By Ruth Ogunsanwo
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
State legislators from the Baltimore area generally supported Gov. Larry Hogan’s proposal to reopen schools as long as it’s done safely, according to five interviews that were done over the last two days.
The legislators expressed mixed feelings about whether Hogan’s $1 billion proposal to help businesses, Maryland residents and those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic would be enough money.
Some of the legislators who were interviewed said the governor’s plan, which was announced during his State of the State address on Wednesday, was the right amount of money to tackle the problem. Some said the funding, “won’t be enough,” while others said it’s important that the money be distributed to people with the greatest need.
Legislators said they are concerned about Hogan’s promise that every Marylander will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of those interviewed said there is not enough vaccine available, adding that the state needs to improve the administration for vaccines.
“We have to look at the equity of the way the vaccine is being distributed, by starting with a chart of folks with priority of health care workers, and people in nursing homes,” said Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County.
Del. Catherine Forbes, D-Baltimore County, and Szeliga said they agreed with the governor that schools could reopen but only if the right precautions are put in place to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
“One teacher loss or one child loss to reopening in an unsafe manner is critical,” Forbes said.
State Sen. Cory McCray, D-Baltimore City, said Hogan’s $1 billion relief proposal needs to go further. McCray said the current Senate bill addressing the coronavirus pandemic was amended by the Senate, adding $520 million. find as priorities.
“Our top priority is education with learning loss for our young people and hiring extra staffs to deal with proper staffing issues,” McCray said.
Szeliga said she thinks Hogan’s proposal should be enough to help residents and businesses ride out the pandemic. She also urged state officials to wait to see the effectiveness of the vaccine before committing too much money to coronavirus relief.
Del. Marlon Amprey, D-Baltimore City, said the state should do more to address the inequity in how the coronavirus has impacted different communities. The pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on people of color.
Del. Samuel Rosenberg, D-Baltimore City, said any coronavirus legislation should deal with specifically identified problems rather than trying to anticipate needs before they arise.
Front line workers are not getting access to the vaccine, Amprey said, adding that the state should figure out a way to make sure to get the vaccines to those who needs it the most in an efficient way.
“At the end of the day it’s who it’s given to and how it’s being made accessible,” Amprey said. “Is it equitably distributed is the real test.”