Footnote: The various sponsoring organizations submitted information regarding their candidates. Two of these are listed below and this coming week we'll have two each day Monday through Thursday.
This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye:
1973 .. Pocomoke City civic organizations are recognizing the contributions to the community by many of its senior citizens in a contest that's raising funds for Hartley Hall.
1911 .. The campaign for women's rights is coming to Pocomoke and other Eastern Shore Towns.
1942 ..
1997 .. Letters to editor urge tribute to the man credited with saving Assateague Island from private development.
(Shore Daily News)
Willie Crockett, the witty and homespun Tangier Island native whose captivating watercolor paintings and well-told stories made him one of the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s most celebrated artists, died on Monday. He was 82.
View article:
Willie Crockett, celebrated local watercolor artist, dies at 82 - Shore Daily News
(WBOC)
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. - Schools are back in session, but things look a lot different. Social distancing measures are in place, as are many other safety protocols in Worcester County.
Students returned to desks spread out six feet apart. Face masks are required in the building and on school buses. Superintendent for Worcester County Public Schools, Lou Taylor says other safety measures are also in place.
"We're also giving kids a chance to wash their hands," He says, "We have stationed set out throughout the building to offer students to go and put hand sanitizer on and if any students go to the restroom to wash their hands."
For now, water fountains are off-limits. Instead the school has machines that fill up water bottles. Some schools have even provided water bottles for those who don't have one. School officials say it's all in an effort to move forward, one phase at a time.
January, 1958
(Reader email comment)
I remember that. One or two Pocomokians made that last trip up and back. I remember my Dad talking about it and if I think hard enough, can probably remember a name as I think one of those last travelers was well known in town.
August, 1912
Democratic Messenger
November, 2007
Daily Times (Salisbury)
January, 1944
June, 1926
2021 Maryland General Assembly Update
Week Eight: Clearing the Committee, Supporting Bills, and Policing and Public Safety
Annapolis, MD—The halfway mark of the 442nd session has come and gone, and the crossover week deadline of March 22, 2021 is coming up. Senator Carozza’s health care legislation received unanimous committee approval and she supported law enforcement during the full Senate deliberation of policing legislation. In addition, Senator Carozza spoke on the Senate Floor in strong support of a rule change to create more fairness in the Senate Standing Committee selection process, and was the Senate Floor leader on a bill to give flexibility to local school systems to provide student transportation.
CAROZZA-SPONSORED PRIORITY HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION CLEARS COMMITTEE
The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee today unanimously approved of Senator Carozza’s Senate Bill 139— Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. It is expected to be on the Senate Floor next week.
“I would like to thank my committee colleagues for their sensing the urgency of the passage of this legislation, which will go a long way in allowing our health care providers to continue to serve constituents,” Carozza said after the vote.
Senate Bill 139 would establish an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists. This means that occupational therapists can work across state lines, just as long as they are licensed by a member state of the compact. The Maryland General Assembly already has enacted similar legislation for nurses, physicians, and physical therapists.
“As I worked with health care providers during COVID-19 during the interim, it was brought to my attention by members of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association that this interstate occupational therapy licensure compact would have a direct benefit in increasing access to care, especially in districts like mine which are bordered by states, Delaware to the north, and Virginia to the south,” Senator Carozza noted. “Licensure compacts offer an important pathway to ensuring our health care facilities and providers have a sufficient number of qualified providers, making it easier for licensed health care practitioners from neighboring states to work in our hospitals and programs in our communities.”
Also testifying in support of Senate Bill 139 was Occupational Therapist Dorri Gowe-Lambert, who owns Building Bridges Pediatric Therapy Services in Salisbury and Easton. Her practice shifted to telehealth services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to current licensure laws, Gowe-Lambert was unable to provide continuity of care to her clients who technically resided in Delaware or Virginia.
“I had to write to those licensure boards in other states and request special permission in order for those children to continue their much needed services. This took weeks and disrupted their plan of care,” testified Ms. Gowe-Lambert.
CAROZZA HELPS MOVE SHORE PRIORITY LEGISLATION
Senator Carozza served as a floor leader for Senate Bill 448— County Boards of Education – Student Transportation - Vehicles and Report this week. This legislation authorizes a county board of education to provide transportation for specified public school students to and from school using a vehicle other than a school bus when a school vehicle cannot reasonably be provided. Senate Bill 448 would provide critical transportation services to students with disabilities, homeless and foster youth, and students who may not have access to traditional school buses. The legislation was introduced in the House of Delegates as House Bill 72 by Delegate Carl Anderton (Wicomico) and has strong support from Wicomico County education leaders and the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland.
“Senate Bill 448 provides flexibility and options to local school systems so they are able to provide transportation to students that best meet their needs,” Senator Carozza noted.
SENATE CONSIDERS POLICING AND PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION
This week the Senate of Maryland voted to advance a legislative policing package. Republicans worked to balance the need to support and protect good law enforcement and remove bad officers. The package includes components to create increased penalties for tampering with body-worn cameras and eliminating no-knock warrants. More extreme proposals considered included allowing mere accusations, unfounded misconduct complaints, internal affairs reports and disciplinary decisions to become public record and to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights.
“I did not vote for the proposals to allow false or unsubstantiated allegations against law enforcement to become public record; to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights; and to create a new process for the investigation, adjudication, and remedy of misconduct allegations,” Senator Carozza said. “I do not believe these proposals would lead to reform and safer communities and instead would place new burdens on our law enforcement officers and potentially jeopardize public safety.”
After the votes, Carozza reiterated her support for the Joint Republican Caucus’ substantive violent crime reduction initiative to keep communities safe. Included in this package is legislation to increase penalties for repeat violent offenders, creates a felony charge for the theft of a handgun, and changes from 50 percent to 90 percent for the required time someone convicted of a violent crime is required to serve before being eligible for parole.
“Public safety remains job number one, and with violent crime on the rise, we should do everything we can to ensure that Marylanders are safe,” Carozza stated. “This initiative will crack down on crime and keep violent offenders behind bars.”
CAROZZA SUPPORTS SENATE RULE CHANGE
Senator Carozza spoke out in support of a Senate Rule change proposed by Minority Leader Bryan Simonaire (Anne Arundel). The proposed rule would alter the Majority’s highest elected official, the Senate President, from assigning both the Majority and Minority members to Standing Committees, and allow the Minority members to be assigned by their highest elected member only after the Majority members are all assigned. This would model the Senate of Maryland after the Federal Structure in Congress.
“This issue is just a matter of basic fairness and having a stronger minority voice,” Carozza said on the Senate Floor, noting her experience in the legislative and executive branches of government at both the State and Federal level. “Being part of a system where the minority has had the opportunity to appoint members of the minority party to a committee is something that has worked well at the federal level and in other states too.”
SHORE VIRTUAL VISITORS
The Eastern Shore Delegation was briefed by higher education leaders on Friday, March 5. This included Salisbury University President Charles Wight, who mentioned that Salisbury is a top producer of Fulbright recipients; University of Maryland Eastern Shore President Heidi Anderson, who highlighted the upcoming groundbreaking of their new Pharmacy and Health Professions Building; and Wor-Wic Community College President Ray Hoy, who provided updates on the school’s reopening during spring semester.
WORCESTER PAGE RECOGNIZED IN SENATE
The Maryland General Assembly Student Page program is virtual for the 2021 legislative session to keep the participating students safe and healthy. Senate Pages are responsible for providing vital services to the legislature and have the opportunity to work directly with elected officials. This week, Mary Sigrist, a senior at Pocomoke High School in Pocomoke City, served as a Senate Page.
(WMDT)
OCEAN PINES, Md. – The Worcester County Veterans Memorial committee is preparing to oversee the event which will welcome “The Wall that Heals.” It’s a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
View news story:
"The Wall that Heals" coming to the Eastern Shore - 47abc (wmdt.com)
Shore Daily News ( shoredailynews.com ) reported there were no injuries Thursday when a car crashed into the front doors of the CVS Pharmacy in Onley. No injuries were reported and the incident was under investigation by the Onley police department.
This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye:
1958 .. On the lower Eastern Shore..
1912 .. (Ad) Rail trip to a famous location..
1944 .. Will there be oil exploration on the lower Eastern Shore?
1926 .. The concern for safety of pedestrians on Pocomoke City's streets is the subject of an editorial in the Worcester Democrat newspaper.
(Salisbury Independent)
SHOREBIRDS TO HOST 60 HOME GAMES IN 2021. The Delmarva Shorebirds have released a 2021 schedule featuring 60 home games at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium with Opening Night slated for Tuesday, May 4. Recently, the Shorebirds accepted the Baltimore Orioles invitation to remain their Low-A affiliate and will play in the North Division of the newly constructed Low-A East League.
(Shore Daily News)
View news article:
Several nearby seaside communities rank on the 50 Best Coastal Towns in the US - Shore Daily News
(PPE reader comment)
Anonymous said...A quote from the article in question, "With gasoline prices skyrocketing, there are a number of opportunities for vacation fun that do not include long, expensive trips."
Why are gasoline prices increasing? It can't be because of demand because travel and purchases of gasoline have dropped dramatically in the past 12 months. Hmmm.
March, 1973
October, 1913 (two items)
Crisfield Times
2021 Maryland General Assembly Update
Week Seven: Mass Vaccinations on the Shore, Halfway Mark Hearings on Tourism, the Environment, and Small Businesses
Annapolis, MD—As the lyrical genius Bon Jovi said, “Woah, we're halfway there.” We have officially reached the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session. The committee and Senate Floor work is picking up the pace as we approach the Crossover Week deadline on March 22. This week Senator Carozza thanked the Hogan Administration for their announcement that a mass vaccination site will be located at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Carozza also participated in bill hearings for legislation to increase tourism in Maryland, protect the environment, and provide relief to small businesses.
SHORE MASS VACCINATION SITE
Senator Mary Beth Carozza today said that Governor Hogan’s decision to locate the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center will benefit thousands of Shore constituents who are opting to receive the vaccine.
“I encourage my constituents to take advantage of having a COVID-19 mass vaccination site right here in Salisbury, the crossroads of Delmarva,” said Senator Carozza, who thanked Governor Hogan and his Administration for ‘prioritizing our Shore seniors,’ noting that an estimated 20 percent of District 38 residents were over the age of 65, according to Census data.
“I am continuing to push for increased vaccine availability for my constituents and will not rest until all my constituents who want a vaccine are able to receive one. I encourage my constituents to receive the vaccine when it becomes available as we work together for a full COVID-19 recovery,” added Carozza.
Senator Carozza is assisting constituents as they navigate the COVID-19 vaccine registration process. She encourages them to contact their local health departments and utilize state resources such as covidvax.maryland.gov and 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829).
BALLOON RELEASE BILL HEARING
Senate Bill 716—Solid Waste Management – Prohibition on Releasing a Balloon Into the Atmosphere was heard in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on February 24 and prohibits the intentional release of a balloon into the atmosphere. Delegate Wayne Hartman has introduced the legislation in the House of Delegates as House Bill 391 and it passed on February 16, 2021, with a vote of 94-34.
“The purpose of Senate Bill 716 is to educate individuals on the harmful effects that balloons have on our environment including killing wildlife, causing power outages, and polluting our trees and waterways,” testified Senator Carozza, noting that she participates in beach cleanups in Ocean City and supported similar legislation last session. “I urge my colleagues and committee members to pass this common-sense and bipartisan legislation to protect our birds, sea-life, and of course, our beloved Assateague ponies.”
This legislation applies to any person over the age of 13, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a nonprofit entity, the State, or any unit or political subdivision of the State. This bill does not apply to the negligent or unintentional release of a balloon or balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes.
Testifying alongside Senator Carozza was Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce President Kerrie Bunting. Kerrie has been a long-time advocate for prohibiting the release of balloons and originally brought the issue to Senator Carozza’s and Delegate Hartman’s attention. Assateague Island Alliance Board President Nancy Gaither submitted written testimony in support of the bill and provided critical background information and photos on the impact of balloon releases on Shore wildlife.
“While our unique location in the state affords us the unfortunate opportunity to witness birds, fish, turtles, Assateague ponies, and seals perish because they eat or became entangled in a balloon and its string, animals everywhere face this possibility, Kerrie Bunting noted. “Local farmers tell tales of their horses eating the balloon or getting spooked by one and harming themselves. This issue is not specific to aquatic environs, all animals are at risk and litter can happen anywhere.”
“Horses have been seen to ingest anything offered to them as they are curious, which is beyond troubling and, of course, the balloons wreak havoc with sea animals. Additionally, balloons that are released can be found in quantities on the beach and our supporters are known for collecting them to dispose of properly,” testified Nancy Gaither, who shared the photo of pony Alexandria’s Angel with a balloon in her mouth on Assateague Island.
Senate Bill 716 is bipartisan and has the support of the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation, the Assateague Coastal Trust, the Assateague Island Alliance, the Ocean City Surf Club, the Queen Anne’s Conservation Association, the Humane Society, the Maryland Farm Bureau, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo, and the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce.
TOURISM TAX RELIEF
Senator Carozza testified in strong support of Senate Bill 730— Income Tax - Credit for Travel, Hospitality, and Entertainment Expenses in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on February 24. The legislation was introduced by Senator George Edwards of Garrett County and provides State income tax credits to Marylanders who travel within the state and spend money on hospitality-related purchases. Senator Carozza is the lead cosponsor of Senate Bill 730, and Delegate Wayne Hartman is the House sponsor of the same bill.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy, especially the tourism sector. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 15.8 million travel-related jobs in the U.S. have been lost due to the pandemic. This has resulted in an industry unemployment rate of 51 percent which is more than twice the rate our country experienced as a whole during the Great Depression,” Senator Carozza testified, noting that Maryland lost 34,000 jobs in the accommodation and food services industries between February and November 2020.
“This tax credit would incentivize Marylanders to travel within the state and would increase sales, accommodations, admissions, and amusement tax revenue. Our tourism community in Maryland, hard hit by the pandemic, would benefit from this tax credit,” added Carozza.
The original legislation as proposed would allow individuals to claim a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the qualified expenses incurred during qualified travel, not to exceed $4,000 for an individual, or $8,000 for married couples who filed jointly, plus $500 for each dependent child. Given concerns about the fiscal impact, an amendment was introduced alongside both versions of the bill reducing the individual credit to $500 and the couple or individual with dependent children would be changed to $1000.
This legislation states that the in-state travel must occur at least 50 miles from the principal residence of the individual, and purchases are limited to food and beverage, lodging, transportation, tickets for live entertainment, or expenses related to attending a conference or business meeting. The Maryland Tourism Coalition reports that tourism supports 226,000 direct and indirect jobs, making it the 11th largest industry in the state. Without tourism in the State of Maryland, each household would pay $1,175 more in local taxes. In 2020, Worcester County alone contributed $238.4 million in state and local revenue and provided 10,929 tourism-related jobs.
“This is a win, win, win for Maryland. We would accelerate Maryland’s tourism recovery and save jobs, boost the state’s overall economy, and have Marylanders discover new parts of Maryland while spending our vacation money in Maryland.”
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s Senate Bill 594— Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act – Verification on Thursday, February 25. This targeted legislation allows employers to require verification of the appropriate use of paid sick leave by seasonal employees during the 107th- 120th day of employment.
“Our seasonal employers continue to be challenged by the current seasonal exemption of 106 days. I continue to push for relief to cover 120 days of seasonal employment to reflect the true timeframe of the season to include the shoulder season and the time needed to train workers before the season starts,” testified Senator Carozza, noting that the legislation was a product of the work of the bipartisan Senate Small Business Workgroup.
This legislation would authorize a seasonal employer to require verification that earned sick and safe leave is used appropriately by an employee when the leave is used during the period between the first 107 and 120 calendar days if the employer provided written notice about the verification requirement at the time the employee was hired. An employer may deny an employee’s request to take earned sick and safe leave during that period if an employee fails or refused to provide any verification required by the employer.
“This is an important priority for Maryland’s seasonal employers especially during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carozza added.
Testifying alongside Senator Carozza in support of Senate Bill 594 was Mother’s Cantina owner Ryan James from Ocean City, who highlighted the importance of this legislation to keep his business safe and running, and representatives from the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Restaurant Association.
“It’s my duty to give employees time off to recover from sickness. I am happy to provide that time. But I need to know they are being treated and healthy enough to return to work. If an employee returns to work without being treated, they could be putting their coworkers and customers at risk for sickness…Senate bill 594 helps me protect my staff, my customers, and the wellness of the whole team,” Ryan James testified.
CONSTITUENTS CONFIRMED BY SENATE
As a State Senator, Senator Carozza has the opportunity to vote on constituents who are appointed and reappointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve on various boards and commissions throughout the State of Maryland. This week, Senator Carozza voted to confirm Carolyn Hall to the Wicomico County Board of License Commissioners, Martha Pusey to the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, and Anna Giles Newton to the Wor-Wic Community College Board of Trustees. Their confirmation votes took place on Friday, February 26.
SHORE VIRTUAL VISITORS
Senator Mary Beth Carozza hosted a virtual meeting with Senate Pages from District 38. The Maryland General Assembly Student Page program is virtual for the 2021 legislative session to keep the participating students safe and healthy. Senate Pages are responsible for providing vital services to the legislature and have the opportunity to work directly with elected officials. The District 38 Senate Pages for the 2021 legislative session are Margaret Harkins and Tenley Pelot (Parkside High School), Eric Cropper (Stephen Decatur High School), Mary Sigrist (Pocomoke High School), and Xavier King (Washington High School).
