Bill would create multi‑year state funding stream for Maryland community action agencies

Favor Obasiolu of Senator Gazzoni’s office introduced Senate Bill 666 as a measure to establish consistent, dedicated state funding for Maryland’s community action agencies, which the presenters described as partners that help families secure employment, housing stability and economic opportunity.

“I am pleased to introduce Senate Bill 666. This bill ensures consistent and dedicated funding for community action agencies in Maryland, which serve as essential partners in helping families move from trying to make ends meet to success,” Favor Obasiolu said. The bill would create a progressive funding schedule starting at $500,000 in fiscal years 2027 and 2028 and rising to $7 million by fiscal year 2032, the sponsor said.

Tracy Broccolino, president of the Community Action Council of Howard County, described the agencies’ work in running early childhood education programs, weatherization and eviction prevention and said the agencies primarily serve employed residents who need supports to remain economically stable. “We are faithful partners and we are actually the ones your offices call when your constituents need assistance,” Broccolino said.

Angela Martin, CEO of the Maryland Community Action Partnership, said the statewide network serves more than 207,000 individuals annually and that federal funding delays have increased the need for state-level stability. “Senate Bill 666 would provide that sustainable funding to allow our agencies to continue the work that they do each and every day,” Martin said.

The sponsor asked the committee for a favorable report. No committee vote is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.