By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Gov. Wes Moore (D), Maryland’s first Black Governor, delivered his second State of the State address on Feb.7, highlighting partnership as a way to tackle state initiatives and challenges.
“One year ago, we began our work together. We knew our state had boundless opportunities and blinding potential,” said Moore. “One year later, we still have work to do. We learned a lot of lessons. Solving big problems can’t happen overnight, but change is happening.”
Similar to last year, Moore acknowledged Marylanders from the crowd he invited. Three of those he uplifted were Black women.
“Michelle works in a community health center that treats Marylanders who’ve been turned away by other providers,” said Moore. “She’s the mother of a beautiful daughter named Diamonique – and both of them are with us today.”
He also recognized Cleoda Walker, 82, of Cherry Hill in Baltimore.
“She sees the promise in every child. Her mission in life is to steer kids, youth and adults away from violence and toward opportunity,” said Moore. “She believes in the power of partnership and prevention – and her legacy will endure in the future leaders she has mentored, guided, and inspired.”
Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne of the University of Maryland School of Medicine was another.
“She loves teaching medicine, but she always wanted to be an entrepreneur. As a woman of color, she struggled to find capital to get her idea off the ground,” said Moore. “Eventually, she raised enough money to start her business and today, she is the founder and CEO of her own medical device company that’s focused on helping children and families.”
Moore described the state of Maryland as strong in 2024, citing the state having the lowest unemployment rates in the country for the fifth month in a row.
“Crime is down – and homicides in Baltimore City are the lowest they’ve been in nine years,” he said.
Moore acknowledged the work he’d done on child poverty, which was part of his top initiatives in last year’s speech.
“We launched a frontal assault on child poverty that will lift a combined 160,000 children to the
next rung on the economic ladder,” said Moore. “We returned stolen SNAP benefits to thousands of Marylanders living paycheck-to-paycheck.”
Moore highlighted the collaboration of the executive administration and the legislature.
“We can’t agree on everything, but we can – and will – work together toward common goals,” said Moore.
Those goals include making Maryland safer, more affordable, competitive and “the state that serves.”
“Public safety remains our administration’s top priority,” said Moore. “Our administration will continue an all-of-the-above approach to public safety.”
Moore said he will listen to law enforcement, “the communities they protect,” the state’s attorneys, public defenders, elected officials and “local advocates” when addressing public safety in Maryland.
“This year, we’ve introduced legislation to ensure our firefighters receive the medical benefits
they deserve. We are working together to ensure that our military families aren’t forgotten,” said Moore. “This year, we will also double the number of Marylanders in the Service Year Option. To the people who said we need to continue making Maryland the state that serves: we hear you, and we’re moving.”
Moore highlighted the 16 pieces of legislation he authored this year, including the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households Grant Program (ENOUGH Act) and a bill that would create a center for firearm violence prevention and intervention in the Maryland Department of Health.
Maryland legislators reflected on the governor’s speech.
“I strongly felt at home and at peace with hearing the governor speak about public safety. He’s heard directly from our citizens, and his legislation that is being proposed this session is speaking to those needs,” said Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes (D-Md.-37A), a member of the Judiciary Committee. “It’s not a perception of feeling public safety is an issue. It’s the reality of it.”
Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R-Md.-36) spoke on the governor’s public safety legislative initiatives, acknowledging his talks of partnership.
“Hopefully, when it comes to our public safety and anti-crime agenda, we can get some support from the Democrats,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R-Md.-36). “I don’t think the governor’s legislative package regarding crime was robust enough to really move the needle.”
Moore briefly mentioned the state budget during his address. He acknowledged the projected budget deficit lightheartedly and highlighted what investments his administration made. The investments include a fully funded Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and an allocated $1.4 billion to small and minority-owned businesses through the Board of Public Works.
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.
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