U.S. Senate votes down two bills to end record shutdown

On the same day that the U.S. Senate rejected two bills that would end the government shutdown, Maryland Senator Ben Cardin again criticized President Trump’s proposal for a wall along the Mexican border. Cardin also said delaying the President’s State of the Union address was the right thing to do because it would not be appropriate to talk about the state of the union while the government is still shut down.

State offers free transportation to workers impacted by shutdown

Governor Larry Hogan announced on Thursday that federal workers who are not being paid because of the on-going government shutdown will be able to get free rides from the Maryland Transportation Administration.

Maryland Senators meet with local business owners

After 34 days of the government shutdown, local business owners are feeling more heat. Dawson’s Market is offering discounts to its federal worker patrons until Monday, Jan. 28th. Other business owners, however, are concerned for what will happen beyond that time.

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, county executives, call for the end to partial federal government shutdown

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and four county executives urged President Trump, and Congress, to work together to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history that is affecting their constituents.

Baltimore food hand-out for federal workers impacted by government shutdown

100 families affected by the government shutdown took advantage of the Maryland Food Bank’s fresh produce, canned goods, and other grocery items to help get them through their period of unemployment and no pay.

Governor proposes boost in funding for public charter schools

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says the state’s public charter schools are in need of major improvements. The governor is including $2.6 million for construction and repairs in his 2020 budget, and introducing the Public Charter School Facility Fund Act of 2019 calling for an allocation of $1600 per public charter school student.

Commission asks lawmakers for upgrades in antiquated emergency system

A statewide commission is urging state lawmakers to approve a package of bills upgrading the state’s 9-1-1 system which is now over 50 years old.

Retired state workers push to retain current prescription drug plan

Retired state workers are fighting a possible change in their prescription drug coverage. They say the change would lower drug coverage and raise prices.

Michael Bloomberg calls on Annapolis to talk gun control

Former New York City Mayor, rumored to be considering a run for president in 2020 made a stop in Annapolis Tuesday afternoon. Bloomberg met with about half-a-dozen democratic lawmakers and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh to discuss gun control. 

Union feeds 400 people furloughed during shutdown

The Amalgamated Transit Union offered free lunches for furloughed workers last week during the ongoing government shutdown. As the week went on, more people came for the free lunch, and by last Friday almost 400 people were fed in total.