October 23, 2023
Ready Report: Calling Out Waste, Delegate Rose Event & More…
I hope you and your family had a great weekend. Sundays always seem to provide me and my family with at least some refreshing and re-focusing time, attending church and praying for God’s help and direction for the challenges we are all facing. Here’s some news from last week and events to look ahead to.
Ready in the News
A recent investigation by Fox 45 revealed that the Safe Streets Program, an evidence-based violence prevention and interruption program that works to reduce shootings and homicides in high violence areas, is spending taxpayer dollars for personal shopping sprees. Safe Streets employees were caught spending taxpayer’s money at stores such as GameStop and Forever21. COVID Relief funds that went to Safe Streets were even used to take their employees on a trip to Los Angeles for a “conference”. Several elected officials have weighed in on this investigation, some calling for a halt in funding until and audit can be completed. You can read the story, which include a snippet of my comments, by clicking here.
Ready in the Communty –
- Carroll County Student Government Association
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to members of Student Government Associations from Carroll County at South Carroll High School. Their theme was Using Your Voice. I talked about how we should use our voice, actions, and reasoning to affect positive outcomes as well as using their interactions with community leaders as an opportunity for their own learning, growth, and development.
I told the students that every person has purpose and incredible value – but our voice is most impactful when we have reasoned, well researched views and an understanding that those on the other side of an issue are also people with that same value and worth. The students were very attentive, and I enjoyed the time together.
- Celebrating Westminster Volunteer Fire Department 200th Anniversary:
Earlier this month, I had a great time walking in the Westminster Fire Department 200th Anniversary Parade representing our District 5 team along with Delegate Eric Bouchat. It is an amazing milestone to be celebrating 200 years of service by the men and women of Westminster Fire Company. Thank you for your service and congratulations!
Problem Gambling Fund Briefing
I participated in a virtual briefing of the General Assembly’s Joint Audit & Evaluation Committee which I serve on. We were being briefed on agency and department evaluations, including the state’s Problem Gambling Fund which is funded by fees from lottery and casino gaming. #1 – problem gambling is on the rise everywhere, including Maryland. #2 he largest source of gaming revenue for the state of Maryland will now be online sports gambling now that it is legal. First year of revenue projects to be $4 Billion, nearly double the revenue on either lottery or casinos. (This is total spent, not tax revenue) As of now the online sports betting companies do not help with the problem gambling fund, something that will likely need to change. The fund itself connects problem gamblers to counseling and other services.
Delegate April Rose Fall Fundraiser– THIS Thursday
Join Delegate April Rose and special Guest Speaker State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker at Island Green Family Fun Center in Westminster on Thursday, October 26th at 5:30pm. Delegate April Rose leads our Delegation in Carroll County and is a key partner with me in our fight for conservative values and reform in Annapolis. You can support April by clicking here to buy tickets or contribute.
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