Over 100 Rural Stakeholders Attend Legislators’ Breakfast Amid Looming Budget Deficit
ANNAPOLIS, MD – When over 100 rural Maryland stakeholders attended the legislative welcome breakfast, recently hosted by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC), it was difficult to ignore concerns about Maryland’s $2.7 billion budget deficit. The breakfast took place at the Maryland Inn and was sponsored by the Maryland Forestry Foundation and the Maryland Tech Council.
“We’ve accomplished many significant benchmarks over the past few years in areas such as broadband and digital inclusion,” says RMC Chair Susan O’Neill. “While we are all bracing for budget cuts, we are advocating for equity in our rural areas, so we can continue working toward a stronger, more resilient Maryland for everyone,” she adds.
Equity was also top of mind for RMC Executive Director Charlotte Davis. “It will be a difficult budget year. Equitable budget cuts and finding efficiencies will be crucial,” she says. “We need proper funding to continue progressing in areas such as growing our economy, affordable housing, accessible health care, and agricultural and forestry education. We literally can’t afford to backpedal on the progress we’ve made,” she adds.
In the past fiscal year, the Rural Maryland Council administered 65 grants totaling more than $6.1 million to local and regional public and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and regional councils. Upcoming RMC legislative events include:
- Rural Maryland Day on Thursday, February 13, in Annapolis, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., an opportunity to take part in meetings with legislators to discuss challenges facing Rural Maryland;
- Legislative Luncheon on Wednesday, February 26, from noon to 2 p.m., Rams Head Tavern 33 West St., Annapolis;
- Tuesday, March 25, Maryland Day, on Lawyers Mall, Annapolis; and
All meetings are free and open to the public. Contact RMC for more information or to register at (410) 841-5772 or rmc.mda@maryland.gov.
Founded in 1994, the Rural Maryland Council operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. RMC is committed to creating real change by going directly to the rural stakeholders who understand their community’s challenges. The organization provides grants and opportunities to connect stakeholders with legislators and like-minded people in the state who can create policy and help create a real impact.
To get involved, visit rural.maryland.gov or contact RMC at (410) 841-5772 or rmc.mda@maryland.gov. For updates on events and activities, connect with the Rural Maryland Council on facebook.com/RuralMaryland or on Twitter @RuralMaryland.
-30-
PHOTO CAPTION (Group)
From left, are Kelly Schulz, Chief Executive Officer, Maryland Tech Council, Charlotte Davis, Executive Director, Rural Maryland Council, Susan O’Neill, Chair, Rural Maryland Council, and Gary G. Allen, President, Maryland Forestry Foundation. The Maryland Forestry Foundation and the Maryland Tech Council sponsored the legislative welcome breakfast, hosted by the Rural Maryland Council.
Photo supplied by the Rural Maryland Council who gives consent for publishing.
-30-