In the past seven years, about 20,000 students have received scholarships to state-approved private and parochial schools that agree not to discriminate against students based on race, color, national origin or sexual orientation.
Butler, who takes over a department rife with problems, had retired from the Maryland State Police at the end of 2022 as chief of the Field Operations Bureau.
The Democratic governor’s support comes as lawmakers heard from the loved ones of Baltimore native Josh Siems, whose overdose death inspired legislation.
The Republican had asked the nation’s highest court to consider his appeal of a ruling that allowed Maryland elections officials to count mail-in ballots as they arrived ahead of Election Day last fall.
But Senate Republicans, who are outnumbered nearly 3-to-1, made it clear during floor speeches Vincent Schiraldi’s philosophies didn’t align with theirs.
Until the new Democratic governor’s nominees are confirmed by the state Senate, appointees of former Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, will continue holding all five seats on the Public Service Commission.
Craig A. Thompson, a lawyer and partner with the Venable firm, says he’s “willing to work night and day” to reach a deal for the Orioles to remain at Baltimore’s Camden Yards.
The new Democratic governor made a direct, public appeal to lawmakers, something that former Gov. Larry Hogan never did during his two terms in office.
Lawmakers will consider proposals from the Democratic governor to enhance the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and to increase the minimum wage — all steps that Moore hopes will boost the economic prospects of Marylanders.
The Maryland State Ethics Commission must approve the governor’s blind trust before he can move his assets into it. Moore’s office said they hoped to send the proposal to the commission in the next few months.