Commentary

The framework of the current $3.5 trillion federal budget reconciliation package recently released brings new hope for those of us ready for a new generation of policies to uplift our poorest communities out of poverty and turn the page to a new chapter focused on post-pandemic recovery. And as Congress attempts to pass a record infrastructure deal and a budget that works for everyone, I am very optimistic about this future. However, I am worried that one potential provision will only counteract much of the bill’s historic achievements.

Fall is almost here and that means Maryland school districts are sending out welcome messages, school supply lists, and new coronavirus safety protocols. As one of the states providing the least amount of live instruction last year, these protocols have appropriately prioritized keeping students in the classroom, with an acknowledgment that in-person education is far superior to remote instruction. However, absent from these plans is one key strategy that could help limit viral spread and the need for disruptive quarantines: utilization of rapid antigen tests.

Transportation issues are rarely about getting from here to there. Usually they involve money, race, labor unions, jobs, votes, and whose back porch will disappear in the bulldozer’s path. So saying, there are two sticks of dynamite in the newly invigorated push to revive Baltimore’s stranded Red Line project: (1) The party of the governor who’s elected next year; or (2) The costly and redundant tunnel section of the original plan.

The national tragedy of addiction has touched families in every ZIP code in Harford County. The good news is that recovery is possible and life in recovery is wonderful. Harford County will bring this message of hope to local families as we celebrate National Recovery Month this September. Working with community partners, we have planned activities and events to remove stigmas about mental health and substance use disorder, share resources, and spread the word that treatment works.

As the delta variant rages and threatens to disrupt another school year, it’s past time for Gov. Larry Hogan to step up, heed the science and acknowledge that the COVID-19 emergency is not over. He must reject short-sighted partisanship by following the example of the more than dozen states – including Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia – which have already established statewide mandates for indoor masking in schools, and governors like California’s Gavin Newson, who is requiring vaccinations for educators and education support professionals.