>> good afternoon! [applause] please, please, take a seat, everybody. please take a seat. good afternoon. [inaudible conversations] i apologize for taking so long, madam speaker. it will not happen again. i promise next year will be a little bit faster. [laughter] madam speaker, mr. president, members of this distinguished body, our general assembly, members of our congressional delegation as well and colleagues in state and local government and my fellow

marylanders -- now, all right. [laughter] for almost three years, i have had the joy and the pleasure of just traveling our entire state and talking to marylanders from every region, every race, every creed, and in many of your districts. and i listened to what they had to say. some of the voices are actually here today, but all of the voices that i heard, they're in my heart, they're in my head, they're in my memories. and marylanders, as you all know, they're worried about the economy. and whether or not it can keep pace with the cost of living. we worry about safety in our communities. families struggle to afford and find affordable health care, childcare and pre-k, and people of all ages are it -- getting lost in this maze of behavioral

health crises and trauma. yet, despite the challenges that we have seen, i know the marylanders that i have spoken to the, they are not only fast to offer solutions -- as you all have known, i think -- but they have also expressed a deep hope and a deep desire to be part of the solution. they were the first to organize a food drive at their local school. they raised their hands to watch the kids in the neighborhood. they agreed to serve on the board of one of our remarkable local nonprofit organizations. they're willing to work in our local and our state government. these are individuals, many short, these are individuals, marylanders, who are ready to serve. now, i'm only here right now a because of the people in my life

who stepped up even when they were not called, people who served even when they doesn't call it that. -- didn't call it that. people who were willing to sacrifice in the moment for the hope of a better tomorrow. the teachers and the educators who gave me the tools to think for myself. the coaches who pushed me even when i wanted to stop. the ministers who prayed for me and my family even when there was no clear path forward, and the school counselors who helped me to see a horizon that i was not ready to see for myself. this state is full of those individuals. people who refuse to quit, who will light up a path even when we are down, who will spark that light in ourselves even if it only glimmers in the dark. this state was built by them, built by people who step thed up to serve. there are educators who get up

before the crack of dawn and stay after dark to make sure that their students who need a little extra help get the extra help that they need. [applause] they're linemen who after a disaster work double shifts to insure that we can get our lights back on. [applause] they're the social workers who reach into hair own pockets concern the their own pockets to insure that their clients have enough to eat. [applause] and, yes, it's the lawmakers -- the lawmakers, yes. [laughter] [applause] but it's the lawmakers, the law makers who come to annapolis who sacrifice time with your

families, months from your businesses, the ones who choose to accept up -- to step up and step into the arena despite knowing the ridicule, fair and unfair, that comes along with it. because you choose to do it because you believe in the hope of leading the state -- leaving the state a little bit better than the one that you found it. [applause] whether you are oakland or ocean city or in hagerstown, one of the things we can all agree on is that we've got work another. this is a state where opportunities are boundless, but the challenges are undeniable. it's also a state where there is no obstacle that we cannot address, no challenge that we cannot tackle if we are intentional. if we move in partnership and promoting a state of service is how we are going another that.

[applause] you know, i, i only realized recently that service, the word "service," actually comes from the latin word -- speak speak owning which means slavery. so it's the pitting -- it's fitting as the first african-american in the state of maryland to deliver this speech. [applause] >> thank you. [applause]

as the first african-american to deliver this speech standing in a building that was built by the hands of enslaved people that were now putting service, service towards the good of all. the irony is that it's service that will help save us. on cay one of my administration -- day one of my administration, i ordered the creation of the county of service and civic innovation. this was not a stunt, this was not because it sounded nice. this was because it is a fundamental part of who i am, and it is in the dna of this state. our order consol candidates and elevates the agencies of state government that support service opportunities. and we need to follow it up with legislation. and the serve act will do just that, because it will create a service year option for high school graduates to give them opportunities to serve this

state. prison -- [applause] and while our young people give back, they also lay the foundation for their future success through job training, through mentorship programs, and it creates a lifelong habit of service to our state. something we so desperately need. whether they're preparing our state for the realities of climate change or tutoring students or caring for the sick, young people should have the option to perform important service today and build a foundation for our shared future. [applause] and, by the way, this is the first effort of its kind in the nation, and maryland will lead. [applause] and now, and i've heard it, some

will and they'll say, well, why is this important? why should state government be the one to do this? and it's because as you've heard me say before, service is sticky. service will save us. it will save us money through a more strategic and a better use of resources. building a work force of dedicated public servants saves us the expense of costly contractors and external vendors. and if properly managed, delivers us better results. spending $100 million on inefficiencies and patchwork politics is not the way to run rub a government. [applause] concern to run a government. we have the assets. we need to harness them. and that's what my plan because. it will save us time the by adding urgency, because our people will be more involved in their state government and

helping one another, expediting the changes that we know that we need. and it will save one another. at a time when civic bonds are frayed, when many people feel more disconnected from their neighbors than ever before, service is the anecdote to the epidemic of loneliness and otherness. [applause] service, service is how we will reengage our people in the project of forming a more perfect state. it is time that we confront this demagoguery of false choices. the idea that if one group of people wins, that means another must lose or that when a political party loses an election, that they are somehow excluded from the process of governor -- governing for the next four years. s the time for our state to be

bold, and that doesn't mean we are being reckless. our administration has put forth a plan to the make historic investments in people, and it spends $1 billion less than last fiscal year. ms. -- [applause] our plan and our budget, we made the largest investment in public education by any governor in our state history concern. [cheers and applause] and -- yes. [laughter] and introduced $200 million in targeted tax relief for children in poverty with the family prosperity act and veterans in retirement with the keep our heroes home act. [applause]

we put a plan, we put a plan forward to make maryland the first state to end child poverty, and we kept 10 is % in the rainy concern the 10% in the rainy day fund. let's put an end to this belief and let's put an end to this narrative that we cannot invest in the future today while also preparing for the uncertainty of tomorrow. it is just not true. [applause] service, mix service -- public service, that is what will help our state to reach its full potential. tens of thousands of government workers throughout our state serve our people. they do so despite the fact that the pay could be a little bette- [laughter] i'm sure y'all have heard that.

[laughter] the incoming complaints, they could be fewer. and the challenges could be easier. but they do it. because, like you and i, they love this state. today i want to point out a few of those workers. someone, maybe all of you know julie ruperon. [applause] judety? judy? [applause] judy was born in d.c. but was raised in maryland. [laughter] and for the last 12 years, she has been a fixture in the statehouse.

part of the department of general services. insuring that these beautiful and hallowed halls, that today always look their best. her strong work ethic, her infectious personality and her willingness to go the extra mile make her a beloved part of this the team. in fact, she's a natural leader. taking on more responsibilities, learning basic maintenance and retears -- repairs so she might one day soon become a dgs maintenance mechanic. [applause] judy, i'm willing to write your letter of recommendation. [laughter] and i know a guy. [laughter] finish -- nearly a decade the of service to this state working in this very building.

and today is the first time that judy has ever watched a state of the state. please join me in applauding her years of service -- [applause] and she is representative of so many state workers who are serving without a full team behind them and beside them. the team they need and deserve a, the support the people of maryland need and deserve. right now maryland's government has nearly 10,000 vacancies. with just under 6100 in the executive branch alone. that means needs are not being

met. it means timelines for licensing and approvals are closer to the 19th century than they are to the 21st. it prevents people from opening up small businesses, from keeping our communities safe. and also while welcoming those back home who have paid their debt to society. [applause] it's keeping marylanders from getting the health care that they need. this isn't about creating big government. this is about creating a better one. ms. -- [applause] that means eliminating and consolidating the positions that are no longer needed and filling the ones that we desperately do. it's why i'm proud that my budget makes state government and going to state government a

more attractive place to work with competitive wage increases to fill positions like registered nurses and attorneys and emergency response technicians. because our work force, both public and private, it is the key to our state's future. [applause] and study after study tells us the same thing. every business across the country says their number one factor for relocation, for growing their companies where they are is a trained and educated work force. in this isn't something we need to create from scratch. that work force already exists. the state just needs to strategically use its assets and resources to unlock its potential. [applause] ..

no longer separate our vision for economic prosperity. from the duty to make maryland's public schools the best in the nation. [applause] [applause] these two things are inextricably linked. intuit she'd thousand twin goals we need more teachers and we need to do a better job supporting the educators we already have. [applause] [applause] this a pandemic dealt a serious blow to our education workforce. teachers are tired.

they are strange, they are overworked. and they need reinforcements here and now. that is why i am calling on the general assembly to pass the maryland educator shortage act to strengthen the pipeline of qualified teachers in our state. [applause] [applause] this bill will create new pathways to address the shortage of qualified teachers. giving our students the mentors and the leaders that they need to explore the full range of opportunities and emerging sectors. and no maryland or exemplifies the untapped potential of this policy than ronnie beers.

[applause] [applause] ronnie and a dresser to fresh dress, ronnie grew up go ahead frederick and teaches at oakdale school. representatives. originally he is planning on general counsel will setting at the eastern shore determined he wanted to help kids avoid the problems before they even start. under marilyn's or grow your own program he was introduced to the profession for he received a

scholarship for part of his tuition and internship. he is now a leader in frederick helping recruit more talented educators to step into the gap, ronnie, bless you for all of your leadership and all you do. [applause] ronnie's story of using an alternative pathway towards a rewarding profession is a guide to protect guide how we grow our state. our state government has begun to accept real world experience as a substitute for a college education. [applause] and let's be clear is the smart and common sense approach to allow all marylanders to serve. but we have got to go further.

to rebuild state government and to give all marylanders an opportunity to be part of it, my administration will be look at current standards to make sure they meet the requirements for the job we must fill. while maryland is home to some of the greatest institutions of higher education affect each and every one of us should be very, very proud. we've got to end the myth young people must attend one in order to be successful. [applause] [applause] that does not have to be the path for every student. it's what is in my path and i know i am not alone, come on cornbread. [laughter] [applause] and i tell you, today listen

were not the only ones. today we are actually joined by another remarkable young man with us exemplifies why. jefferson vazquez reyes. [applause] jefferson is a freshman of montgomery college. like me, he is on the path to graduate from a two-year college. like myself and our extraordinary lieutenant governor rona miller. [applause] he is a child of immigrants who

came maryland for a better life. they had to forgo their education to the war and homelessness in el salvador. as a 12-year-old child he became the patient advocate for his mother, his grandmother who were in and out of the hospital. witnessing the power of a doctor who understands his family's culture and was able to communicate with his grandmother and her native tongue. he has decided to step up and serve his community by becoming a doctor. [applause] [applause]

things to scholarship and funding he is on his way to achieve his dream. we are so proud of you, rozzi us. i tell you, story and commitment to our state exemplify why this state is so powerful and why the state is so special. we know that right now and again thank you so much we honor you and we honor your family. [applause] and education as you demonstrate can take on many forms. it's i saw that when i was in the military, why i learn life skills of leadership and discipline, determination, waking up early. [laughter] how to do a proper push-up. i learned that with this and

along those lines we cannot talk about service our veterans in my military families. [applause] [applause] american service members and their families had taken an oath to protect the constitution was to families at guard this nation but put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. if your veteran's chamber right now would you please cancel they had recognized for service? [applause] [applause] and by the way, side note, i

like to quickly note that people who we just saw standing come from both sides of the aisle. [applause] i like to note no party has the market cornered on patriotism and sacrifice. [applause] and now we stand, we stand for people like angela mccullough. [applause] bless you. angela is retired air force master sgt. [applause] so for those who don't know the master sergeants when one you did all the work. [laughter] is also the owner and ceo of maryland based tri- logistics.

[applause] she served our country in the air force for 23 years. [applause] and when she finished that's our time in the military, she saw a lot of promise and maryland and she decided this is where she was going to call home. as an employer she believes our workforce and geography helps that her company up for success. she is an example of what our state needs more of. i with budget $40000 exemption on retirement she will be able to put that money back in her business, hire people and grow our economy. [applause]

[applause] and 40000 veterans like her will see their retirement income tax cut as well. angela, we're so thankful not to sue your service to this country but your service to the state. god bless you and thank you, thank you. the challenge has always been that many veterans do their service but then choose to live their lives elsewhere. marilyn should be no states they are lifelong contributors by the

way lifelong taxpayers. with more than three or 62000 veterans it is not something we can do tomorrow but some parts of our state today. the time to make it happen as now and together we are going to get this done. [applause] and maryland on the past eight years we've seen a rise in violent crime. and during this time law enforcement step in the gap to keep our communities safe. [applause] at the same time we've also seen incarceration for young black and boys in neighborhood fearful of the criminal and the forces sworn to protect them.

paraphrase scott fitzgerald to buy the way it's buried in rockville, maryland. he is not born there but he knew where he wanted to spend eternity. [laughter] we must hold these two contradicting items together at the same time. a beat determined to make them otherwise. someone here today does exactly that. marsha will you please stand? as a resident of baltimore, county.

the whole state actually. she has worked in for 27 years he's worked in the department of corrections. the county police department and now the detention center. her work in short is to be a guide, a mentor and a friend. they are now reentering society. [applause] [applause] she helped them build relationships and also develop

life skills so they can succeed. whether it workforce training or learning to drive. but she does so much more than that. if they need a safe place to stay she locates a home for them. they are in need of close, she finds him a jacket. people she helps to get back on their feet. and frankly that is an untold amount of good for them and for all of us. [applause] [applause] god bless you for your service and always believing in the others. thank you very much, thank you. [applause]

these men and women like marsha deserve our gratitude. and our respect let's thank them with more than our applause. let's thank them with action. to recruit parole officers for more than $30 million to get our state and resin advisors for juveniles. [applause] these workers help people ensure those who are reentering society are successful. and then can get back to it. this will not only make it safer is going to make us stronger. in the time support that work is now.

as melissa final piece i want to touch on today. a collective bipartisan pledge to end child poverty in the state of maryland. [applause] [applause] no group, no group deserves our help more than the children of maryland. in a state with the highest median income in the country one in eight of her children live in poverty. how can we expect to fill their minds with ideas when they can't fill their stomachs with food? how can they rise above their

station if their life is a constant state of deprivation? we can and we will end child poverty in the state of maryland. [applause] and that mission, that mission begins this year right now and during this legislative session. now i know this is an ambitious goal and audacious goal. and i know there are skeptics. note there are people i'm going to be fair. it's all they've ever known. but today we refuse to accept

that. now for the day we make the decision maryland is going to lead the way. it shined a light on the possibilities we should achieve this goal. my very good friend would you please stand up? ryan is a chief financial officer of one of maryland most successful in impactful technology companies. should i say it again? you all are doing so well you don't need it, you don't need it. he also cofounded social enterprise foundation that brings young people who are facing the most significant opportunity in achievement gaps in our state across that divide.

now, many of you look at ryan and you know him as an accomplished business leader. a dedicated mentor and a strong partner in our communities. what is less known about ryan is that he grew up in crippling poverty. his parents battled a pain pill addiction. his grades suffered. he went from being in a student to nearly dropping out. until a handful of caring teachers stepped into his life. [applause] they became an extended family. they brought a breakfast. they helped him with the laundry. they tutored him after school.

that same person went on to the naval academy. before something ran the state of maryland and near for 20 years ryan and his wife, sarah, have supported hundreds of her most economically vulnerable young people as they work to find their way to a better life. [applause] rends community steps in and ryan stepped up. and that is how it works. he now serves our state with grace and impact and humility. ryan, my dear friend we love

you. thank you for all you do for the states. [applause] the challenge of stories like ryan's childhood is that they are far too common. the promises of his adulthood is far too uncommon. there are legislatures this by the know what i'm talking about. legislators today who is remarkable and probable near ryan's. [applause] for many in this hall your success stories serve as more exceptions than rules. ending child poverty is not complicated buried the tools art exist to get us on our way.

there is no partisanship when it comes her child in need. so let's not allow us to fall into our traditional corners on this issue. permanently extending the enhanced earned income tax credit expanded the child tax credit is how we will begin. [applause] [applause] this push, this push will make nearly 40000 families eligible for one of the most successful child poverty tools that this country has ever seen. by reducing the number of children living in poverty and the severity of the poverty. we are changing what has long determine a kids future before they even have a say. this helps everyone for every dollar invested in credits like

these and economic benefits. the range has improved for children. for higher-quality children's health to reduce crime rates raise a 15-dollar we can lift more than one or 52000 children in maryland to the rung of the economic ladder. [applause] listen, we can get this done. if they change the trajectory for our state for decades to come. we can set up our children to win the next decade if we get rid of the policies that force hundreds of thousands of them to lose.

i want to end my remarks by taking a moment's to reflect. it's easy to get lost in the finer points of policy. turning bills into law. it's definitely impossible to get lost in the energy of maryland legislative session. when he served in elected office for decades, or whether you are new to this game, like me. [laughter] what i called for for the past 20 minutes or so they were not democratic beliefs. they weren't really partisan at all. they are the things we all hope for. they weren't urban or rural. they did not apply solely to the shore or the mountain.

because the same hope to end child poverty makes just as strong and baltimore as it is in develop. economic mobility has a home in dorchester just as it does and dickerson. making our government more effective and efficient is an ideal that's held in hartford and howard. these are collective goals. and the collective ideas. and the only way we are going to accomplish them is collectively. career and service is a difference making profession. we all want what is the best for the people we represent. everybody we represent. this is the righteous core of politics. this is the essence of why we do

the work. and it is why i am now asking you, begging and pleading you for your help. you believe in this work. i note many of the people around you, they believe in this work too. i cannot do this alone. we cannot do this alone. if we are going to execute on this vision. if we are going to make the state work again we need people willing to serve. we need talented individuals who put the whole before the self. we need folks like you. and in the days, and weeks, and months, and years ahead i will be calling on your partnership to find, recruit, elevate as a calling in maryland. i can tell you right now we are

off to a great start as our sucker site will not she not slept in about three weeks. in the past two weeks 2833 people have applied to join our administration. in the past week more than 1500 people marylanders have raised their hand to join able waived or a commission. untold numbers are getting involved in their local government, their >> organization the nonprofit is down the street from their home and creating new ones that we will soon know. people are signing up to serve. and i want them to keep signing up. we can be a state that rewards that celebrates the culture of service and we must be.

let us serve. let us serve together. people who entrust us with this solemn oath to put them before ourselves. it is an honor to stand before you. and it is an honor to stir beside you. god bless and maryland and let's get to work everybody. thank you so much