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Maryland lawmakers debate creating a Department of Social Equity to centralize equity programs
Summary
Speaker Adrienne Jones asked the House Appropriations Committee to give House Bill 12-53 a favorable report, saying the bill would create a Maryland Department of Social Equity to centralize multiple equity offices and improve access to services for disadvantaged individuals and small businesses.
Speaker Adrienne Jones told the House Appropriations Committee she sponsored House Bill 12-53 to create a Maryland Department of Social Equity, a cabinet-level agency that would centralize several existing state equity efforts.
"By streamlining state government, we are breaking down barriers to ensure that disadvantaged individuals and small businesses can find and access the opportunities they need at the state, federal, and local levels," Jones said in opening remarks. She said the bill would give "equity a literal seat at the table."
Jeremy Baker, the governor's chief legislative officer, described how current programs are scattered across multiple offices. "Currently, state…
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