Maryland

“The bipartisan effort led by President Biden to keep the government open has prevented an unnecessary crisis and is good news for Marylanders. This unneeded shutdown would have devastated thousands of Marylanders and millions of Americans.

Though the deal is imperfect, we are grateful that Congress was finally able to reach an agreement that will keep the government open.”

Per the State of Maryland (10.1.23): Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland flag to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, Monday, October 2, in honor of the life and legacy of Baltimore Orioles legend Brooks Robinson.

“Brooks Robinson led a life that showed he was a champion both on and off the field,” said Gov. Moore. “His iconic legacy will endure through his countless contributions to the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and to Major League Baseball.”

Per the State of Maryland: On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller hosted a meeting with six Maryland tribes to discuss concerns within the tribal communities at the State House. The historic meeting marks the first time an administration has met simultaneously with the leaders of all of Maryland’s organized tribes.

“The state of Maryland is grateful to our tribal communities and their vital contributions to our society,” said Gov. Moore. “We must continue to do work in partnership with Maryland’s tribes to ensure the well being of indigenous Marylanders. From land and cultural preservation to expanded educational opportunity, our administration is committed to doing the necessary work to create a more inclusive state that leaves no one behind.”

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 19 Attorneys General in calling for further protections when student loan payments resume on October 1. Over 40 million borrowers are set to resume making payments following a three-and-a-half-year pandemic payment pause. In that time, a majority of loans were transferred to new servicers. Congress passed a law in June barring further extensions of the payment pause.

Although significant steps have been taken to transform the flawed federal student loan repayment system, including creating SAVE – the new, more affordable income-driven repayment (IDR) plan – and restoring borrowers’ credit toward the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the coalition cautions that current circumstances are likely to create serious and widespread loan servicing problems, especially as the U.S. Department of Education itself appears to lack capacity to assist borrowers, oversee servicers, and enforce borrower protections during the return to repayment.

Concealed Carry-Restricted Areas: “While lawmakers this year removed the “good and substantial reason” language from Maryland law that the Supreme Court found unconstitutional, Maryland is tightening gun laws to prevent someone from carrying a concealed handgun in certain areas. For example, the law will generally prohibit a person from wearing, carrying or transporting a gun in an “area for children or vulnerable adults,” like a school or health care facility.” (Per the Associated Press)

Police Prosecutions: “Maryland’s attorney general will have independent authority to bring criminal charges against police officers after investigating deaths when officers are involved. The law is an expansion on a package of police reforms approved two years ago in response to concerns about police accountability after the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.” (per WBAL)