Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast

On Thursday, November 16th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by Harford Community College. The event featured a panel of Maryland Delegates and Senators to discuss priorities for the 2024 Maryland Legislative Session beginning in January 2024. The panel consisted of Delegate Teresa Reilly, District 35A; Delegate Mike Griffith, District 35A; Delegate Susan McComas, District 34B; Senator J.B. Jennings, District 7; and Senator Jason Gallion, District 35.

Harford Chamber Board Chair, Brianne Bacarro Norris of Weyrich, Cronin, Sorra, welcomed guests and recognized dignitaries in attendance. Dr. Theresa Felder, President of Harford Community College offered sponsor remarks, and Betsy Campion, past chair of the Harford Chamber board and owner of Campion Insurance, led the prayer and pledge. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly shared opening remarks, thanking the senators and delegates for their dedication and cooperation to pass legislation in the best interest for Harford County. 

The panel answered questions regarding key issues brought forth by local businesses and nonprofits. Key issues included budget deficits, the introduction of new taxes, criminal justice and public safety, and workforce development and technology. Senator Jennings started the panel discussion on budget deficits and shared that Maryland citizens will push back on any tax increases, so increasing transactional fees might be a more likely route to make up budget deficits. Delegate Griffith added that he hopes the administration will also consider cutting spending where possible, a sentiment echoed by Delegate Reilly. Delegate McComas and Senator Gallion discussed new taxes on electric vehicles, including registration fees and mileage taxes. Delegate Griffith shared the negative impacts of recent juvenile justice legislation and shared that he hopes to revisit the legislation this session to help mitigate its current effects. A discussion regarding benefits to Harford County now that Baltimore has been named a tech-hub focused around Harford Community College’s emphasis on workforce development and the technological advancements made at Aberdeen Proving Ground. 

The Chamber would like to thank all of the event sponsors: Harford Community College, Baltimore Gas & Electric, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Towson University in Northeastern Maryland, Constellation – Conowingo Dam, Harford Roofing Services, and Voices of Hope Maryland.