Executive Gardner Outlines Legislative Advocacy Efforts
County Executive Jan Gardner’s public information briefing today focused on legislative initiatives impacting Frederick County that are making their way through the General Assembly. The county is actively engaged in issues related to school construction, transportation, jobs, budget security and many others.
“I believe in open and transparent government and want our citizens to know what legislation we are actively supporting or opposing in Annapolis, as well as the cost implications to taxpayers,” commented Executive Gardner. “With the session due to end on April 11, we are working hard to make sure the county has a place at the legislative table on important issues that impact our citizens.”
Legislation she highlighted included:
- Restoring the county’s share of State Highway User revenues (money residents pay at the gas pump) to apply to local road maintenance, capital improvements and snow removal.
- Advancing the I-270 project to address the most congested roadway in Maryland that also serves as an economic corridor for the county and region.
- Supporting jobs and a level playing field for the craft brewery industry so the same rules apply for Frederick County as other counties with regard to on-premise production and sales.
- Opposing budget proposals that would take funding away from Local Management Boards, the Frederick County Office of Children and Families and services for children at risk.
- Battling budget shifts where the state balances its budget by making the county fund highway and road maintenance, police aide, the health department and the state assessment office.
- Advocating for tools to deal with blight and foreclosed properties, ethics reform, a ban on fracking and many other issues.
For a listing of legislation related to these issues, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/legislative or contact Director of Government Affairs Roger Wilson at 301-600-1621 or via e-mail at rwilson@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
