On his first full day in office, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released $69 million in state funds to combat climate change, implement a program for paid family leave, lay the groundwork for a new legal marijuana industry and more.
Moore said the action symbolizes “a fundamental shift” in the way the executive branch will approach the budget and its relationship with the legislature. “We view the General Assembly as partners not adversaries,” Moore said.
Additionally, Moore signed executive orders, one updating ethics standards for the administration and the other creating a cabinet-level agency to oversee community service programs.
Earlier in the week, Moore announced picks for nine cabinet positions, filling out key roles including the heads of the departments of Housing, Environment, Planning and Commerce.
Appointments included Kevin Anderson as secretary of Commerce, Serena McIlwain as secretary of Environment, Josh Kurtz as secretary of Natural Resources, Jake Day as secretary of Housing and Community Development, Rebecca Flora as secretary of Planning and Kevin Atticks as the secretary of Agriculture.
