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Political Notes: Jazz Lewis Abandons Congressional Bid; Will Seek Re-Election to Md. House and More

Democrat Jazz Lewis, a former top aide to U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, has withdrawn from the 4th District congressional primary and will seek re-election to the House of Delegates instead. The 33-year-old Lewis launched his bid for the U.S. House in October, following Rep. Anthony Brown’s decision to run for Maryland attorney general. He was part of a four-candidate primary field that included former congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, former county prosecutor Glenn F. Ivey and former state delegate Angela Angel.

Baltimore prosecutor Marilyn Mosby’s annual ethics disclosure lists no donations to her legal defense fund

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby filed her latest state ethics disclosure Wednesday, reporting no gifts to a legal defense fund established for her and her husband, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby. The fund, which opened for donations in mid-2021, was created so the power couple could defend themselves against a federal criminal tax investigation. Prominent supporters and community leaders have encouraged contributions, posting on Facebook and appearing at news conferences.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Olszewski seeks to spend $90M more on education in FY2023 budget proposal

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski is making big commitments toward education, public safety and public transportation. On Thursday morning, the county executive presented his $4.8 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2023. The plan would include hiring bonuses and recruitment incentives for county police officers and would create a wellness director position within the department.

Read More: WBAL
Review finds Safe Streets program lacks oversight; Baltimore mayor pledges $10 million to expand ‘violence intervention ecosystem’

An internal review of Baltimore’s Safe Streets anti-violence initiative found the program lacked oversight, and half of the workers described their training as inadequate. City officials announced the findings Wednesday, along with a $10 million investment to improve program operations and establish a “community violence intervention ecosystem.” Experts have raised significant questions about whether Baltimore should rethink its approach to curbing gun violence after three Safe Streets workers were killed within about 18 months, with the most recent death in January.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Political Notes: Elrich Backs Perez, Brandon Scott’s High Ratings, Mosby’s Video and More

The leader of vote-rich Montgomery County has endorsed former Maryland and U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez in the race for governor. County Executive Marc Elrich (D) made the announcement on Tuesday. “Tom has shown he has a heart and mind that understands justice and equity, and he clearly has the experience to actually implement and govern,” Elrich said in a statement. “That’s exactly the combination we need in our next governor — and it’s why I am proud to endorse him today.”

Commanders Cast Long Shadow at Hogan-Alsobrooks Funding Celebration

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. and Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks went before a bank of cameras at the Largo Town Center Metro station on Wednesday to tout the latest fruits of their unlikely partnership. The two talked at length about their shared vision of a resurgent Largo/Landover area brimming with new facilities and the legislation they co-championed during this year’s General Assembly session to make some of it possible. They also expressed confidence that the U.S. General Services Administration will decide later this year to build a new FBI headquarters in Prince George’s.

Buckel Pondering Late Entry into 6th District Congressional Race

Armed with a new poll suggesting he could run competitively against U.S. Rep. David J. Trone (D), Del. Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany), the House minority leader in Annapolis, said Wednesday he is considering a late entry into the race to take on the wealthy congressman. A handful of candidates, including Buckel’s House colleague, Del. Neil C. Parrott (R-Washington), who was the Republican nominee in 2020, are already seeking the GOP nomination.

Tri-County Council awards Trone with DDAA congressional award

The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland awarded U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) with the Development District Association of Appalachia’s Congressional award at 1812 Brewery Wednesday for his involvement in the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the yearly allocation of $11 million to continue construction of U.S. Route 219 in Garrett County. Allegany Commissioner Jake Shade said the award was given to Trone for his constant and strong support of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Maryland’s highest court rejects legislative map challenge, clearing way for July 19 primary

The Maryland Court of Appeals on Wednesday rejected a challenge to a General Assembly-approved map of state legislative districts that multiple lawsuits from Republican politicians and voters contended violated provisions of the state’s constitution. The ruling allows the new districts for electing members of the General Assembly to go into effect for the July 19 primary elections without further delay. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to appear on the ballot is Friday at 9 p.m.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Governor Hogan And Maryland Lawmakers Sign 79 Bills Into Law
Gov. Larry Hogan and presiding officers of the Maryland General Assembly gathered together to sign 79 bills into law Tuesday. “This was truly a historic session,” Senate President Bill Ferguson said. Lawmakers and the governor met at the State House to enact a variety of changes in the state after the 90-day legislative session came to an end at midnight. “We’re fueling the economic recovery from the ground up and are reinforcing the very foundation of our economy: Maryland families,” House Speaker Adrienne Jones said.
Read More: WJZ-TV

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