>> "STATE CIRCLE" IS MADE BY MPT TO SERVE ALL OF OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

>> CONNECTING MARYLANDERS.

TO THEIR GOVERNMENT.

THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE."

>> Jeff: GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO "STATE CIRCLE."

WE BEGIN THIS WEEK WITH COVERAGE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL SESSION.

YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS MAY BE CHANGING AS A RESULT OF NEW DISTRICTS APPROVED BY LEGISLATOR DESPITE A VETO FROM GOVERNOR HOGAN.

CHARLES ROBINSON BEGINS OUR COVERAGE.

>> IF YOU LOOK AT TODAY'S MAP, IT IS VERY SPREAD OUT.

IT'S ACROSS VARIOUS JURISDICTIONS.

THE 3rd DISTRICT CERTAINLY IS NOT THE BEST LOOKING DISTRIC IN THE COUNTRY.

>> SOME OF THE MOST GERRYMANDERED DISTRICTS IN AMERICA TODAY.

>> Charles: UNDER STATE STATUTE, THE LEGISLATURE IS REQUIRED TO DRAW THE CONGRESSIONAL MAPS AND DID SO THIS YEAR UNDER THE LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING ADVISORY COMMISSION, COMMONLY REFERRED WHO WAS R LRAC.

THE GOVERNOR REVIEWS AND APPROVES OR VETOES THE PROPOSAL.

THIS TIME THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED A COMMISSION WHICH CAME UP WITH ITS OWN MAP.

>> FOR THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND YOU WANT TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE PRECIOUS TO THE CITIZENS OF MARYLAND REDISTRICTING COMMISSION FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR STATE, AND I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR CONDUCTING THEIR BUSINESS WIN INTEGRITY AND COMPLETELY OPEN AND TRANSPARENT MANNER, MOST ESPECIALLY FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE -- AND FINALLY RESTORE FAIRNESS AND COMPETITIVENESS TO MARYLAND.

>> Charles: THERE WERE TWO CONCERNS BY THE MAPMAKERS.

THE FIRST WAS THE 1st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WHICH INCLUDED THE EASTERN SHORE AND NOW INCLUDES PART OF ANN RUBBLE COUNTY.

THE SECOND WAS OUT IN WESTERN MARYLAND WHICH USED TO BE A REPUBLICAN DISTRICT.

DURING A JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, A SINGLE MAP DRAWN BY LEGISLATIVE STAFF WAS APPROVED.

IT PASSED ALONG A DEMOCRATIC PARTY LINE VOTE.

IT WAS FORWARDED TO THE FLOOR OF BOTH CHAMBERS.

IN A LAST OF HAD MINUTE EFFORT, SUPPORTERS OF GOVERNOR TRIED TO INSERT HIS MAP.

>> WE HAVEN'T HAD REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS OFFERING OR BEING A PART OF THIS PROCESS.

>> THE PROGENITOR OF THIS MAP I WAS 2011 MAP THAT WAS APPROVED BY THE COURTS.

THERE ARE TRADITIONALLAL FACTORS OR PERMISSIBLE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DRAFTING A LEGISLATIVE MAP THAT THE COURT LOOK AT AND THAT THIS COMMITTEE LOOKED AT.

>> Charles: THE MEASURE FAILED IN BOTH CHAMBERS.

>> AND THIS IS ABOUT HAVING A MAP THAT IS -- YOU CAN LOOK AT AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR CONGRESS ALLEY DISTRICT IS, AND THE COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST ARE KEPT TOGETHER.

>> WE'VE -- WE'VE USED OUR DLS LAWYERS ALONG WITH IT TO COME UP WITH THE MOST FAIR MAP THAT WE KNOW CAN WIN IN A COURT CASE.

>> Charles: THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY.

DEMOCRATS HOLD VETO-PROOF MAJORITIES IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE CHAMBERS.

IN ANNAPOLIS, I'M CHARLES ROBINSON FOR "STATE CIRCLE."

>> Jeff: WE'LL HAVE ANALYSIS OF THE NEW MAP COMING UP, BUT FIRST, LAWMAKERS OVERRODE SEVERAL OTHER VETOES FROM THE GOVERNOR BUT NOT ALL OF THEM, AS SUE KOPEN TELLS US.

>> Sue: THERE WERE PLENTY OF BILLS.

I'M WAITING FOR LAWMAKERS TO TAKE ANOTHER SHOT AT THEM FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR'S VETO.

AMONG THE SUCCESSFUL VETO OVERRIDE, LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORTERS SAY WILL PROVIDE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH MORE FLEXIBLE WITH CUTTING TAXES.

>> ESSENTIALLY ALL THIS BILL DOES IS GIVE OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THE ABILITY TO GIVE TAX RELIEF TO THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS WHO WORKED SO HARD SUPPORTING US ALL DURING THIS COVID CHRISTS.

>> Sue: BUT SUPPORTERS OF THE GOVERNOR'S VETO WARNED OF THE CONSEQUENCES.

>> THEY'RE PROVIDING A MECHANISM TO ALLOW THE COUNTIES TO RAISE MORE AND MORE MONEY BECAUSE THIS BODY PUTS MORE AND MORE UNFUNDED MANDATES ON THEM.

THAT'S WHAT THIS BILL IS ABOUT.

>> Sue: ANOTHER BILL GETTING THE VOTES NECESSARY TO OVERRIDE THE GEIVER VETO WOULD REMOVE THE GOVERNOR FROM PAROLE STITIONS FOR INMATES WITH LIFE SENTENCES, LEAVING THOSE DECISIONS SOLELY IN THE HANDS OF THE STATE'S TEN-MEMBER PAROLE COMMISSION.

>> MEMBER INCARCERATES THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF BLACK MEN IN THIS COUNTRY AND HOLDS THEM FOR LONGER SENTENCES.

THIS BILL IS A MINOR STEP IN THE PROCESS OF CRIMMALAL NATURAL JUSTICE REFORMS THAT ARE NEEDED AND LONG OVERDUE IN MARYLAND TO FIX THIS SITUATION AND RIGHT THESE WRONGS.

>> Sue: LAWMAKERS ALSO VOTED TO OVERRIDE VOICE OF THE A PAIR OF GRATION IMMIGRATION-RELAYED BILLS THAT CALL ARE FOR LIPITZ ON ICE'S USE OF STATE DATABASES, PREVENT ACCOMPLICE FROM AND GO ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS DURING A TRAFFIC STOP AND FEDERAL JAILS CANNOT DETAIN.

WOOF COUNTY IS ONE OF THE THREE COUNTIES IN MARYLAND WHICH CURRENT HAVE SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT WITH ICE.

>> THE FAMILIES THAT ARE GOING TO BE IMPACTED ARE 26 FAMILIES IN WORCESTER COUNTY.

THOSE FOLKS ARE GOING TO BE OUT OF A JOB.

AND THOSE JOBS ARE GOING TO BE MOVED ACROSS THE STATE LINE.

THEY'RE GOING TO BE LOST TO YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, AND TO CAROL PLINE COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

THAT'S THE REALITY OF IT.

>> Sue: BUT SUPPORTERS OF THE OVERRIDE SAY THE LEGISLATION WILL HELP WITH IMPROVING RELATIONS WITH THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY.

>> THIS IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD FOR MAKING SURE THAT IMMIGRANTS FEEL WELCOME HERE, THAT IMMIGRANT FEEL SAFE HERE, THAT THEY CAN CALL ON THE POLICE FOR HELP IF THEY NEED IT.

>> Sue: A FEW OF THE BILLS VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR DID NOT COME UP FOR OVERRIDE VOSE, INCLUDING A SENATE BILL THAT DECRIME ANALYZED USE OR POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.

THE SENATE VOTED TO DEFINITELY POSTPONE ACTION TO THAT DILL BILL DURING THE SPECIAL SESSION.

>> THERE IS A REALLY COMPLICATED ISSUE AND I KNOW PEOPLE ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT.

IT'S IMPORTANT AS WE MOVE FORWARD THAT WE DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, THAT WE ADDRESS IT IN THE APPROPRIATE FASHION.

>> Sue: AND THAT WILL LIKELY MEAN ELK THATTING IT JUST A FEW WEEKS FROM NOW WHEN LAWMAKERS RETURN TO START OF THE 2022 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION.

IN ANNAPOLIS, SUE KOPEN FOR "STATE CIRCLE."

>> Jeff: MARYLAND WILL HAVE A NEW TREASURER SELECTED BY THE LEGISLATURE YESTERDAY.

NANCY YAMADA HAS THAT STORY.

>> IT IS WITH A GREAT DEAL OF HUMILITY AND A SPIRIT THINKING OF THAT I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY AS TREASURY-ELECT FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

>> Nancy: IT WAS A NEAR UNANIMOUS VOTE.

>> THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS SELECTED THE HONORABLE DIRK E. DAVIS!

>> Nancy: 27 YEARS AFTER ARRIVING IN ANNAPOLIS, DELEGATE DERECK DAVIS, A DEMOCRAT FROM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY AND CHAIR OF THE HOUSE ECONOMIC MATTERS COMMITTEE, IS MOVING OH TO BECOME THE NEXT STATE TREASURER.

HIS OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STATE'S FINANCES, INVESTMENTS AND PENSION FUNDS.

DAVIS WILL ALSO HOLD ONE OF THREE SEATS ON THE STATE'S BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ALONGSIDE THE GOVERNOR AND COMPTROLLER, WHILE ADDRESSING LAWMAKERS WITH DAVIS ACKNOWLEDGED THE OUTGOING TREASURER OF NEARLY 20 YEARS, NANCY KOPP AND HER CHIEF DEPUTY.

>> THEY'VE BEEN GREAT FOR ME, AS I'VE BEEN CALL AND JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE OAFS, WHAT IT DOES, AND I JUST -- OFFICE AND WHAT IT DOES.

I JUST WANT TO THEY WILL THEM, LADIES, ME AND MANY OTHERS MAY FILL YOUR SPACE BUT WE'LLNER TAKE YOUR PLACE.

>> Nancy: TREASURE ECO-DAVIS WILL BRINGS HAD YOU EXPERIENCE AND VISION TO THE OFFICE AS MARYLAND CLOSED ON THE THE FILL YEAR WITH A $2.5 BILLION SURPLUS THANKS IN LARGE PART FOR AN INGESTION OF FEDERAL AID DURING THE PANDEMIC IN HIS PARTING WORDS THE 52 FATHER OF TWO REFLECTED ON HIS TIME THE IN LEGISLATURE.

>> YOU PUSHED ME TO BE AS PREPARED AND AS KNOWLEDGEABLE AS I COULD POSSIBLY BE, TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF.

>> Nancy: I'M NANCY YAMADA FOR "STATE CIRCLE"."

>> Jeff: NOW FOR ANALYSIS OF MARYLAND'S NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP, WE'RE JOINED BY POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR TODD EBERLY OF ST. MARY'S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, LET'S START WITH YOUR OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THIS NEW MAP.

>> Todd Eberly: IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE OLD MAP.

FOR ALL OF THE TALK MAKING IT CLEANER AND MORE EXACT, IN MANY WAYS IT RESEMBLES THE OLD MAP.

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE, OF COURSE, IS THAT THE IRS EVER 1st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WHICH WAS THE ONE SAFE REPUBLICAN DISTRICT HAS NOW BEEN TURNED INTO A COMPETITIVE DISTRICT THAT CROSSES THE BAY BRIDGE FROM THE EASTERN SHORE INTO ANNAPOLIS.

THE HOPE BEING THAT IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR ANDY HARRIS, THE SOLE REPUBLICAN IN OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, TO WIN RE-ELECTION.

BUT IT'S STILL A HEAVILY GERRYMANDERED MAP.

>> Jeff: ALL RIGHT.

LET'S GO TO THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF 1st DISTRICT BECAUSE TEN YEARS AGO THE DEMOCRATS PLAN WAS TO CRAM EVERY REPUBLICAN THEY COULD INTO THAT DISTRICT TO MAKE IT INTO A 7-1 MAP.

THEY WOULD HAVE LOVED TO GET TO 8-0.

IF YOU'RE -- AND MAYBE THEY HAVE.

IF YOU'RE ANDY HARRIS' CAMPAIGN MANAGER AND YOU LOOK AT THIS NEW DISTRICT, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> Todd Eberly: WELL, THIS IS A DISTRICT THAT UNDER THE CURRENT MAP WENT FOR DONALD TRUMP BY ABOUT 20 POINTS IN THE LAST ELECTION.

UNDER THE NEWLY PROPOSED MAP, IT WOULD BECOME A DISTRICT THAT NARROWLY WENT FOR JOE BIDEN.

SO THAT REALLY DOES MAKE IT FAR MORE COMPETITIVE IN ANY YEAR THAT'S A GOOD DEMOCRATIC YEAR.

AND MOSTAL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ARE GOOD DEMOCRATIC YEARS.

IN MARYLAND ANDY HARRIS AND HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER, THE BEST THAT THEY CAN HOPE FOR IS THAT JOE BIDEN'S APPROVAL RATING STAYS IN THE 40s AND THAT YOU HAVE SORT OF THE BACKLASH LIKE WHAT YOU SAW IN NEW JERSEY OR VIRGINIA BOOSTING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES.

I MEAN, THAT'S THE BEST PROTECTION THAT HARRIS WOULD HAVE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THAT DISTRICT.

>> Jeff: DOES WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A PRIMARY AT ALL?

>> Todd Eberly: WE PROBABLY STILL DOESN'T HAVE TO WITH OUR AS MUCH ABOUT A PRIMARY.

PRIMARY VOTERS TEND TO COME FROM THE FEATER'S BASE BE MORE CONSERVATIVE ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, MORE LIBERAL ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, SO I THINK HE'S SAFE IN A PRIMARY.

HIS DANGER IS THIS IS A DISTRICT NOW THAT HAS MORE COLLEGE COLLEGE-EDUCATED SUBURBAN VOTERS, FOR INSTANCE, AND THEY REALLY BROKE AGAINST DONALD TRUMP IN 2020 AND IN 2018 AGAINST REPUBLICANS.

SO HIS GREATEST THREAT IS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

>> Jeff: DEMOCRATS IN THE LEGISLATURE STAYED TOGETHER ON THIS WITH ONE EXCEPTION, SO THEY HAVE THE VOTES TO OVERRIDE A POTENTIAL VETO.

ARE THERE ANY LEGAL ISSUES?

YOU'RE A POLITICAL SCIENTIST, NOT A LAWYER, BUT DO YOU SEE ANYTHING HERE THAT A STATE COURT OR A FEDERAL COURT MIGHT HAVE TROUBLE WITH?

THE IDEA THAT THE 1st DISTRICT GOES ACROSS THE BAY BRIDGE MAY LOOK FUNNY, BUT IT'S NOT UNPRECEDENTED.

>> Todd Eberly: NO, NOT AT ALL.

IN FACT, A COUPLE OF DECADES AGO THAT DISTRICT CROSSED OVER FROM SOUTHERN MARYLAND TO THE EASTERN SHORE, SO WHEN YOU HAVE BODIES OF WATER DIVIDING YOUR STATE, THEY DON'T OF TO BE TECHNICALLY CONNECTED BY LAND.

I'M SURE THERE WILL BE COURT CASES.

THERE WILL PROBABLY BE COURT CASES QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT MINORITY VOTERS ARE TREATED FAIRLY BY THE THIS MAP, THE COURTS HAVE BEEN CENTER RELUCTANT TO WEIGH INTO REDISTRICTINGDISTRICTING MATTERS WHERE VOTING RIGHTS CHALLENGES TEN YEARS AGO THAT ULTIMATELY DIDN'T SUCCEED.

SO I DON'T KNOW, ASIDE FROM A REFERENDUM OVERTURNING THE MAP, I DON'T SEE THERE'S MUCH THAT CAN STOP IT.

>> Jeff: IT'S REALLY INTERESTING, THE ROLE REVERSAL STUFF.

DEMOCRATS IN ANNAPOLIS HAVE BEEN GETTING SLAMMED OVER THE LAST LAST WEEK BY BOOED GOVERNMENT GROUPS, THE WASHINGTON POST EDITORIAL PAGE FOR DRAWING A MAP THAT'S VERY FAVORABLE TO DEMOCRATS.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE ISSUE NATIONALLY, THOUGH, IT'S REVERSED AND DEMOCRATS BEING THE AGGRIEVED PARTY, PERHAPS, ABOUT REPUBLICAN GERRYMANDERING IN STATES THEYAL CONTROL.

SO ON BALANCE NATIONALLY, WITHAL CONTROL OF CONGRESS VERY CLOSE, WHO IS WINNING OR LOSING HERE?

>> Todd Eberly: I MEAN, REPUBLICANS STILL HAVE THE UPPER HAND WHEN IT COMES TO REDISTRICTING, AND IT WILL PROBABLY NET THEM A COUPLE OF SEATS.

I THINK HONESTLY THAT THE BEST THING THAT DEMOCRATS IN MARYLAND COULD DO IS JUST COME CLEAN AND ADMIT THE FACT THAT IN STATES THAT ARE CONTROLLED BY REPUBLICANS, WE HAVE SEEN THE MAPS IN TEXAS, WISCONSIN AND NORTH CAROLINA, FOR INSTANCE, REPUBLICANS ARE USING THIS POWER TO BOOST, TO MAXIMIZE THEIR SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

DEMOCRATS SHOULD JUST ADMIT THAT WE'RE NOT WILLING TO UNILATERALLY DISARM AND GIVE REPUBLICANS THAT ADVANTAGE, AND I THINK THAT THAT WOULD COME ACROSS AS FAR MORE GENUINE THAN ATTEMPTING TO SELL THIS MAP AS SOMETHING THAT'S BETTER OR MORE FAIR THAN THE MAP THAT PRECEDED IT.

>> Jeff: A LITTLE POLITICAL THEORY HERE.

DOES THE FREE RANGE GERRYMANDER GERRYMANDERING THAT THE COURTS HAVE ALLOWED, BASICALLY NOT PUTTING ANY LIMITS ON DRAWING A DISTRICT FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES, DOES IT CHANGE DEMOCRACY?

IF YOU WIND UP WITH POTENTIALLY FEWER SWING DISTRICTS, THE ELECTION OF FEWER MODERATE DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS TO CONGRESS, IS THAT A PROBLEM OR THAT OVERBLOWN?

>> Todd Eberly: NO, I THINK IT IS A PROBLEM.

THINK ABOUT IT FROM A COUPLE OF PERSPECTIVES.

FROM ONE PERSPECTIVE, THE WHOLE POINT OF GERRYMANDERING LIKE THIS IS TO MAKE YOUR OPPONENT'S VOTERS IRRELEVANT.

YOU'RE BASICALLY DRAWING THEM OUT OF ELECTORAL REPRESENTATION, SO, OF COURSE, THAT HAS AN EFFECT.

THE OTHER EFFECT THAT IT HAS IS IT MEANS THAT PEOPLE RUNNING FOR OFFICE FOR INCUMBENTS, IF THEY'RE IN A SAFE DISTRICT, THE ONLY FEAR THEY HAVE IS BEING CHALLENGED IN A PRIMARY, AND THAT MEANS FOR A REPUBLICAN THEY'RE LIKELY TO BE CHALLENGED FROM THE RIGHT, FOR A DEMOCRAT THEY'RE LIKELY TO BE CHALLENGED FROM THE LEFT, SO IT HELPS TO MAXIMIZE THE DIVIDE BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.

MORE COMPETITIVE DISTRICT WOULD MEAN THAT BOTH CANDIDATES HAD TO WORRY ABOUT PLEASING THE GENERAL ELECTORATE, AND PERHAPS RUNNING A BIT MORE TOWARD THE MIDDLE IN ORDER TO SEEK RELEASING RERE-ELECTION SO IT, OF COURSE, HAS A AN IMPACT ON YOUR DEMOCRACY.

>> Jeff: WHAT TOMS NEXT IN MARYLAND?

EARLY JANUARY IS LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING, SO INSTEAD OF CONGRESSIONALLAL MAP, THIS IS THE MAP THAT DETERMINES SENATORS AND DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE PROCESS IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

IT STARTS WITH THE GOVERNOR WHO PROPOSES A MAP, AND IF THE RETURNS DOESN'T PASS SOMETHING ELSAL IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SESSION, THE GOVERNOR'S MAP WOULD TAKE EFFECT.

SO DEMOCRATS HAVE TO STAY UNITED, AND THE GOVERNOR HAS TO FOUND A WAY TO SPLIT THE DEMOCRATS SOMEHOW.

DOES HE HAVE ANY HOPE OF DOING THAT?

>> Todd Eberly: I THINK IT WILL BE VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

MARYLAND STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS ARE IN MANY RESPECTS, AS GERRYMANDERED AS THE CONGRESSIONALLAL DISTRICT.

THE DRAWING OF THOSE DISTRICTS REALLY HELPS TO MAINTAIN THE VETO-PROOF MAJORITY THAT DEMOCRATS HAVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND I CAN'T IMAGINE THEY'RE GOING TO BE OPEN TO ANY MAP THAT THREATENS THAT.

>> Jeff: OUR THANKS TO PROFESSOR EBERLY.

NOW AN UPDATE ON MARYLAND'S INCREASING COVID CASES.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 1,027 PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL.

THAT NUMBER HAS DOUBLED OVER THE LAST THREE WEEKS.

VACCINATION BOOSTER SHOTS ARE NOW AUTHORIZED FOR EVERYONE AGE 16 AND UP.

NEARLY 1.2 MILLION BOOSTER DOSES HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED SO FAR.

OUR "NEWSMAKER" THIS WEEK IS DR. SHANAYSHA SAULS, THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

DR. SAULS, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES.

>> Dr. Joshua Sharfstein: WONDER FUL.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, JEFF.

SO THE BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ALSO KNOWN AS BCF IS THE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FOUNDED FOR AND BY THE PEOPLE OF BALTIMORE.

WE ARE A GROUP OF HUNDREDS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS THAT ARE MOBILIZED TO SUPPORT NON-PROFITS NON-PROFITS, PROJECTS AND PEOPLE TO HELP MAKE THE CITY BETTER, AND WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 50 YEARS.

>> Jeff: IT'S LIKE A FEDERATION OF SMALLER FUNDS.

WHY DO THEY WORK TOGETHER?

IS THAT FOR EFFICIENCIES OR COMMONALITY OF GOALS?

AND HOW MUCH OF THE GIVING IS COMBINED?

>> Shanaysha Sauls: SO THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN REASONS.

NUMBER ONE, IT IS FOR EFFICIENCY AND EASE.

RIGHT?

MOST OF US DON'T HAVE THE TIME, INCLINATION OR THE RESOURCES TO HAVE OUR OWN PRIVATE FOUNDATION, BUT WE STILL HAVE -- TAX, AND WE STILL WANT TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE TAX DEMANDS, AND SO THE BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ALLOWS TO YOU SET UP YOUR OWN DONOR ADVISED FUND.

WE TAKE CARE OF ALL THE BACK OFFICE WORK, AND WE MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE Is ARE DOTD AND ALL THE COMPLIANCE IS DONE AND WE CAN HELP YOU JUST WRITE THE CHECKS BY CALLING, SENDING AN EMAIL, WE SEND OUT THE CHECKS TO THE NON-PROFITS, SO THAT'S FIRST.

SECONDLY, PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BRING THEIR MONEY TO US BECAUSE OUR EXPERTISE SPECIFICALLY AROUND SPOTLIGHTING THE BEST CAUSES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT THE BALTIMORE COMMUNITY.

WHAT WE FIND IS THAT OUR FUND HOLDERS ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE THAT THEIR CHARITABLE DOLLARS ARE MOBILIZED TO MAKE THE CITY AND THE REGION A BETTER PLACE.

SO IT'S EASE AND IT'S LOVE OF BALTIMORE.

GREAT COMBINATION.

>> Jeff: AND THIS COMBINATION'S BEEN WORKING FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS YEARS, RIGHT.

>> Shanaysha Sauls: IT HAD THAT'S RIGHT, WE'RE YOUNG AND SCRAPPY, AS THEY SAY.

JUST 50 YEARS NEXT YEAR.

>> Jeff: SO WHAT ARE THE BEST CAUSES?

AND THE BEST APPROACHES TO DEALING WITH PROBLEMS?

WE'RE HEADING INTO THE TIME OF YEAR NEAR THE HOLIDAYS, PEOPLE GETTING IN A GIVING MOOD.

THAT'S PART OF IT.

YOU MENTIONED THE TAX INCENTIVES FOR MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS.

PEOPLE START THINKING MORE CHARITABLY.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TO FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION?

>> Shanaysha Sauls: GREAT QUESTION.

TIMING IS PERFECT.

IN A TYPICAL YEAR ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT HAD A TYPICAL YEAR IN A COUPLE OF YEARS, 70 CENTS ON EVERY DOLLAR COMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR, SO 70 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR COMES TO THE FOUNDATION AND GOES OUT TO THE COMMUNITY DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, SO THIS IS PEAK TIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE THINKING ABOUT GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

SO OUR FUND HOLDERS AND DONORS CARE ABOUT ALL MANNER OF THINGS.

SO WE HAVE QUITE A NUMBER WHO ABOUT THE ARTS AND CULTURE, RURAL INSTITUTIONS.

SOME CARE ABOUT BASIC HUMAN SERVICES, FOOD, HOMELESS.

OTHERS CARE ABOUT YOUTH AND EDUCATION.

AND WE ARE ABLE TO SUPPORT ALL KIND OF GIVING, AND WE CONTINUE TO DO SO YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT.

WHAT WE'VE SEEN OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS IS REALLY A KEEN INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE THAT BALTIMOREANS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN INSULATED FROM THE EFFECTS OF COVID, WHETHER IT IT IS THROUGH JOB LOSS OR NOT HAVING ACCESS TO FOOD, BASIC HUMAN SERVICES, BEING CAUGHT IN THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, WE HAVE OUR FUND HOLDERS THAT ARE GIVING TO THOSE KIND OF EFFORTS.

SO WE'VE SEEN THAT A LOT OVER THE LAST' 18 MONTHS, AND MORE RECENTLY WHAT'S INTERESTING IS WE'RE GETTING A LOT OF CALLS ABOUT HOW THEY CAN SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH.

WE HAVE ALL BEEN IN ONE BIG MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS, AS WE RUN THIS MARATHON, THAT DOES NOT APPEAR TO REALLY HAVE A CLEAR END IN SIGHT.

AND IT'S CAUSED A LOT OF STRAIN.

IT'S CAUSED STRAIN OUR SCHOOLS, ON OUR SOCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTIONS, ON OUR PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS BUT ALSO JUST IN YOUR BASIC LACK OF CONNECT, AND SO WE SEE DONORS REALLY WANTING TO STEP UP TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO BOTH CLINICAL WORK BUT ALSO PROVIDE THE WELLNESS.

>> Jeff: HOW DO YOU INTERSECT WITH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR CAUSES, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH?

THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE PANDEMIC HAS SEEMED TO STEP UP IN A LOT OF WAYS, ALLOCATING MORE MONEY FOR DIFFERENT PROBLEMS.

HOW EFFECTIVELY, FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HAS THE GOVERNMENT BEEN ABLE TO HELP?

AND WHERE CAN YOU STEP IN?

>> Shanaysha Sauls: SO THIS IS A GREAT QUESTION.

SO GOVERNMENT HAS, FORE ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, THE LARGEST PURSE.

RIGHT?

SO PHILANTHROPY SERVES AS BEING PROOF OF CONCEPT OR SOMETIMES WE'LL FILL IN GAPS WHERE THERE MAY NOT BE PUBLIC ATTENTION, GOVERNMENT ATTENTION OR RESOURCES DIRECTED.

WHAT WE FOUND DURING THE PANDEMIC, PARTICULARLY AMONG OURAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WERE PARTNERING WITH BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN ORDER TO MOBILIZE FUNDS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES THAT WERE HARD TO REACH.

FOR EXAMPLE, WE PARTNERED WITH BALTIMORE COUNTY GOVERNMENT JUST OVER THE SUMMER WHEN THEY RECEIVED ABOUT $2.4 MILLION FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE DOLLARS WENT TO NON-PROFITS SERVING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS IN THE COUNTY.

WE ALSO PARTNER WITH BALTIMORE CITY, PARTICULARLY AROUND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, AS WE KNOW THAT 40% OF BALTIMORE ANSWERED AREANS ARE DISCONNECTED AND GIVEN THE FACT THAT WE ARE RAUL BANISHED TO OUR HOMES OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS, WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE HAD ACCESS TO ESSENTIALLY QUALITY OF LIFE AND BASIC CARE THROUGH THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, AND IN THOSE WAYS WE'VE WORKED WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THAT I THINK GOVERNMENT PROCESSES BECOME MORE NIMBLE.

MONEY IS COMING OUT OF THE WOODWORK, AS WE KNOW FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

A LOT OF THAT IS BEING FACILITATED HOLE LOCALLY.

AND SO COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS LUBE BCF AND OTHER FOUNDATIONS ARE CONSULTING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE DOLLARS ARE GETTING WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED THE MOST.

>> Jeff: YOU MENTIONED THE PHRASED "PROOF CONCEPT" WHICH I GUESS MEANS IF SOMEBODY HAS AN IDEA TO WORK ON A SPECIFIC PROBLEM, IF IT'S DIGITAL DIVIDE OR HOMELESS OR FOOD INSECURITY, THEY MIGHT GET A RELATIVELY SMALL BRANT FROM YOU TO GO OUT FOR A YEAR OR TWO, BUT THE MONEY TO WORK AND COME BACK WITH PROOF THAT WHAT YOU HAVE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING BEFORE WITH THE IDEA THAT THEN MORE RESOURCES, GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE, CAN BE ALLOCATED?

>> Shanaysha Sauls: THAT'S RIGHT, THAT'S RIGHT.

AND I THINK THE TWO EXAMPLES YOU RAISE DOLLARS PERFECT.

IF WE THINK ABOUT THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, WE SOW KNOW IT IS NO LONGER A CHOICE TO CONNECT PEOPLE THROUGH THE INTERNET AND MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE DEVICES IN ORDER TO ACCESS AN ENTIRE WORLD THAT'S OUT THERE.

THERE ARE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS THAT NEED TO BE MADE, HOT SPOTS, DEVICES, ALL OF GUERILLA CAMPAIGN TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE CAN QUICKLY ACCESS INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE.

PHILANTHROPY WAS AT THE FOREFRONT.

BCF AND OTHER FOUNDATIONS IN THE BALTIMORE REGION.

AS WE SORT OF TOOK A STEP BACK AND THOUGHT LARGER, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT HOT SPOTS OR TEMPORARY BAND-AID FIX, THAT WE REALLY NEED TO LEVERAGE ALL OF OUR ASSETS, ALL OF OUR KNOWLEDGE WITH, WORKING WITH THE LARGE INTERNET PROVIDERS TO SEE HOW WE CONNECT EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, EVERY HOUSEHOLD BECAUSE, AGAIN, THIS IS NOW THE INFRASTRUCTURE UPON WHICH WE LIVE.

THE SECOND AREA IS FOOD.

WE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT FOOD.

SO IMAGINE LET'S GO BACK TO MARCH, APRIL 2020 WHEN WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT COVID WAS, HOW IT SPREAD, FILL IN THE BLANKS, FILL IN THE BLANKS, AND JUST GOING TO A FOOD PANTRY WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU COULD SAFELY DO.

SO WE HAD TO RETHINK BOTH DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND WE HAD TO ALSO RETHINK HOW WE DISTRIBUTE FOOD IN A RESPECTFUL AND A DIGNIFIED MANNER.

WHAT DO I MEAN BY THIS?

DELIVERY SYSTEMS.

SO YOU COULDN'T JUST GO INTO YOUR FOOD PANTRY, GO IN AND WALK ON IT WITH YOUR BOX.

COVID DID NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO ESSENTIALLY CONGREGATE IN THOSE WAYS.

SO WE HAD TO PARTNER WITH LOCAL GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS THAT WERE TRUSTED, THAT COULD GET TO THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES AND WORK WITH LARGER DELIVERY SYSTEMS TO MAKE SURE THAT NOT ONLY WAS THE FOOD SUPPLY THERE BUT THE DELIVERY WAS MUCH MORE SMOOTH, PARTICULARLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS IS STILL A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.

THE SECOND IS WE -- FOOD IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR LIVES.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT SUSTENANCE.

THE AND WHAT WE REALIZED IS WHEN PEOPLE NEED FOOD, IT IS THE MOST DEHUMANIZING FEELING TO NOT HAVE FOOD, TO NEED IT, AND TO BE ABLE TO GET THE KIND OF FOOD THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE CULTURALLY RESPECTED, AND SO MAKING SURE THAT THE COMMUNITIES THAT NEED ACCESS WERE GETTING FOOD THAT THEY ATE, THAT IT WAS GOOD, THAT IT WAS NUTRITIOUS, AND SO THERE WAS THIS WHOLE SORT OF AREA OF WORK NOW WHERE WE'RE REALLY FOCUSING ON MAKING SURE THAT THE FOOD THAT WE'RE GIVING TO PEOPLE IN NEED IS HEALTHY, IS RESPECTFUL, IT'S CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE.

>> Jeff: GIVE US SOME BASIC TIPS FOR SOMEBODY WHO IS WATCHING WHO IS MOWED VATED TO HELP, WHAT YOU DO, WHAT SOME OTHER ORGANIZATION DOES, HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE GOING TO BE EFFECTIVE.

>> Shanaysha Sauls: SO THE FIRST THING I WOULD SAY IS GIVING ALWAYS STARTS FROM THE HEART, RIGHT?

TRUE CONFESSION, I'M AN ACADEMIC SO I CAN GET VERY HEADY ANDING CONCEPTUAL ABOUT THESE ISSUES, BUT AT THE END DAFT WEE WANT CHEERFUL AND INSPIRED GIVERS.

SO GIVING STARTS HERE.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE TO CAUSES THAT ARE PERSONALLY IMPORTANT TO YOU.

AND/OR IMPORTANT TO PEOPLE THAT YOU WANT TO HONOR.

SO SO MANY PEOPLE ARE INSPIRED BY DETECTION AND ACCESS.

OTHERS ARE INSPIRED BY FOOD, HOMELESSNESS, SO ON AND SO FORTH.

JUST MAKE FIRST IT'S MEANINGFUL TO YOU, AND I CAN'T TELL YOU THAT.

>> Jeff: OUR THANKS TO DR. SAULS, AND THAT IS "STATE CIRCLE" FOR THIS WEEK.

WE'RE BACK MONDAY WITH "DIRECT CONNECTION" AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIR TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

JOIN US MONDAY EVENING LIVE AT 7:00.

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AND NOW FOR ALL OF US AT MPT, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

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