Friends,
I hope this reaches everyone in good health and everyone is taking the appropriate precautions when in public settings. These are very difficult and unprecedented times but if everyone is mindful, we will overcome. I would like to take a second to applaud all our essential workforce that have stayed the course through this pandemic and afforded the rest of us to still get necessary and vital supplies, services and treatments. You have my gratitude and thanks.
Recently, the Maryland Comptroller stated that Maryland is expecting to lose of $2.8 billion in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Employee withholdings generally contribute 45% of the state’s general fund and with the current shutdown statewide that percentage is expected to be cut by 22%. Sales tax revenues are expected to be reduced by more than 50% during this same period.
Everyone understands that this is an unprecedented pandemic, but the actions of Governor Hogan have not been consistent with the Republican Party for some time now and the way he has handled the statewide executive orders has and will do more harm than necessary. While the Coronavirus has hit certain areas hard in the state, other counties have a very low number of infected cases. The Governor’s one size fits all approach does not work. Mandating statewide executive orders does not properly or responsible approach the necessary needs of Marylanders. While the bulk of the Covid-19 is centralized in 5 counties at the core of the state, most of the surrounding counties have been minimally impacted. The precautions that are used in the greater Baltimore region might not be necessary in the surrounding areas. While then social distancing as well as P.P.E. are in my opinion required while in public there are a variety of areas and activities that are being regulated without common sense.
The current guideline is to remain home accept to conduct vital and essential activities. When in public you must exercise social distancing. This does not apply while in your home and with your immediate family. Many businesses, activities and tourist areas that are closed present no threat to the general public and still could function while adapting safety precautions to protect patrons. Some of these examples are boating, marinas, golf courses, gun ranges, parks, and beaches. Not being allowed to take your family out on the water in your own boat is a violation of our rights. What is the difference in sitting at home with the same members of your family verses being on the water inside a boat? Allowing citizens to get out of their homes and walk through parks while maintaining distance poses no threat. Privately owned golf courses could require customers to walk the entire course or 1 person per cart, ensuring distancing, rather than 2 patrons in a golf cart. With this pandemic we have seen a massive surge in gun sales, mostly first-time buyers. These new gun owners are purchasing these for personal protection but where will they become familiar with operating the weapon if the gun ranges are closed? Everyone has a right to defend themselves and family. Shutting down these types of activities will only do more harm to the business community and work force, especially in low risk areas. With the projected financial loss the state is already expecting, the impact on employers and their workforce will be devastating. The state needs to reopen our economy with common sense. The longer we wait to reopen in areas that pose little to no threat, the longer and harder it will be to recover. Unemployment cannot sustain a long recovery due to businesses dissolving. This is why I am calling on Governor Hogan to reopen the state with common sense and allow families and business owners to resume adjusted but familiar functions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns you may have. My email address is Rick.Impallaria@house.state.md.us and the phone number to my Annapolis office is 410-841-3289. Thank you!
Most Respectfully,
Rick Impallaria
Delegate, District Seven
Baltimore and Harford Counties
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns you may have.
Delegate Rick Impallaria
District 7, Baltimore & Harford Counties
Room 411, Lowe House Office Building
6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3289 Rick.Impallaria@house.state.md.us
Jonathan Coldiron
Chief of Staff
5 Punte Lane, Essex, MD 21220
(443) 823-3056 jcoldiron@house.state.md.us