Sen. Carozza Calls calls for special session

(July 21, 2023) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), who recently called for a special legislative session to stop Maryland’s automatic 10 percent gas tax increase that went into effect July 1, renewed her support this week for the request, and added a push to address state gun violence.

According to a news release, Carozza wants members of the General Assembly to act now on moving legislation to address both issues.

“Over the Fourth of July holiday, we saw Maryland’s largest mass shooting in Baltimore that left two dead and 28 others wounded by gunfire and another shooting involving juveniles right here on the Shore in Wicomico County with one dead and six others wounded,” Carozza said in the release. “We in the Maryland General Assembly should take immediate action now and show a sense of urgency in passing meaningful legislation with accountability and consequences that goes after gun violence.”

Carozza added that she has talked to Gov. Wes Moore (D), her Senate

REAL ESTATE REPORT

colleagues on both sides of the political aisle, and local state’s attorneys and law enforcement officials about the need to take address the issues.

lican colleagues last month to call for a special session to reduce the gas tax was a “heavy lift.” outraged Marylanders who expect us to act now to keep our homes and communities safe.”

Mary Beth Carozz

She wants lawmakers to introduce bipartisan legislation that penalizes repeat violent offenders, and restores law enforcement officials’ ability to search vehicles for illegal guns and speak with juvenile suspects.

Carozza said Maryland General Assembly members have passed legislation, which she has opposed, that makes it more difficult for law enforcement and the judiciary to hold juvenile offenders accountable.

“Urgent matters call for urgent action,” she said in the release. “This dramatic spike in juvenile gun violence across the State of Maryland more than justifies a Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly.”

She added that joining her Repub-

“[But I] believed there was an opening with the Governor who indicated that he did not support an automatic gas tax increase,” she said. “This was before the mass shootings in Baltimore and in Wicomico County, and now we’re hearing from

She added that if Moore and the chamber leaders decide not to hold special session this summer or fall, then lawmakers will “keep pushing for bipartisan, commonsense crime legislation that goes after repeat violent offenders.”

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 21, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following during their meeting on Tuesday:

The commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Delmarva Veteran Builders for $391,000 to remodel the Berlin Roads Division building. Funding for the project was