By Sam Kinch

As a military veteran, I know how difficult it can be to exercise the basic right to vote when you’re stationed overseas. Military service is an apolitical act, and voting is the only voice we have in the decisions that impact our lives. But too many military members stationed away from home do not vote because it’s too difficult.

Barriers to voting exist not only for our troops, but for disabled people, citizens living abroad, people displaced by natural disasters, young people and marginalized communities. And there are new, unprecedented challenges. WIll natural disasters or weather events prevent planned transportation to vote?” Will new US Postal Service postmarking rules mean that timely ballots are not counted?

There is a solution. Right now, the Maryland legislature is considering legislation that would allow cities to offer mobile voting in municipal elections, in addition to other forms of voting, if they choose to do so. SB727/HB1066, sponsored by Senator Karen Lewis Young and Delegate Mary Lehman, would enable communities to opt-in to pilot mobile voting technology in their local elections if they are interested in doing so.

Mobile voting is not a new concept. Juneau and Anchorage offered this option to voters in their city elections last year. It has been piloted in 21 jurisdictions in 7states (both red and blue) since 2018 and the results were positive. Turnout doubled among military and overseas voters in Denver, and tripled in a special district in Seattle, Washington. In South Carolina, ballot returns among military and overseas voters went from 9.8% in the June 2020 primary to 55% August. And the streamlined process saved more than 70 hours of manual work.

When I was first introduced to mobile voting, I approached it with exactly the level of skepticism you would expect from someone who worked closely with Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. My professional career has been spent both breaking into systems and defending them. I do not take election security lightly, and I would not lend my support to any system that failed to meet a high technical and security bar.

After examining the technology closely—particularly systems that rely on open-source software, end-to-end verification, and independent security review—I believe mobile voting can be implemented responsibly and securely. In fact, I believe it has the potential to solve a problem I have witnessed and lived with for years: eligible voters, especially those in the military, being functionally excluded by distance, deployment, or access constraints.

Based on my experience defending critical systems and assessing real-world threats, I believe that—with the right safeguards—mobile voting can expand access while protecting the integrity of our elections.

Too many Marylanders are excluded from our democracy because voting is not accessible. SB727/HB1066 can begin to move us into a future where all of our community members have the ability to impact the decisions that affect their lives.

Sam Kinch is a resident of Crownsville, Maryland. He spent 30 years in the United States military, including leading the integration of all National Guard cybersecurity forces into U.S. Cyber Command.

Of Johns Hopkins’ $5.1 billion annual research budget, 99% originates from sources outside Baltimore and Maryland, representing external investment that would not otherwise flow into the region without the university’s draw as a research powerhouse.

The Johns Hopkins alumni wage premium— the additional income earned by Johns Hopkins alumni relative to other university degrees—leads to almost $2.3 billion in economic impact, supporting 10,770 full-time jobs and $670 million in employee compensation within Maryland.

Key Points:

• Over 67,000 residing in Maryland, with more than 16,000 of those alumni living in Baltimore City
• The average annual wage premium attributable to increased educational attainment for Johns Hopkins alumni is estimated to be approximately $34,123 for bachelor’s degree holders
• The wage premium and subsequent increased alumni spending within the state increases the MD tax base, thereby generating over $110 million in taxes
• Alumni additional household spending generates an estimated annual $498 million in economic impact within Baltimore

A Weekly Breakdown of John Hopkins University’s Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

The economic impact of ancillary spending by students, visitors, patients, and athletics is $1.4 billion in Maryland, supporting over 7,800 jobs and generating $264 million in employee compensation each year.

Key Points:

• Student ancillary spending totals $397 million, with 80% circulating within the local Baltimore economy
• Hospital visitors and accompany guests to Johns Hopkins’ facilities account for more than 4.3 individuals annually, generating an estimated $772 million in ancillary spending within Maryland
• John Hopkins attracts nearly 6 million visits annual, generating an estimated $1 billion in ancillary spending
• The ancillary spending has a multiplier effect throughout the region, generating $ $1.4 billion in total output, supporting nearly 8,000 jobs with $264 million in earnings within Maryland

A Weekly Breakdown of John Hopkins University’s Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

John Hopkins commits itself to local impact through programs like HopkinsLocal, the Homewood Community Partners Initiative (HCPI), and sustained neighborhood engagement. Utilizing a holistic approach to community development, John Hopkins’ annual community engagement generated an estimated $1.65 million in economic impact through service

Key Points:

• Launched in 2015, HopkinsLocal is Johns Hopkins’ signature economic impact initiative built on hiring local residents, buying from local Baltimore vendors, prioritizing collaboration with local firms, and creating economic opportunity in Baltimore City
• HopkinsLocal has generated remarkable economic impact, driving more than $1.21 billion in spending with Baltimore-based businesses as of June 2024.
• The Cummings Scholars Program guarantees full cost-of-attendance scholarships for Baltimore public and public charter high school graduates from lower-income households and very reduced tuition for those from middle- income households, with the program providing over $46 million in aid in Baltimore since 20025
• In FY2024, The Johns Hopkins Health System hospitals spent $726 million on activities to strengthen the health and wellness of its communities, including free or reduced cost medical care, mobile units, screenings, and free clinics

A Weekly Breakdown of John Hopkins University’s Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

In FY2024, Johns Hopkins invested over $871.1 million in new construction and facility improvements across academic, clinical, and research infrastructure. Collectively, capital investments by The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Health System, and its affiliates generate approximately $2 billion in annual economic impact, supporting 10,220 full-time jobs with $762 million in employee compensation within Maryland.

Key Points:

• Approximately $6.4 billion is planning in capital spending across John Hopkins’ footprint between FY2025-FY2028, with $4.4 billion focused in Baltimore
• John Hopkins’ 5-year annual economic impact in Maryland is $2 billion, with a direct impact of $1.3 billion
• Direct capital investments are estimated to generate approximately $1.2 million in annual tax revenue for Baltimore
• The new, cutting-edge Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute at John Hopkins in Baltimore is slated for completion in 2029

A Weekly Breakdown of John Hopkins University’s Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

In total, Johns Hopkins’ consolidated annual operations generated over $19 billion in economic output within Baltimore City; and $40 billion within Maryland. Johns Hopkins is solely responsible for $63.4 million in tax revenues to Baltimore City and $392.1 million to Maryland.

Key Points:

• John Hopkins employs more than 70,000 full-time, part-time, and adjunct staff, with compensation, including benefits, totaling $9.5 billion
• Baltimore operations led to an indirect and induced impact of $4.4 billion
• John Hopkins operations support many industries, including education, healthcare, and arts & recreation
• The Social Innovation Lab, launched by John Hopkiuns in 2012, has supported over 130 teams, which have collectively raised more than $110 million and employed hundreds of people after completing programming

A Weekly Breakdown of John Hopkins University’s Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

Johns Hopkins—the largest private employer in Maryland—delivered a $40 billion economic impact across the state last year, including supporting 149,000 jobs, according to a new analysis.

In Baltimore alone, Johns Hopkins’ annual economic impact was estimated at $19.4 billion—including university and health system operations that supported one in every five jobs in the city, according to an independent analysis by Econsult Solutions Inc.

Key Points:

• Research by the university and health system generated a $10 billion cascade of economic impact across the state, supporting nearly 38,000 MD jobs
• Day-to-day operations of Johns Hopkins University generated a direct annual impact of $5.4 billion in Baltimore
• In FY2024, the Johns Hopkins Health System provided $597 million in community benefits throughout Maryland and Washington
• Since 2015, the HopkinsLocal program spent more than $1 billion with local businesses

Stay tuned for further breakdowns of John Hopkins’ Economic Impact – Only in Center Maryland.

By John Blaze

In these challenging economic times, Maryland stands at a critical juncture. Business growth and competitiveness are critical to shoring up the state’s edge as a destination for economic success. With a thriving tech ecosystem, world-class research institutions, and a diverse, highly educated workforce, Maryland has the potential to become a leader in innovation. That is why it is so critical that we seize the moment and support policies and people that will foster our prosperity and ensure Maryland is an attractive destination for prospective businesses and entrepreneurs to call home.

However, potential alone isn’t enough. Now, more than ever, Maryland needs forward-thinking policies that enhance our competitiveness and put us in a strong position to thrive in today’s technological revolution. The recent loss of our triple-A bond rating should be a wake-up call for everyone involved in Maryland’s business and economic landscape. For the first time since 1973, Maryland failed to receive an AAA bond rating from Moody’s, a downgrade “driven by economic and financial underperformance compared to AAA-rated states.” Beyond the direct financial implications, this downgrade is a clear warning that the state is becoming less desirable to new businesses, forcing investors to look at neighboring competitors like Virginia and Delaware.

On top of the downgraded bond rating, which could soon drive business opportunities out of the state and into new markets, we have a “nation-leading” privacy law going into effect soon that will no doubt hamstring small businesses and worsen our competitiveness as a state. The Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) of 2024, which jeopardizes small business success, forcing local business owners to navigate complex requirements in order to maintain access to key digital tools, will go into effect in October. We missed a key opportunity this past session to pass a small but important adjustment to the law that would have protected small businesses from burdensome regulations and increased compliance costs.

Persistent regulatory hurdles and outdated infrastructure compound these challenges, undermining confidence in Maryland’s business climate and economic viability. Left unaddressed, these setbacks risk eroding the state’s hard-earned reputation as a destination for commerce and long-term investment. If we want to remain a national leader in technology and economic development, we must recommit policies that build a stable and business-friendly environment, removing avoidable hurdles and signaling that Maryland is ready to lead again

Having been in the supply chain of the semiconductor industry, I know the need to safeguard personal data in an increasingly digital world is critical, but it must be done in a way that supports innovation and does not place unnecessary burdens on those working to build and sustain our economy. At a time when Maryland’s economic vitality is on the line, we cannot afford to impose added economic hardship on our small businesses or the communities they serve. Times are tough. If we become known as a state that supports stringent regulations that hamstring our financial and economic wellbeing, our state risks losing out on prospective business and entrepreneurs who have a lot to offer our state.

The loss of our triple-A rating and failure to pass sensible data privacy protections are just two examples from the growing list of hits Marylanders have taken in the past year. If we want to remain competitive with our neighboring states – as well as states across the nation – we have to do better. Keeping Maryland competitive in today’s digital economy means advancing policies that support innovation while strengthening consumers’ trust. Maryland has the potential to become a national leader in emerging industries, but we must take action to ensure we are providing a competitive landscape that appeals to businesses looking to set up shop. Together, we can position Maryland as a destination for AI companies, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for a strong foundation to build the future.

 

John Blaze, President of Eastern Scientific, a manufacturer’s representative/ distributor company serving semiconductor, solar, optical, and industrial vacuum industries including universities and R & D.

By Marc King

On October 7^th we were introduced to the following press release from the Maryland Energy Administration: Maryland School Districts Eligible for New Grants for Less-Polluting, Money-Saving Electric School Buses – $4.9 million effort to help districts cut long-term operations and maintenance budgets, while improving kids’ health … but is that accurate.

Here is what we know about electric vs. diesel school buses. Electric buses (EVs) have significantly higher purchase prices than diesel buses, which are often 2-3 times more expensive due to costly lithium-ion batteries and electric drivetrains. For example, a typical diesel transit bus costs around $400,000-$500,000, while an equivalent electric model can exceed $800,000-$1 million.

Limited Range and Operational Range Anxiety – EVs typically offer 150-250 miles per charge under ideal conditions, but real-world factors like heavy loads, cold weather, and frequent stops reduce this to 100-200 miles—insufficient for long rural or intercity routes where diesel buses can travel 400-600 miles on a single tank. Recharging infrastructure gaps exacerbate this, leading to downtime and the need for route redesigns, as highlighted in studies by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

Long Charging Times and Infrastructure Demands – Recharging takes 2-8 hours (or longer without fast chargers), compared to diesel refueling in minutes. This requires extensive depot upgrades, high-capacity chargers, and grid reinforcements, which can cost millions and strain urban electrical systems. Diesel buses avoid these issues with ubiquitous fueling stations. The World Resources Institute points out that inadequate grid capacity in many regions leads to charging delays, reducing fleet utilization.

Battery Degradation and Replacement Expenses – Batteries degrade over 5-10 years, losing 20-30% capacity, necessitating replacements costing $200,000-$500,000 per bus. Diesel engines, while requiring maintenance, have longer overall lifespans (up to 500,000 miles) with cheaper part replacements. Extreme temperatures accelerate EV battery wear, according to data from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Dependency on Electricity Grid and Supply Chain Risks – EVs rely on stable, clean electricity; in regions with coal-heavy grids, they may not reduce emissions as expected during charging. Supply chain vulnerabilities for rare earth minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt) cause price volatility and delays, as seen in 2022-2023 shortages. Diesel fuel is more readily available nationally and locally without such dependencies.

Weight and Performance Trade-offs – Heavier batteries (up to 10,000 lbs.) reduce payload capacity and increase tire/brake wear, potentially raising maintenance costs. Diesel buses are lighter and offer instant torque but better hill-climbing without range penalties in varied terrains.

Total Cost of Ownership Uncertainty – While EVs promise lower fuel and maintenance savings (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), these are offset by high initial costs and battery issues, making TCO comparable or higher over 12 years in some scenarios.

Maryland needs to stop being distracted by the Green New Deal and stick to affordable solutions for our school bus fleets.

 

Marc A. King was a 2018 Republican nominee for delegate in the Maryland Legislature from Legislative District 15. Marc has continued his political activism by providing blogs related to a variety of political activities at the federal, state and local level. A retired Army lieutenant colonel, he transitioned from the position of President, Ceradyne Armor Systems, Inc., and provides advice and assistance to defense contractors as the President and CEO of KGV Enterprises, LLC, a defense strategies consultancy.