Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller this evening attended National Night Out events in New Carrollton and Baltimore City. Annual National Night Out events promote police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and support for anti-crime efforts across Maryland.

“Public safety is my number one priority as governor and when we talk about public safety, everyone shares responsibility in making things better,” said Gov. Moore. “To all of our friends and neighbors in law enforcement, to the guardians, the parents, the village elders, and the community leaders—I want to partner with all of you to make our state safer. Together, we are going to build a safer Maryland for all.”

The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced a new grant program that helps urban farms and community gardens purchase and install equipment to access water and electricity needed to sustain and grow their operations. Approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022, the Urban Agriculture Water and Power Infrastructure Grant Program provides the department with up to $500,000 in annual funding through Fiscal Year 2027.

“Urban and community farms provide a needed source of fresh, locally grown food for many city residents,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “During the hot summer months, irrigation becomes essential for these growers. This grant program helps small, urban operations purchase and install equipment that will allow them to connect to existing water and electricity sources,” he said.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board  has announced they will begin accepting grant applications for the 2024 grant year. The goals of the grant program are to promote the Maryland equine industry by increasing public awareness and participation, advancing education and training, supporting and promoting equestrian events, programs, and activities, and preserving access and use of public lands for riding. The deadline to apply is October 6.

“I encourage all members of the horse industry to apply for these grants,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The monies provide opportunities for growth of the industry in Maryland. Thank you to the Maryland Horse Industry Board for offering this fantastic grant opportunity.”

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has begun accepting nominations for farmers and industry professionals interested in participating in the new 30-member Farmer Taskforce being formed to provide guidance to the department  and the University of Maryland on updates to the Nutrient Management plan writing program. The formation of this new group was announced on July 17 during the Nutrient Management Summit held in Annapolis.

Key objectives of the task force will include:

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced appointments to the Public Employee Relations Board. Erica Snipes, who previously served as shared executive director of the Public School Labor Relations Board, the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board, and the State Labor Relations Board, has been selected to serve as Acting Executive Director.

“State employees dedicate their lives to improving the delivery of public services for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “The Public Employee Relations Board will streamline the labor laws that impact these vital employees to make sure state workers receive the protections they deserve.”

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Labor received $6.6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to help expand apprenticeship throughout the state. The funding will help connect thousands of Marylanders to good paying careers in vital and high-growth industries, including hospitality and tourism, and will establish a public sector innovation fund to bolster public service attraction and retention efforts.

“With this grant, we will be able to keep pace and continue to add new industries and new occupations, in addition to bringing apprenticeship to more Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “The funding will direct key resources to supporting apprentices and establishing connections to partners and employers to bolster staffing, outreach, training, in addition to modernization of the state’s data systems.”