By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com and Alexis Taylor, AFRO Managing Editor The 70 agencies beholden to state requirements aimed at increasing minority business contracts have 60 days to report on their procurement dealings since July 1, 2022. Gov. Moore has signed an executive order requiring agencies affiliated with the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) […]
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland legislature to analyze gambling expansion
By MICHAEL CHARLES, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Senate began hearings Wednesday on a bill to remove some of the last blocks to unfettered gaming statewide — a plan that would ask voters to legalize online gaming for sponsors paying a hefty licensing fee. SB 0267 was heard Wednesday. It is sponsored […]
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO Charities receives $2.25 million federal investment to renovate Upton Mansion
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com On Feb. 13 Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers, and Savannah Wood, executive director of the AFRO Charities, accepted a $2.25 million in federal funds earmarked for community project funding. “How fitting is it that after 130 years, AFRO Charities is redeveloping this […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland senators and delegates race to introduce legislation before the deadline
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueenafro.com Throughout the week of Feb. 6, Maryland legislators scurried to submit legislative proposals to the General Assembly ahead of administrative deadlines. Feb. 6 was the introduction date for senators to present their legislation, and Feb. 10 was the deadline for delegates. According to the current House protocols, all […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. native designs Governor Moore’s look for inauguration and People’s Ball looks
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com On the day of Governor Wes Moore’s inauguration, the 44-year-old was sworn in wearing an athletic fit, navy blue suit. While celebrating and dancing the night away at The People’s Ball, the newly elected head of state donned a black velvet jacket with black tuxedo pants. Washington, D.C. […]
Posted inMaryland Government
First round of Gov. Moore’s department head appointments appear before the Senate
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com On Feb. 6, Gov. Wes Moore’s nominations for department heads of his advisory boards and commissions were considered by the Executive Nominations Committee in the Senate. At 5 p.m., several nominees gave statements and were interviewed, including Helene Grady of District 46 for the Department of Budget and […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Local designers curate looks for Maryland’s new first family
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com On Jan. 18, Wes Moore was inaugurated as the first Black governor of Maryland in the state’s capital. His wife, Dawn Moore, stood by his side wearing a cream cape-style coat over a cream colored dress. Baltimore native Jody Davis had the honor of dressing Maryland’s new first […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk speaks on becoming first Afro-Latina woman to chair Health and Government Committee
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-21) is now the chairwoman of the House Health and Government Operations Committee during this 2023 Maryland General Assembly session. She has participated in the Health and Government Operations Committee as long as she has been a Delegate since 2007. She replaced former Del. […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Who is Fagan Harris?
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Fagan Harris, a social entrepreneur with roots in Baltimore and Bowie, and a past that includes a term in Oxford, England as a Rhodes Scholar, says he has always been eager to serve people. “I love helping and engaging with people, and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Governor Moore, Mayor Scott, Attorney Brown and State’s Attorney Bates Gather Together for Public Safety Forum
For Immediate ReleaseBy the Office of the Mayor, City of Baltimore BALTIMORE, MD. – On February 3, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Governor Wes Moore, Attorney General Anthony Brown, and Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates to discuss public safety strategy and partnership moving forward. “It is important for us — especially as elected […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Cannabis regulations proposed ahead of legalization deadline
By GREG MORTON and DOROTHY HOOD, Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation Friday to create the framework for a legal cannabis market ahead of the July 1 start of legalization. Identical, cross-filed bills introduced in the House and Senate create a regulatory structure for Maryland’s new cannabis industry that includes rules […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity
By Brian Witte, The Associated Press Maryland is working toward creating a recreational marijuana industry with greater social equity, lawmakers said Feb. 3, with more licenses for minority-owned businesses and proceeds directed to areas adversely impacted by the war on drugs. The measure before the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, will enable the […]