Governor Wes Moore delivered his first State of the State address on February 1.
“We can be a state that rewards, celebrates and elevates a culture of service — we must be,” Moore said. “Let us serve, together, the people who entrusted us with a solemn oath to put them before ourselves. It's an honor to stand before you, and it’s an honor to serve beside you.”
Moore opened his speech by talking about the resilience of Marylanders who have overcome challenges whether they are struggling to find child care or keeping up with the cost of living.
He said it’s a state full of people willing to serve.
“They are the educators, who get up before the crack of dawn, and stay after dark, to make sure their students get the extra help they need,” he said. “They are the linemen, who after a disaster, work double shifts to ensure we can turn our lights back on.
“They are the social workers, who reach into their wallets to ensure their clients have enough to eat. And yes, it’s the lawmaker who gets up and comes to Annapolis, who sacrifices time with their family, months from their business, the ones who choose to step into the arena despite knowing the ridicule that oftentimes comes along with it, hoping to leave this state a little better than they found it.”
Moore talked about legislation to create a service year option for youth.
“Whether they’re preparing our state for climate change, tutoring our students, or caring for the sick, young people should have the option to perform important service today and build a foundation for our shared future,” he said.
He highlighted other priorities: building a workforce of dedicated public servants, investing in public education, and introducing $200 million in tax relief for children in poverty and for veterans in retirement.
According to Moore, Maryland’s government currently has nearly 10,000 vacancies, with just under 6,100 in the executive branch alone. That means needs are not being met, people cannot open small businesses in a timely manner and Marylanders have a hard time getting health care.
“It’s why I am proud that my budget makes state government a more attractive place to work, with competitive wage increases to fill positions like registered nurses, attorneys and emergency response technicians,” he said.
Moore discussed much more in his speech, such as the need for more teachers, addressing the rate of incarceration for young Black men, ending child poverty, raising the minimum wage and more.
The full speech can be viewed on YouTube.
“Let us serve, together, the people who entrusted us with a solemn oath to put them before ourselves,” Moore said. “It's an honor to stand before you, and it’s an honor to serve beside you.”
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