SLEEPS INSIDE CAR WITH HER FRIEND EDWARD.
HE'S BEEN ON THE STREETS SINCE 2019?
>> I'M NOT LAZY.
I LIKE TO WORK.
BUT, YOU KNOW, BEING OUT HERE, THERE'S -- IT'S HARD TO GET A JOB BECAUSE YOU'RE ALWAYS DIRTY AND YOU DO NOT HAVE NO PLACE TO LIVE AND YOU DO NOT GET MUCH SLEEP.
>> Nancy: ON THIS NIGHT, WHILE IMAGINE OUTSIDE A SHOPPING CENTER IN COLUMBIA, THEY WERE MET BY TWO WOMEN CONDUCTING WHAT'S KNOWN AS A POINT IN TIME COUNT, A COUNT OF SHELTERED AND UNSHELTERED PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.
>> WE GO WHERE WE KNOW THAT OUR HOMELESS FOLKS ARE.
>> Nancy: JACKIE SCOTT, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES SAYS, THE ONCE-A-YEAR FEDERAL INITIATIVE DETERMINES HOW MUCH MONEY THE COUNTY WILL RECEIVE FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
>> WE TALK WITH THEM, WE PROVIDE RESOURCES TO THEM.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE COUNT THEM.
WE WANT TO KNOW WHO THEY ARE, WHERE THEY'RE LIVING, THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES SO THAT WE CAN FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN HELP THEM.
>> Nancy: GRABBING SURVEYS AND SUPPLIES FROM THE COMMAND CENTER -- >> WE HAVE BACKPACKS WITH FOOD AND BLANKETS AND HYGIENE ITEMS.
>> Nancy: DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS HEAD O OUT ON THIS NIGHT TO SEARCH FOR THOSE WHO ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED AMONG THE LANDSCAPE.
>> DO I HAVE A DISABLING CONDITION?
>> NO.
>> Nancy: SOME END UP AT EMERGENCY SHELTERS.
THE FOLKS AT GRASSROOTS CRISIS INTERVENTION SAY WHILE SOME HAVE MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES -- >> NO, WOULD I NOT SAY THAT THERE IS BEEN A DECLINE.
THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS AND DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PERSON.
WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC GREATLY HAVING AN EFFECT ESPECIALLY ON FAMILIES P.M. FAMILY'S CAN NOTE AFFORD THE PLACE THEY USED TO LIVE.
>> Nancy: ACCORDING TO THE LATEST APARTMENT LIST NATIONAL RENT REPORT, NATIONWIDE THE MEDIAN RENT INCREASED BY A RECORD 17.6% OVER THE COURSE OF 2021.
>> AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAS HARD TO COME BY IN HOWARD COUNTY BEFORE, AND THE ANSWER TO HOMELESSNESS IS HOUSING.
IT HAS TO BE HOUSING THAT'S ATTAINABLE, THAT PEOPLE CAN AFFORD.
>> Nancy: BASED ON THE NUMBERS FROM THE PIT COUNT, COUNTIES WILL RECEIVED HUD FUNDS THAT CAN BE USED TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM NEEDS.
>> AND WHAT THAT MEANS IS CAN WE BRING THEM IN AND HELP PAY THEIR RENT, CAN WE QUALIFY THEM AND GET THEM PERHAPS IT'S THE LICENSE THAT THEY NEED, PERHAPS IT'S A BIRTH CERTIFIED THAT THEY NEED.
>> Nancy: IN ANNAPOLIS LAWMAKERS ON THE COMMITTEE TO END HOMELESSNESS SAY THEY ARE COMMITTED TO THEIR MISSION.
SENATOR CLARENCE LAM BELIEVES WHEN IT EXOMS TO HOUSING, THERE'S A SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN BALANCE.
>> I THINK THERE IS MORE THAT THE STATE CAN DO.
OFTENTIMES A LOT OF THESE HOUSING DECISIONS ARE BASED ON THE COUNTY LEVEL.
THESE ARE LOCAL ZONING AND PLANNING AND PERMITTING DECISIONS THAT ARE BEING MADE.
BUT I THINK THERE'S A CONCERN THAT ZONING IS STILL BEING USED AS A TOOL TO, YOU KNOW, CONTINUE KIND OF MODERN-DAY REDLINING THAT'S TAKING PLACE.
>> Nancy: IN THE MEANTIME -- >> I'VE TRIED TO DO THE BEST I CAN.
THAT'S ALL I CAN DOUGH.
>> Nancy: SILLCOX AND DODSON ARE FACING ANOTHER COLD NIGHT.
>> DO YOU WANT HELP?
>> I DO.
>> Nancy: I'M NANCY YAMADA FOR "STATE CIRCLE."
>> Jeff: MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
AMONG THE MANY EVENTS AROUND THE STATE, AN ANNUAL CON VOVATION AT MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ADDRESSED BY GLORIA BROWN MAR CHAMPS, PROFESSOR OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AT THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CL JUSTICE AT THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK.
67.
>> HISTORY WILL SHOW YOU IF YOU LEARN FROM IT, IT WILL GIVE YOU STRATEGIES IT WHETHER GIVE YOU INSPIRATION.
AND IT WILL ALSO HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST RODEO AND WE HAVE SURVIVED MORE THAN THIS, AND NOT ONLY HAVE WE SURVIVED BUT 1 AS YOU CAN SEE FROM WHERE YOU ARE, WE HAVE LEARNED TO THRIVE.
SO DON'T GIVE UP.
WBEING WOKE MEANS YOU UNDERSTAND YOU'RE IN A SITUATION IN WHICH THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE COMPETING WITH YOU.
>> Jeff: THE ANNUAL CONVOCATION IS NAMED IN MEMORY OF THE LATE MORGAN PROFESSION ROSE LYNN PENN.
ONE OF THE NATION'S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S HISTORY.
67.
OUR "NEWSMAKER" THIS WEEK IS PAUL WIEDEFELD, MARYLAND'S NEW SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.
SIR, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
WHAT IS THE TRANSPORTATION AGENDA OF THE MOORE-MILLER ADMINISTRATION?
WEENCHTS HI, JEFF.
NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.
THE AGENDA IS PRETTY CLEAR.
BASICALLY IT'S WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES AND REALLY PROVIDING THE TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS AND SERVICES THAT SERVE COMMUNITIES WITH A FOCUS ON EQUITY, WITH A FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL, AND A FOCUS ON BASICALLY GETTING MORE PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE IN COMMUNITIES ECONOMICALLY.
WE SPEND A LOT OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE KEEPING THE PLAYING FIELD AS OPEN AS WE G WE CAN FOR OTHER COMPANIES TO COME IN AND INDIVIDUALS TO START BUSINESSES, AND THAT'S A BIG FOCUS OF THE MOORE ADMINISTRATION AND OF MINE.
>> Jeff: LET'S TALK ABOUT A FEW HIGH-PROFILE THINGS.
YOU USED TO RUN THE WASHINGTON METRO SYSTEM.
WHERE -- HOW MUCH RECOVERY THERE HAS BEEN.
ARE WE CLOSE TO PREPANDEMIC LEVELS AT ALL?
>> UNFORTUNATELY WE'RE NOT CLOSE.
IT'S MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
THERE ARE TWO THINGS PLAYING OUT IN WASHINGTON AND ONE OF THEM IS UNIQUE.
ALL TRANSIT AGENCY AROUND THE YIB PARTICULARLY THE LARGER LEGACY SYSTEMS, THE PHILADELPHIAS, NEW YORKS, CHICAGOS, THEY TOOK QUITE A BIG HIT.
BUS SERVICE GENERALLY DID NOT DROP AS MUCH BUT RAIL SERVICES DID.
SO YOU HAVE THAT PLAYING OUT.
THEN CLEARLY WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH TELEWORK AND THE NEW ENVIRONMENT THAT PEOPLE WORK UNDER.
BUT THE ADDED COMPLEXITY IN THE WASHINGTON REGION IS THEN YOU HAVE TO FEDERAL WORKFORCE, AND THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE IS SUCH A KEY TO THAT SYSTEM, YOU KNOW, SWUCH A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE DAILY RIDERSHIP, AND IF THEY'RE NOT COMING BACK, THAT REALLY, REALLY HURTS, YOU KNOW, THAT NUMBER.
SO THAT'S GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE FOR THE WASHINGTON REGION.
AND AGAIN, AS YOU KNOW, MARYLAND PROVIDE ALMOST 1 BMEDZ A YEAR TO THAT SYSTEM, SO IT IS A BIG DOMESTIC PORTION OF OUR PORTFOLIO -- ECONOMIC PORTION OF OUR PORTFOLIO AND WE'VE GOT TO TRY TO GET AS MANY RIDERS BACK AS WE CAN TO INCREASE REVENUES.
YOU AND BALTIMORE NOT AS BAD AS SOME OF THAT RIDERSHIP LAS RIDER HAS COME BACK, DID NOT DROP AS MUCH ON THE BUS.
WASHINGTON IS A UNIQUE ONE BECAUSE OF ITS NATURE OF THE MARKET IT SERVES.
>> LET'S STAY ON THE WASHINGTON SIDE OF THINGS FOR A MOMENT.
I HAD OCCASION TO BE ON THE CAPITAL BELTWAY RECENTLY AND I-270 CLOSE TO RUSH HOUR, AND WHILE METRO RIDERSHIP MAY NOT BE ALL THE WAY BACK, IT SURE LOOKED LIKE TRAFFIC WAS ALL THE WAY BACK.
PRIOR ADMINISTRATION WANTED TO ADD CAPACITY BY BUILDING TOLL LANES AND DIDN'T GET IT DONE BEFORE THEY WERE OUT OF OFFICE.
SEEMS LIKE THAT'S GOING TO BE BACK BURNER.
IS THAT A FAIRWAY TO LOOK AT IT?
>> THERE'S ACTUALLY WHAT WE CALL A RECORD OF DECISION IN EFFECT TO DO THAT PROJECT.
IT WAS APPROVED LAST AUGUST.
THERE IS CURRENTLY THE DEPARTMENT HAS A VENDOR THAT IS WHORNG ON THAT, A P3 VENDOR THAT'S WORKING ON THAT.
SO THAT IS MOVING ALONG.
AS YOU KNOW I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE A FEW WEEKS SO I'M TRYING TO GET MY ARMS AROUND A LOT OF THOSE ISSUES.
BUT RIGHT NOW THAT'S MOVING ALONG, AND WE'LL SEE HOW THAT PLAYS OUT IN THE FUTURE.
I THINK WHERE THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN VERY CLEAR IS THAT WHOLE CORRIDOR, WE'VE GOT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE'RE PROVIDING SOMETHING THAT MAKES SENSE FOR THE COMMUNITIES, THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT BEYOND JUST HIGHWAY TYPE OF IMPROVEMENTS, OBVIOUSLY TRANSIT AND WHAT ROLE IT COULD PLAY IN THAT AREA, BUT AS YOU MENTIONED THE TRAFFIC THERE IS, IT IS TOUGH.
IT IS VERY TOUGH THERE.
IT'S BEEN THAT WAY FOR YEARS.
AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
>> QUICK HEADLINE ON THE PURPLE LINE WHICH IS THE INSIDE THE BELTWAY LIGHT RAIL IN THE WASHINGTON SUBURBS.
THERE WAS A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP THAT DIDN'T WORK OUT TO BE CHARITABLE, SO THE PROJECT HAS RESUMED BEHIND SCHEDULE, OVERBUDGET, I THINK.
WHAT ARE TH THE PROSPECTS FOR GETTING THAT NIRCHED?
>> IT'S ACTUALLY THE CONSTRUCTION IS 50% DONE SO THAT'S A GOOD THING.
BUT TO BE FRANK, I'VE GOTTEN VERY ENGAGED WITH THAT VERY EARLY.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH LARGE PROJECTS LIKE THAT IS YOU REALLY HAVE TO REALLY PULL THEM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.
WE JUST WENT THROUGH THAT.
THE SILVER LINE, FOR INSTANCE, IN THE WASHINGTON REGION.
THESE ARE BIG COMPLEX PROJECTS.
THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
THE SO THERE'S THINGS THAT YOU LEARN ALONG THE WAY.
BUT WE'RE GOING TO HOLD EVERYONE'S FEET TO THE FIRE TO GET THAT DONE AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN AND AS SAFELY AS WE CAN.
>> THE HEADLINE PROJECT MAY BE SIMILAR IN SOME WAYS IN BAMPLET AREA WAS THE RED -- BALTIMORE AREA WAS THE RED LINE CROSS TOWN LIGHT RAIL.
GOVERNOR HOGAN DEEP $6.00 IT SAYING THAT IT WHAT IS BE THE SIXED IT.
SAYING IT WAS GOING TO BE A BOONDOGGLE.
GOVERNOR MOORE HAS INDICATED HE WANTS TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT BUT HASN'T SAID IT WILL BE THAT SPECIFIC PROJECT.
WHAT DIRECTIONS COULD THAT GO IN?
>> SO I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TAKE ONE QUICK LOOK AT WHAT WORK HAS BEEN DONE AND WHAT WORK WE COULD USE GOING INTO THE FUTURE.
AS YOU KNOW, WE WERE GOING AFTER SIGNIFICANT FEDERAL DOLLARS THERE, AND TO DO THAT YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW CERTAIN PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES.
SO BASICALLY SOME OF THOSE HAVE TIMED OUT, AND SO WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT CAN WE USE IN EFFECT TO START THAT PROJECT BACK UP, AND AGAIN, WHAT WE'RE WE'RE GOING TO DO IT IN CONCERT WITH THE COMMUNITIES.
>> YOU TALKED ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROJECTS.
I'VE HEARD THE WORD "EQUITY" USED IN TERMS OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS GOING FORWARD.
TWHRADZ THAT MEAN TO YOU?
-- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
HOW WOULD THINGS LOOK DIFFERENT WHEN PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY THE MOORE ADMINISTRATION?
>> I THINK IT'S UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT TRANSPORTATION PLAYS NOT ONLY IN MOVING PEOPLE BUT IN ESTABLISHING, SUPPORTING, AND IN AN UNFORTUNATELY SOMETIMES HURTING COMMUNITIES.
RIGHT?
BUT MAKING SURE THAT WHEN WE MAKE THOSE DECISIONS, WE DON'T JUST MAKE IN IT THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT JUST DO NOT HAVE AS MUCH OF A ADVICE OTHER COMMUNITIES INSPECTORS SO IT'S REALLY COMING AT IT WITH THAT LENS SO WE'RE CONSTANTLY THINKING THROUGH THAT.
>> SIR, WE APPRECIATE THE TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, JEFF.
>> Jeff: FOR THE POLITICAL CROWNED ROUNDINGTABLE MPT'S SUE KOPEN JOINED BY PAMELA WOOD OF THE BALTIMORE BANNER.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WE KNOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PUT A BRAND NEW FBI HEADQUARTERS.
NORTHERN SPRA AND PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ARE BOTH COMPETING FOR THIS AND THERE WAS A NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
YOU COULD CALL IT A BIT OF A FULL COURT PRESS THIS WEEK.
>> Pamela Wood: THAT'S RIGHT, JEFF.
BOTH THE STATE OF VIRGINIA AND THE STATE OF MARYLAND MADE THEIR FINAL PITCHES TO THE U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ABOUT WHY THE NEW FBI HEADQUARTERS SHOULD BE LOCATED IN THEIR STATE THIS PAST WEEK.
NOW, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS REALLY SOUGHT AFTER BY BOTH STATES.
IT'S A LOT OF JOBS, A LOT OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS.
AND IN MARYLAND'S GOVERNOR WES MOORE, PRINCE GEORGE'S CROWN EXECUTIVE SAY THIS IS A EQUITY AND DIVERSITY ISSUE.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY IS UNDER-INVESTED AND COULD USE THESE JOBS.
>> Jeff: SUE, THIS PROJECT, THIS RFP HAS BEEN OUT THERE QUITE A WHILE.
>> Sue: DECADES.
I BELIEVE IT FIRST CAME FOR DISCUSSION IN THE LATE '80s, I REMEMBER INITIALLY, AND MARYLAND WANTED TO JUMP ON IT.
THE IDEA WAS PUT OUT THAT THEY DIDN'T INTEND TO STAY IN DC, AND IT HAS MOVED AND PROGRESSED, AND AT ONE POINT MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT THEY HAD MADE A DECISION, AND THEN I THINK IT WAS REN EGGE.
>> Renell ToolenTHEYWENT BACK TO DRAWING B THERE ARE TWO SITES IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA HAS THE ONE SITE.
BOTH, OF COURSE, IN MARYLAND ARE IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY.
>> Jeff: THE STATE STATES GOVERNORS HAVE BEEN COMPETING ON TWITTER THIS WEEK SHOWING OFF THEIR BASKETBALL JUMP SHOTS.
EXPLAIN THAT.
>> Pamela Wood: THAT'S RIGHT.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE WAS AT A WIZARD'S GAME SOUTHWESTERLY IN WEEK.
THERE I WAS VIDEO THAT WENT AROUND OF HIM DRAINING A JUMP SHOT BEFORE THE GAME.
HE SUGGESTED, HEY, GOVERNOR YOUNGERIN, GAME-ONE-ON-ONE.
THE WINNER GETLE THE FBI HEADQUARTERS, AND GLENN YOUNGERIN FROM VIRGINIA RESPONDED "GAME ON."
THEY BOTH HAVE A BASKETBALL RESUME.
GOVERNOR YOUNGERIN PLAYED AUTO RICE UNIVERSITY IN COLLEGE AND GOVERNOR MOORE PLAYED ALL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE HAS A PRETTY GOOD SHOT.
>> Jeff: IT'S MARCH MADNESS SO WE'LL BE HAPPY TO TELEVISE IT.
I DON'T KNOW WHO REFEREES.
THE MAYOR OF DC COULD REFEREE THIS ONE.
LET'S TALK -- LET'S TALK MONEY A THE BOARD OF APPROVE HAVE REVENUEY ESTIMATES MET THIS WEEK AND THAT'S THE BODY THAT TRIES TO FORECAST WHAT STATE REVENUES WILL BE IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR, THE COMING FISCAL YEAR.
FAIRLY BIG CHANGE.
>> Pamela Wood: THAT'S RIGHT.
THE STATE ISN'T GOING TO HAVE AS MUCH MONEY AS IT THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO HAVE FOR THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR ASK WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TO.
NOW, THE ECONOMY IS STILL STABLE.
THE BUDGET IS STILL GROWING FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT.
BUT FOR THE BUDGET YEAR THAT STARTS ON JULY 1st, IT'S ABOUT $400 MILLION LESS MONEY THAT THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE TO WORK, WITH SO THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL, NOT PASS A LOT OF BIG TICKET SPENDING ITEMS, MAYBE DO SOME NIPS AND TUCKS IN BUDGET TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE ON SOLID FOOTING.
>> Sue: AND IT WAS ANTICIPATED RIGHT DPRT GET-GO.
I REMEMBER TALKING ABOUT WITH PRESIDENT FERGUSON RIGHT BEFORE THE SESSION AND THEY NEW IT WASNT A CASE OF IF, THEY KNEW IF SOMETHING WAS GOING TO DEVELOP THEY WOULD HAVE TO PULL THE REINS IN A LITTLE BIT, SO THIS IS IN NO WAY AN UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT.
THE QUESTION WAS HOW MUCH.
>> Jeff: YOU CAN READ PAMELA WOODS' REPORTING A THEBALTIMOREBANNER.COM.
PAM AND SUE, THANKS VERY MUCH.
AND THAT IS "STATE CIRCLE" FOR THIS WEEK.
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.