The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on January 28, 2025 at 5 p.m.; all Council members were present.

Proclamation: National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Staff from For All Seasons accepted a proclamation declaring January 2025 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The proclamation recognizes human trafficking as a serious problem on the Eastern Shore, highlighting the “considerable moral and economic harm” of the issue on our communities and noting that increased public awareness and education within our organizations will provide more opportunities to recognize and aid in the fight against human trafficking.

For All Seasons is the County’s community behavioral health and designated rape crisis center. They offer therapy, psychiatry, victim and crisis support, and community outreach, regardless of one’s ability to pay and can serve all languages. They are also part of the state-designated Regional Navigator Program, which means they intake and track any reported incidents for the mid-shore region for human trafficking. They have taken a leadership role in bringing the issue of human trafficking to the forefront in the community, highlighting that Talbot County is not immune to this growing crisis.

“Human trafficking is a very serious issue, it is considered modern day slavery where individuals are exploited for labor or commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or threats,” said Katie Theeke, Vice President of Marketing of Communications at For All Seasons. “Human trafficking knows no boundaries…it affects people of all different backgrounds, races, and genders. We have seen several cases come through [For All Seasons], and it comes from Talbot County, and neighboring counties. We aim to be the connector for individuals to get the help that they need; and help build awareness out in the community so people can start looking for the signs and indicators and reporting those things.”

“It is happening, and it’s happening here. That continues to be the case,” added Lauren Kay Weber, Vice President of Strategy and Development at For All Seasons.

For more information on this issue, visit For All Season’s website here: Anti-Human Trafficking | For All Seasons, Inc.

In addition, For All Seasons offers a free training for mandated reporters to better identify signs of human trafficking and how to document, report, and respond to suspected cases. Mandated reporters include most professionals in law enforcement, healthcare, social services, and education. These individuals play a critical role in identifying and reporting cases. More information on the program can be found here: Human Trafficking Roundtable Training

Update and Decision on Leeds Creek (Tunis Mills) Bridge Project

County Engineer, Ray Clarke, and Asst. County Engineer, Mike Mertaugh, provided an update for the Tunis Mills Bridge Project. The project had recently been delayed due to ongoing discussion with residents about the inherent design of the replacement bridge.

The current design includes using steel pilings filled with reinforced concrete with a concrete cap as the base of the bridge, with a laminated deck and a timber wearing surface. Utilizing the current design, the new bridge is estimated to cost $6.5 M, with 80% of funding coming from federal aid. Based on confirmation with the State Highway Administration, if the design is switched to an all-timber bridge where the timber piles would need to be spliced, the project would no longer be eligible for federal funding. The County would be burdened with the full price of the project, which would be an estimated $5.9M.

Clarke stated that during the review process, at the request of several citizens, the County staff consulted with York Bridge Concepts to review the current design and to discuss the feasibility of adjusting the current design. At their meeting in December, it was concluded that steel and concrete piles must be used, but the proposed asphalt wearing surface on the bridge deck would be  a hard wood wearing surface to maintain the historic look  of the bridge.

Council thanked staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure residents’ opinions and concerns were appropriately received and addressed. Subsequently, Council voted unanimously to move forward on the project and initiate efforts to finalize the acquisition of rights-of-way and secure all required permits and approvals so construction of the project can begin in 2025.

More information on this project can be found here: Tunis Mills Road over Leeds Creek Bridge Replacement – Talbot County, Maryland

Other Business

• Res. No. 369, introduced by Council, which, if approved, will formally decline an offer of dedication for the paper street portion of Rude Avenue, located in Tilghman Island, and subsequently authorize the execution of a quitclaim deed to convey a 6,0000 square foot portion of the paper street to owners of the adjacent property. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
• Bill No. 1583, introduced by Council, authorizes Talbot County to borrow not more than $26,900,000 to finance and refinance the acquisition, renovation, construction, and expansion of Chapel District Elementary School located in Cordova. This project was approved by Council in the FY25 budget cycle, which identified long-term borrowing as the primary funding source.  The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
• The Assistant County Manager presented board nominations for the Council’s consideration:
  • Board of Appeals – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Jeffrey Adelman, Louis Dorsey and Keith Prettyman.
  • Emergency Services Advisory Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Debbie Timms, Tim Cannon, Steve Mroczek and Steve Elliott.
• The Department of Public Works requested permission to apply to the Maryland Water Quality Infrastructure Finance Program and USDA’s Rural Development grant and loan programs to support various wastewater treatment projects around the County. The requests total roughly $19M. Specifics of the request can be found here.
• Public Works also requested approval to award Bid 24-22, installation and connection of roughly 300 Septic Tank Effluent Pumps (STEP) pumps as stated in Res. No. 235, to Schummer, Inc. in the amount of $5,900,291. The project will be funded using State Bay Restoration Funds, State Revolving Loan Funds, and contributions by property owners.

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room located in the South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The meeting is open to the public.

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As a reminder, all meeting highlights can be found on the county’s website at: https://talbotcountymd.gov/About-Us/County_Council/talbot-county-council-meeting-highlights

All meeting recordings and agendas can be found: https://talbotcountymd.gov/About-Us/County_Council/council-meeting-videos

The Talbot County Government has announced the FY2025 Opioid Restitution Fund Community Micro Grant Program. This initiative provides non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status the opportunity to apply for one-time funding allocations ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to support programs and services addressing the opioid crisis in Talbot County. Grant funds must be used by June 30, 2026.

The Opioid Restitution Fund stems from settlements with pharmaceutical companies and distributors held accountable for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. Talbot County is leveraging these funds to invest in community-based solutions, focusing on prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives to address the ongoing impact of the epidemic.

Applications must be submitted to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office by Friday, February 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.

“The opioid epidemic continues to impact families and communities across Talbot County. This funding presents an opportunity to invest in programs and initiatives that save lives and provide critical support to those affected by opioid use disorder,” said Sheriff Joe Gamble. “I encourage our local non-profits to submit their ideas and partner with us to make a real difference.”

For additional information about the FY 2025 Opioid Restitution Fund Community Micro Grant Program, visit talbotcountymd.gov/orf.

Thursday, February 13^th at 6 p.m. featuring Stephan Abel, President & CEO of Ferry Cove Shellfish in Sherwood

The public is invited to a waterfront dinner at the Miles River Yacht Club on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.  The event is $30 per person, including dinner and a cash bar. Reservations must be made by Monday, February 10^th, by calling 410-745-9511, Ext. 6.

Stephan Abel, President & CEO of Ferry Cove Shellfish in Sherwood will speak following dinner.  Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery is one of the country’s newest and most advanced hatcheries.  They raise larvae and produce seeds for the region’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.  Scientists with decades of experience raising oysters are focused on cu􀆫ng edge innovations to support sustainable and competitive aquaculture.

Ferry Cove’s vision extends beyond oyster cultivation. It uses applied research to seek new ways to drive the economic future of the local seafood industry and explores ways to blend commerce, natural resource protection, education, and research. It strives to protect the cultural history of the watermen community.

The Miles River Yacht Club was founded in 1921. Its proud heritage includes supporting the historic Chesapeake Bay Sailing Log Canoe Races and providing adult and junior sailing instruction.

 

EASTON, MD (January 22, 2025) – The Tidewater Rotary Club is proud to announce two engaging fundraising events for 2025, offering the community a chance to come together and support Talbot Hospice, an organization known for its compassionate care for those facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges.

The events—Team Bowling and Trivia Night—promise fun and fellowship while raising funds for a vital cause.

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Strike Up Fun at Team Bowling Night

Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Easton Bowl (101 Marlboro Ave #39, Easton, MD)

Bowling enthusiasts and casual players alike are invited to join this lively evening of team bowling. Teams of four will enjoy friendly competition, raffle prizes, and fun awards such as “Best Dressed” and “Team Spirit.”

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Challenge Your Brain at Trivia Night!

Date: Monday, May 7, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: 4 Dogs Brewing Co. & Pub (219 Marlboro Ave #52B, Easton, MD)

Put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night, where teams will compete for prizes and bragging rights. This evening of lighthearted rivalry is perfect for friends, colleagues, and trivia lovers looking to support an important community resource.

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to sponsor one or both events:

• $600 per event

• $1,000 for both events

Sponsorships include entry for four participants per event, offering an excellent way to engage with the community while supporting Talbot Hospice’s essential mission.

For sponsorship details or to register your team, visit www.tidewaterrotary.org/fundraisers

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About Talbot Hospice

Founded in 1981, Talbot Hospice offers hope and compassionate support to those facing life-limiting, serious or end-of-life illnesses. Their vision is to build a lasting legacy as an inclusive, trusted and compassionate provider of care for those facing serious illness and end-of-life needs. Learn more at www.talbothospice.org

About Tidewater Rotary Club

Tidewater Rotary is a service-focused group of professionals committed to the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” Through initiatives that promote fellowship and community service, the club strives to make a meaningful impact locally and globally.

For more information about the club and how to join, visit www.tidewaterrotary.org

Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month.

“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”

Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.

Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and his son.

A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work.

Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe.

Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry  k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office.

Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on  the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland.

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About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email [email protected] or call 410-822-4567.

 

Gov. Wes Moore Wednesday proposed a budget he said will promote long-term economic growth and provide tax cuts to many, but it will be  balanced on tax increases on high-income earners in the state.

Moore’s proposed $67.3 billion spending plan — a 1% increase compared to the current year — includes $2 billion in cuts and efficiencies to help close projected $3 billion deficit in fiscal 2026. At the same time, it will offer a tax break he hopes will “energize” the state economy.

All of the moves, the governor said, are made with an eye toward needed economic growth in a state where the post-pandemic economy continues to falter. The projected $3 billion budget gap for fiscal 2026 could grow to more than $6 billion by fiscal 2030 if no action is taken, analysts have said.

“We need to grow,” Moore said during a Wednesday news conference. “Growth is the answer.”

Maryland Budget Secretary Helene Grady said the administration’s proposal “flips” the projected $3 billion shortfall into a projected $106 million positive balance at the end of fiscal 2026. It also reduces overall spending in the state’s general fund budget to $27 billion — a decrease of $274 million or 1% from the current year.

The governor’s proposal includes $2 billion in cuts and efficiencies. Moore will also use about $500 million from the Rainy Day Fund, which leaves more than $2 billion in the account or about 8% of revenues — more than the 7.5% recommended by a legislative spending panel in December and well above the 5% balance required by law.

Those actions leave a roughly $1 billion deficit that will mostly be covered by a restructuring of the state tax code.

“The problem hasn’t been that working Marylanders are not contributing,” Moore said in an interview. “It’s one of the reasons why we’ve given two-thirds of all Marylanders a tax cut.”

He said a proposal to cut the corporate tax rate would help attract businesses to the state. Moore also touted a proposed elimination of the inheritance tax, and the fact that his administration was able to hold the line on the state’s sales and property taxes.

Gov. Wes Moore (D) discusses his fiscal 2026 budget, which would give tax cuts to two-thirds of Maryland taxpayers but significant increases for those making $500,000 or more. (Photo by Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters) 

Maryland has not touched the sales tax since it was raised from 5% to 6% in 2008, and the tax rate for properties other than utilities has remained at 11.2 cents per $100 for nearly two decades.

For the most part, Democrats in the legislature praised the plan.

“We appreciate that the governor’s budget takes steps to solve the structural deficit with revenues not just cuts,” House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes (D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel) said in a statement. “The problem before us is one the House saw coming last year and we proposed long-term solutions then. We are going to work with the governor to uphold our commitment to lower the cost of living for Marylanders.”

Barnes and his committee will get a first crack at the budget this year before sending it to the Senate.

Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chair Sen. Guy Guzzone (D-Howard) called Moore’s proposal “thoughtful.”

“There are a few parts that I know that will cause some concern to some of our members,” Guzzone said during a meeting with reporters. “We’re going to work through those just like we do every year.”

Among those concerns are cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration and for crime victims.

Republican reaction ranged from praise for a focus on growth to opposition to tax increases. A small group of hard-line conservatives had harsh words for the proposal.

“Maryland families will face additional fees on grocery and Amazon deliveries, as well as higher emission inspection fees, further increasing the already high cost of living in the state,” the House Freedom Caucus said in a statement. “This budget isn’t balanced — it’s a deceptive scheme dressed up as reform that shifts the burden onto average residents.

“Marylanders will reject this plan. They deserve real relief, not a gaslighting budget designed to mislead and overburden families,” the caucus statement said.

Republicans make up less than one-third of the 188-member General Assembly.

The “growth agenda”

Moore talked as much about the budget’s spending as its cut, including a proposed $128 million in targeted spending on “industries of the future.”

That includes $27.5 million for a joint venture with IonQ, a cutting-edge computing technology firm and $15 million to redevelop a 168-acre parcel at Tradepoint Atlantic into a container terminal, a project expected to attract $1 billion in private investment. It also includes $25 million for the state’s “sunny day” fund, focused on attracting businesses to the state — the state used that fund in 2016 to provide forgivable loans to Northrop Grumman in what was the largest deal of its kind in the history of the state.

Money for the initiative comes from a proposed 1% surcharge on capital gains for households earning more than $350,000 annually. The administration proposed a  sunset provision to end that tax after four years.

Moore also called for reducing the state’s corporate tax rate from 8.25% to 7.99% over a two-year period. The reduction would be “beginning of fiscal 2028 commensurate with closing the combined reporting loophole,” Grady said.

Moore proposes tax cuts, increases

Moore said his plan targets tax relief to low- and middle-income families with an eye toward growing the state economy and solving a crippling budget deficit. Grady said the aerage family would see a tax reduction of about $173, money that Moore said they would use “to continue to energize Maryland’s economy.”

“They’re going to go and buy things for their families. They’re going to go out and maybe spend an evening out,” Moore said in an interview with Maryland Matters. “They’re going to go out and maybe take a vacation in our state. They’re going to go out and do things. That’s going to continue to harness a measure of activity for both small businesses within the state and the entities that call the state of Maryland home.”

The plan would eliminate itemized deductions on state income taxes, but double the standard deduction. It would also compress the lowest four tiers of taxpayers and create two new upper-income tax brackets: Individuals earning $500,000 would pay 6.25% and those earning $1 million or more would pay 6.5%%

Grady said the state would raise more than $800 million from what some Republicans were already calling “the half-millionaire’s tax.”

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) said raising the tax on high-income earners could drive people out of the state.

“There are states south of us that have much better tax climates, and it is not too difficult for people that have the means to be able to leave Maryland because of tax policies, and move to other states,” Hershey said. “So, it’s very concerning, because a lot of times those individuals bring jobs with them, and we again want to make sure that if we’re making some efforts to stimulate the economy, we’re also not seeing a negative result and losing jobs as a result of the budget too.”

The budget’s plan for combined reporting and capital gains surcharges pull, in part, from last year’s Fair Share Act, which had the support of House Democrats but stalled in the Senate.

Benjamin Orr, president and CEO of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, said Moore’s proposals would “create equity and fairness” in the state’s tax structure.

“Maryland’s tax system has been upside down with working families bearing too much of the responsibility for funding public services,” Orr said in a statement. “Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed budget moves toward righting how we pay for what we value in our state and communities.”

The plan also met with the approval of House progressives who have previously backed parts of Moore’s proposal. Del. Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery) said he and other House progressives are pleased the governor is keeping struggling Marylanders top of mind in his budget.

“The Democratic Party should be a party that prioritizes the needs of working people over more successful people,” he said. “We have a structural deficit — are we going to balance it on the backs of people who have been struggling to afford their basis needs? Or are we going to do it on the backs of people who have gotten more wealthy, even during the pandemic?”

Transportation gets a revenue bump

The budget calls for $420 million in new revenue to bolster the state’s flagging Transportation Trust Fund. Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said that funding will allow the state to leverage federal funds and add $695 million annually to transportation needs.

That includes seeking federal funding to improve Baltimore City’s light rail, beginning work on highway safety projects on Interstate 81 and Route 15 in Western Maryland, and continuing work on the Route 90 Bridge in Worcester County.

“We were going to basically have to defer any planning, environmental, and utility work projects across the state, so that allows us to move that project back into that phase of development over at (Route) 90 so it will be back in from that perspective,” Wiedefeld said.

The transportation proposal would be funded through a 75-cent fee on retail deliveries that would only be imposed on companies with annual earnings of $500,000 or more “so you’re not impacting small businesses.”

Among other revenues that would be dedicated to transportation, Wiedefeld is seeking a reduction in the trade-in allowance on vehicle purchases. Currently, if a motorist has a $10,000 trade-in on a $50,000 car, the tax is figured on $40,000. Wiedefeld wants to limit that allowance to car sales costing no more than $15,000.

The department will also seek permission to impose a surcharge on motorists who opt to pay their registration fees annually instead of every two years. When lawmakers last year imposed new registration fees on electric vehicles and higher fees on gas-powered vehicles, they allowed owners to pay once for the two-year renewal or divide it over two years.

 Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Sen. Guy Guzzone (D-Howard) said lawmakers are likely to be concerned by proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration and programs for crime victims. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Guzzone, the Senate budget chair, said the intent was to ease imposition of the fee on motorists and that he is “uncomfortable” with the surcharge plan. He told Maryland Matters he is considering a proposal to do away with the two-year option altogether.

Tough pill to swallow

Moore repeatedly stressed a need for a deficit solution that included a tough look at government spending.

“We need to rein in spending,” he said. “We need to tighten our belts. We need to spend wisely.”

Included in those cuts are $50 million in “efficiencies” in state fleet and real estate management, information technology. The state will also trim more than $100 million from the University System of Maryland, which Grady said has seen “significant growth in state funding” since fiscal 2022.

“It is not sustainable for the general fund to continue to support these levels of growth going forward, and we are proposing just a slight bending of the cost curve next year that we believe is fair and reasonable for the institutions to manage,” Grady said.

Moore’s plan also relies on pulling money from reserve funds. He would double money earmarked for climate change, to $180 million, with funding from the Strategic Energy Initiative Fund. That fund would also be used to offset expenses including rising Medicaid costs.

The budget would cap enrollment in the expanded child care subsidy program, which offers financial assistance for more than 43,000 children. The program has grown exponentially, and administration officials said that in addition to a freeze on enrollment, the state will also prioritize aid to low-income families and those in job-training programs.

Possibly the hardest pill to swallow is a proposal to cut millions from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which provides support and services to help those with disabilities go about their day-to-day lives. Grady said spending “has grown significantly from $850 million in fiscal 2023 to nearly $1.5 billion over just two years.”

The fiscal 2026 budget calls for a $200 million reduction in DDA funding, which Grady characterized as “cost containment” that would bring the agency’s budget back to fiscal 2024 levels. She said it was “one of the most difficult proposals in the budget.”

Guzzone told reporters Wednesday that some senators will likely struggle with those cuts and others to programs helping crime victims.

“We’ll look at those very carefully,” he said. “We know how important that is to a number of constituencies, and we’ll do our very best to see if we can help accommodate some of those cuts.”

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition said the cuts would be devastating to Marylanders with disabilities.

“While we appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these deliberations … we are deeply concerned about the extensive proposed budget cuts that threaten vital services for people with disabilities and their families,” according to a statement Wednesday. “The proposed FY 26 budget, combined with proposed cuts to the current year operating budget, will devastate supports for Marylanders with developmental disabilities, and impact family stability, and the Direct Support Professional workforce that has never fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with continuing healthcare staffing shortages.”

Mat Rice, executive director for People on the Go of Maryland, said in a statement that a $200 million cut would “risk turning back the clock on the civil rights gains that Marylanders with disabilities have made due to access to community supports.”

Moore taps hospitals and health insurers for $100 million

The governor’s proposal would increase the Maryland Deficit Assessment fund and charge Maryland hospitals and health insurers more to help fund Medicaid, the joint federal-state health care plan for low-income households and other vulnerable populations.

Maryland’s hospitals and insurance companies already collectively contribute hundreds of millions to the fund, according to documents from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission. Moore’s proposal taps hospitals and insurer for an additional $100 million in both the current budget year and in fiscal 2026.

The Maryland Hospital Association did not provide an immediate opinion what the proposed increases to the deficit assessment means for the association, but it appears to have resisted assessment increases in past budgets under the previous CEO.

“We received the Governor’s budget but haven’t had time to discuss it with our members,” hospital association spokesperson Amy Goodwin said in an email Wednesday.

 

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by Bryan P. Sears and Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
January 16, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Waterfowl Festival, Inc is pleased to announce that Julie Susman has been selected as its 2025 Board of Directors President.

Julie Susman is the former President, CEO and owner of Jefferson Consulting Group, a small, woman-owned, Washington, DC professional service firm. Susman’s career spanned 41 years in Washington working both on Capitol Hill and in Business. She is an expert in federal business development, government relations, and government procurement, with a focus on health care, information technology, and improving how the government buys, operates and executes its mission.

She is a nationally recognized expert in federal health care programs, including veterans’ and military health care programs. Prior to heading Jefferson Consulting Group, she managed the Washington operations of McDonnell Douglas’ Health Information Systems Company, and previously served as Deputy Staff Director, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Susman also serves as the President of the Talbot Preservation Alliance (TPA) and as a Board Member of the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence.

Susman holds a master’s degree in psychological counseling from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in Royal Oak, Md, and has three children and seven grandchildren.

The 54th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for Nov. 14-16, 2025. For volunteer, vendor or corporate partner opportunities,  please contact: marketing@waterfowlfestival.org.

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen.

Talbot County is proud to announce the launch of the Talbot 250 Commission, a multi-year initiative dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The Commission will be dedicated to celebrating the milestone by promoting local initiatives and events, aiming to engage the community, and foster a sense of pride in our Talbot history and its rich heritage.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this is a moment to reflect on our shared history and envision the future we want to build together,” said Sarah Kilmon, Communications Coordinator for Talbot County. “We are thrilled to bring our community together through this commission to create meaningful and memorable celebrations honoring our past, present, and future.”

Interest Meeting

To kick off the project, the County will hold an Interest Meeting for individuals and organizations who want to learn more about Talbot 250. All are welcome to attend.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2024

Time: 6PM

Location: Talbot County Free Library – Easton Branch – 100 W. Dover Street

This meeting will provide an overview of the Commission’s goals and offer attendees an opportunity to share ideas and learn how to get involved. Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, artist, or community member with a passion for civic engagement, your contributions will make a difference.

For more information about Talbot 250 or to RSVP for the interest meeting, please contact at [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.talbot250.org/, and join on Facebook and Instagram at @Talbot250. 

Talbot County is once again hosting Winterfest EMS, a premier regional training event for emergency service professionals. Celebrating its 29th year, the conference will run from January 31 to February 2, 2025, offering a robust program of essential training sessions and hands-on workshops.

The conference is hosted by Talbot County Department of Emergency Services (DES), with support from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) and their EMS for Children (EMSC) program. Sponsors for this year’s conference include University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

This year’s lineup includes courses on pediatric emergencies, trauma life support, agricultural rescue, mental health, and more. Pre-conference workshops, starting January 29, provide additional opportunities for focused training.

“Winterfest EMS is more than a conference—it’s a gathering of professionals committed to advancing their skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care to patients,” said Katelyn Killian, NRP, a member of the Winterfest EMS Committee. “We’re proud to offer a program that keeps pace with the evolving demands of emergency care.”

Danielle Diefenderfer, who has assisted with the conference planning for several years, highlighted the importance of collaboration in the event’s success. “Winterfest EMS is a testament to the dedication of our local EMS community and its partners. Together, we create an environment where participants can learn, connect, and leave better prepared to serve their communities.”

Held in venues throughout Easton, the conference draws EMS and medical professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

For more details and registration, view the Winterfest 2025 program brochure or follow Winterfest EMS on Facebook.