On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan live-streamed his State of the State address from the State House in Annapolis. Below you’ll find an overview and links to read or view his remarks in full.
VACCINES
- 570,000 vaccines administered to-date
- The amount allocated by the federal government thus far is a tiny fraction of the amount needed.
- “Getting a vaccine to everyone who wants one will be a much longer and much more difficult process than any of us would like it to be.” – Governor Hogan
- States will continue to push the federal government and manufactures to increase production and allocations.
Another vaccine candidate could be approved by the FDA soon – and will be manufactured here in Maryland.
MARYLAND STRONG
Unsung heroes across the state:
- Healthcare workers on the front lines showing courage, compassion, and strength,
- Small businesses that have had to make difficult changes to continue serving customers and keep workers employed,
- Teachers who have adapted to the challenges of remote learning,
- Essential workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, supply warehouses, and in transportation, and farmers and watermen who have worked day in and day out to provide the goods and services, and
- Citizen soldiers of the Maryland National Guard who have helped build hospital capacity, administer tests and vaccines, and to distribute meals.
ECONOMIC RELIEF
- $700 million in emergency economic assistance
- Proposed RELIEF Act of 2021 – emergency legislation to provide more than $1 billion in immediate tax relief and economic stimulus
- Proposed $1 billion in tax cuts for retired Marylanders to keep them from moving to other states
- FY 2022 budget balanced with no tax increases, layoffs or furloughs of state employees
- Education: Expanded investment in full-day pre-k, tutoring and scholarships, proposed largest investment in school construction in state history, and getting kids back to school safely.