Sen. Carozza call for special session on gas tax and crime

(July 20, 2023) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), who earlier 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 colleagues on both sides of the political aisle, and local state attorneys and law enforcement officials about the need to address the issues. She wants lawmakers to introduce bipartisan legislation that would penalize 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 judiciary officials 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 Republican colleagues last month to call for a special session to reduce the gas tax was a “heavy lift.”

“[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 outraged Marylanders who expect us to act now to keep our homes and communities safe.”

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

Snow Hill seeks booth workers

(July 20, 2023) The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help at a booth during the Blessing of the Combines next month. Organization members are looking for people to work the hamburger vendor table during the event, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 5th in Snow Hill. Featured activities include a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, a petting barnyard, a car show and tractor pull, hayrides, and more.

Multiple shifts are available for working on the hamburger vendor tent and those who want to work are asked to register online at blessingofthecombines.org/home, or email info@snowhillchamber.com.