On January 13, 2021, the Maryland General Assembly met in Annapolis to start this year's 90-day annual legislative session, as reported in the Baltimore Sun.
While the Sun states that the legislators are getting down to "the people's business," there is one important thing missing: the people.
Governor Larry Hogan said, “It looks like a ghost town here in Annapolis.”
Fears, tension, and excitement are high in the state capitol building in the wake of a year of pandemic fear, last week's storming of the nation's Capitol in D.C., and the recent impeachment of President Trump.
COVID protocols are in place, while lobbyists, activists, and other petitioners are banned from face-to-face meetings at the capitol. This keeps the people from their most effective means of democratic participation.
Yet Annapolis is moving forward with its priorities, "driven by the pandemic and persistent inequities in society," according to one legislator. Pandemic relief, police reform, sports betting, and even the state song are cast as worthy of attention, and some are certainly more worthy than others.
But there's not one item addressing the lack of balance between the federal government and Annapolis. Not one item addresses the great percentage of state funds whose allocation is dictated by D.C.
In this time of crisis, with massive layoffs, business closures, and general economic downturn, the Sun reports that while the state budget is not as bad as expected, "tough choices" must still be made.
Certainly choices must be made, but it must be Annapolis and the people of Maryland--not Washington--setting Maryland's priorities.
The federal government is out of control, steadily usurping responsibilities and means that belong in Annapolis, which is closer to the people than D.C. ever can be. But this year, the people are kept out.
We Marylanders must, therefore, work harder to overcome the barriers placed between us and our own legislature. Barriers set in place by our government itself. Barriers to our self-governance.
Maybe we aren't allowed in the halls of our state legislature this year, but we can still make a difference by becoming part of the process, by writing our representatives, and most importantly, by joining the grassroots team that's been working to save our constitutional form of government.
With a team to help you learn the skills and facts you need to make a difference, you won't be alone.
