Senator Eckardt (center) with Yumi Hogan and Governor Larry Hogan.

Well another year has gone by already and it has been a whirlwind full of activities, new friends and colleagues and many positive accomplishments coming to fruition after years of planning and building the relationships necessary to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As always you all have played a significant role by your contribution financially and your support, challenge and experiences. I appreciate each and every contribution as we focus on improving our Eastern Shore economy by building our infrastructure to retain existing jobs and businesses while creating new opportunities. It will take us all to do this as we work on the various projects whether it is our historic areas, tourism, health care, agriculture both fisheries and farming and resources based business. All are concerned about our educational system and want a well prepared workforce to attract business to the beautiful Mid Shore.

Think about all the good things happening this year — a new Governor, who is now cancer free; a tremendous cabinet with talented, knowledgeable and experienced leaders; a budget that is close to having the gap between revenue and spending closed, and all the local projects in process. Who would have believed the Dover Bridge is being built, and Rt. 404 widened.

Taxes and tolls have been decreased and regulations reviewed and modified to establish efficiencies in the state government.

So what lies ahead for this 2016 General Assembly Session? Continued scrutiny and fiscal responsibility of the State budget is foremost. Waste water systems are on the list for renovation, schools to be built, highway users funds to be returned to the local jurisdictions and a reduction of the corporate tax and perhaps the reduction or elimination of the inheritance and estate tax.

There are tremendous needs within the health care delivery system as hospitals change their focus for hospital care to community care. The family physician, psychiatrist and nursing shortage is growing as are other health profession and occupations. I will continue to introduce legislation that will expand opportunities to meet these shortages and to maintain a high standard of community care. The integration of mental illness care and addictions treatment is a challenge as the reimbursement system is established...

There are lots to do this year. I will be reporting as usual with my weekly updates on specific bills through the session. Do not hesitate to contact our office with your concerns and ideas.

Blessings to all in this New Year!

Addie

Editor’s note: You may write to Senator Eckardt at: James Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen St., Room 322, Annapolis, MD 21401 – 1991; or e-mail: adelaide.eckardt@senate.state.md.us