The final scramble: Here’s what happened as the Md. legislative session came to a close

Friday, April 12, 2024

Good morning readers. Today we have stories about the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget, Maryland’s labor shortage and The Access to Care Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants access to health insurance.

Reeling from bridge collapse, lawmakers scrambled to get other business done

By: Lydia Hurley

A tragedy in the Port of Baltimore threatened to overwhelm their plans at the end of this spring’s legislative session, but Maryland state lawmakers still managed to pass several key measures that look beyond the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

What was passed?

• The General Assembly reached a resolution and passed the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget several days before the end of session. Their $63 billion budget deal includes several tax and fee increases that aim to generate revenue for transportation and education initiatives.
• Lawmakers also approved Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed capital budget, authorizing more than $1.7 billion in funds for building, construction, land acquisition and other fixed assets.
• As one of its last acts before adjournment, the legislature passed an emergency aid bill that would provide emergency funding to individuals and businesses affected by the debacle in the Port of Baltimore, set to be closed for several weeks.?

How did the night end?

The session culminated in a celebration with balloons and confetti hailing down from the chamber balcony just moments after they wrapped up.

Maryland’s labor shortage may mean a lack of skilled workers for the Key Bridge rebuild

By: Emma Tufo

Despite Maryland’s low unemployment rates, employers are struggling to fill job vacancies and the workforce’s blue-collar sector is especially stressed.

Why are employers having difficulty finding workers??

Job seekers lack the specialized skills demanded by the market, which could make it challenging to find qualified local workers for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to economists. In Maryland, many businesses are grappling with a shortage of candidates, starkly?contrasting the promising picture painted by the low unemployment rate.

New bill could grant undocumented immigrants living in Maryland access to health insurance

By: Sydney Nauman

The Access to Care Act has cleared both the House and Senate, and now makes its way to the governor’s desk. This legislation paves the way for equitable healthcare for all Maryland residents and would allow undocumented immigrants living in Maryland the opportunity to purchase health insurance policies through the state.

How costly is medical assistance without insurance?

Without insurance, the average cost of an emergency room visit is $2,200. This doesn’t include any additional medications that patients may need after their visit, which can tack on hundreds more.

More from Capital News Service:

• A week after the Key Bridge collapse residents begin recovery in ways big and small
• DMV businesses shake up adult beverage industry with non-alcoholic options
• New bill could grant undocumented immigrants living in Maryland access to health insurance
• Lawmakers cast key votes in final hours of session
• Maryland congressional delegation confident of bipartisan backing of Key Bridge funds
• UMD Club Rugby experiences once in a lifetime trip to Spain
• University of Maryland hosts Special Olympics Maryland basketball championship
• Maryland and Morgan State football programs partner for Baltimore Day