THIS PROGRAM IS MADE BY MPT TO ENRICH THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT OUR STATE AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

>> Jeff: FIGHTING CHILDHOOD POFORT D. >> OUR CHILDREN ARE BEING BORN IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THEIR FUTURE IS BEING DETERMINED FOR THEM BEFORE THEY CAN DETERMINE THEIR FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES.

>> I'M HAPPY TO SEE PEOPLE TAKE JUVENILE CRIME SERIOUSLY.

>> THIS GIVES THEM A PATH THAT THEY SHOULD GO INTO A DIVERSION AREA PROGRAM.

>> AND CANNABIS.

>> IT CAN BE TREATED LIKE ALCOHOL AND THERE ARE RULES WHICH THE POLICE MUST FOLLOW.

>> Announcer: CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT, THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: GOOD EVENING, THE BIG STORY AROUND "STATE CIRCLE" THIS WEEK THE YOUNGEST OFFENDERS.

HOUSE TODAY OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED A JUVENILE JUSTICE BILL IT FOCUSES ON CRIMES COMMITTED BY THOSE 10-12 YEARS OF AGE.

NANCY AMATA COVERED THE DEBATE.

>> WHAT ABOUT THE YOUNG MAN THAT FOR AN EXAMPLE IN MY AREA THAT HAD STOLEN LIKE 18 CARS BUT HE NEVER HAD A GUN.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT YOUNG MAN HE IS UP TO 35 CARS NOW.

WHAT HAPPENS TO HIM?

HE'S 10 OR 12 YEARS OLD.

>> Reporter: BEFORE ADVANCING THE BILL TO HOLD THE STATE'S YOUNGEST OFFENDERS MORE ACCOUNTABLE THEY ASKED THE SPONSOR THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ABOUT LAST-MINUTE AMENDMENTS.

>> THIS GIVES THEM A PATH TO SAY THEY SHOULD GO INTO A DIVERSION AREA PROGRAM AND IF THEY COMPLETED OR NOT BEING ENTERED INTO THAT PROGRAM IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT AFTER BEING ENTERED INTO THE PROGRAM, WELL THERE WOULD BE DHS SUPERVISION.

>> KIDS FOR CAR THEFT OR GUN POSSESSION CAN ENTER A DIVERSION PROGRAM.

BUT 10-12-YEAR-OLDS CHARGED WITH MORE SERIOUS CRIMES SUCH AS THIRD DEGREE SEX OFFENSE OR AGGRAVATED ABUSE OF ANIMALS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES.

>> I THINK THAT THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FELT PRETTY STRONGLY THAT WE WANTED TO HAVE SOME ALTERNATIVE THAT WE WANTED TO HAVE SOME ALTERNATIVE TO THEM GOING DIRECTLY INTO DJS RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.

AND I THINK IT IS A GOOD COMPROMISE.

IT ALLOWS US TO CENTER WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NEXT ON WHAT THE KIDS INDIVIDUALLY NEED.

AND IT SETS GUARDRAILS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY GET THE SERVICES THAT THEY NEED SO THAT THEY DON'T COME BACK AGAIN.

>> THE HOUSE BILL LENGTHENS PROBATION TIME FOR JUVENILES AND CALLS FOR PROCEDURAL OVERSIGHT FOR THE POLICE, PROSECUTORS AND THE AGENCIES TASKED WITH REHABILITATING THEM.

WHILE NOT AGREEING WITH ALL OF THE LAST-MINUTE CHANGES, MINORITY LEADER JASON BUCKEL SAYS.

>> I THINK IT IS A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I'M HAPPY TO SEE PEOPLE START TAKING JUVENILE CRIME SERIOUSLY.

DO I THINK IT WILL SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS?

NO.

BUT IT MAY BE THE BEST THAT THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP CAN DO HERE RIGHT NOW.

>> .

>> THE BILL WOULD INCREASE THE REASONS A YOUNG OFFENDER CAN FACE PRETRIAL DETENTION SUCH AS COMMITTING CERTAIN CRIMES.

SOME YOUTH VKS WARNED THAT COULD CAUSE HARM TO KIDS WHO NEED HELP AND POSSIBLY ENCOURAGE THEM TO REOFFEND.

I'M NANCY AMATA FOR STATE STATE.

>> Jeff: THE MOORE ADMINISTRATION MADE GOOD ON ITS PROMISE TO ADDRESS CHILDHOOD POVERTY BY PUTTING FORWARD THE ENOUGH ACT.

CHARLES ROBINSON WATCHED AS THE GOVERNOR TESTIFIED IN SUPPORT OF HIS BILL.

>> THIS IS GENERATIONAL.

AND WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT THE MAPS AND THE DPEP POCKETS OF RED THESE ARE OUR CHILDREN.

THIS IS THE FACT THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE BEING BORN INTO COMMUNITIES AND OUR CHILDREN ARE BEING BORN INTO CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THEIR FUTURE IS BEING DETERMINED FOR THEM BEFORE THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO DETERMINE THEIR FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES.

>> THE ENOUGH ACT IS AN ACRONYM FOR ENGAGING NEIGHBORHOODS, ORGANIZATIONS, UNIONS, GOVERNMENTS AND HOUSEHOLDS.

THE ADMINISTRATION WILL TARGET GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS WITH GRANTS WHO CAN MAKE CHANGE ON THE GROUND.

IT'S BUDGETED FOR $15 MILLION IN 2025.

THEY HOPE TO PARTNER WITH PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES WHO WANT TO SEE CHANGE.

THE GOVERNOR SHOWED OFF A MAP OF THE STATE WHERE POVERTY IS WEIGHING ON COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

SO THE GOVERNOR HAS TARGETED THE BROOKLYN HOMES AREA WHERE THERE WAS A MASS CASUALTY EVENT THIS SUMMER.

HE BELIEVES THIS IS WHERE THE HELP IS MOST NEEDED.

>> THE CHALLENGE OF BROOKLYN WAS NOT JUST THAT MASS SHOOTING.

IT WAS EVERYTHING THAT WAS HAPPENING BEFORE.

THE FACT THAT ONE IN TWO CHILDREN IN BROOKLYN ARE GROWING UP IN POVERTY.

AND THAT HAS BEEN A JEN RYATION DYNAMIC.

>> ONE OF THOSE LISTENING WAS MARK EDELSON.

>> HOW DO WE COLLECTIVELY WORK TO ENSURE THAT THROUGH THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS BILL THAT THAT REMAINS THE CASE?

THAT THOSE REMAIN THE VOICES AT THE TABLE WHEN THE PLANS ARE BEING FORMED AND NOT JUST ANNOUNCED.

>> THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WITH CHILDREN WITH THE COMMUNITIES IT STARTS FROM PREAPPLICATION THROUGH THE APPLICATION, THROUGH THE ACCEPTANCE, THROUGH THE LIFE CYCLE.

>> THE GOVERNOR WAS PEPPERED WITH QUESTIONS BY THE SIZE OF THE GRANTS; THE NUMBERS OF GRANTS THEY WOULD AWARD AND WHO WOULD BE ELIGIBLE.

LINGERING IN THE BACKGROUND WAS A $5 MILLION PRICE TAG IN LIEU OF PROJECTED DEFICITS IN COMING YEARS.

WHILE THE OUTCOMES FROM THIS PROGRAM ARE GOOD ON PAPER, HOW YOU FUND THEM MEANS FINDING REVENUE OR TRIMMING CURRENT RESOURCES.

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

>> Jeff: LAWMAKERS ARE BEING ASKED TO REPEAL A LAW APPROVED LAST YEAR THAT PROHIBITS POLICE FROM USING THE SMELL OF CANNABIS AS A REASON TO STOP AND SEARCH A VEHICLE.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS WEEK HEARD TESTIMONY ON THE BILL WHICH SUPPORTERS SAY IS NEEDED TO FIGHT IMPAIRED DRIVING.

IT COULD HELP FIND ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND OTHER DRUGS LIKE FENTANYL.

>> IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE THAT THE FOURTH AMENDMENT RULES EVERYTHING THAT POLICE DO WHEN IT COMES TO SEARCHES EXCEPT FOR ONE, ONE, ONE TIME PERIOD AND THAT IS WITH REGARD TO CANNABIS HERE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

IT CAN BE TREATED JUST LIKE ALCOHOL, WHICH IS A LEGAL SUBSTANCE AND THERE ARE RULES ABOUT WHICH THE POLICE MUST FILE IN -- FOLLOW IN ORDER TO PROPERLY GET THAT EVIDENCE INTO COURT.

>> IT IS DISCRIMINATORY, BECAUSE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE PULLED OVER AND IT IS USED AS A WAY TO FRISK THEM TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEY HAVE SOMETHING, RIGHT?

IT IS USED AS A MEANS TO STOP, FRISK AND INFRINGE ON THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT INDIVIDUALS OF COLOR ARE STOPPED.

>> A SIMILAR BILL IS PENDING IN A SENATE COMMITTEE.

>>> THERE WON'T BE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THESE VEHICLES.

THE MTA UNVEILING THE FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES.

THE STATE AIMS TO HAVE HALF THE FLEET RUNNING ON BATTERIES BY 2030.

>> WE KNOW THEY ARE A FANTASTIC WAY TO SHARE THE BENEFITS OF CLEAN ENERGY WITH THOSE WHO RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.

THE STATE HAS PUT OUT GOALS SOME OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS IN THE COUNTRY.

NET CARBON ZERO BY 2045 ECONOMY WIDE THAT IS A CHALLENGING GOAL TO SET.

AND ONE THAT IS ONLY GOING TO BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE PARTNER TOGETHER AND CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PROJECTS LIKE THIS.

>> Jeff: AT THE SAME TIME, THE STATE IS LAUNCHING A NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO TRAIN THE MECHANICS WHO WILL SPECIALIZE IN THE ZERO EMISSIONS FLEET.

>>> TWO YEARS AGO ON-LINE SPORTS BETTING BECAME LEGAL IN MARYLAND COULD ON-LINE CASINO GAMBLING BE NEXT?

AN I GAMING BILL IS FACING OPPOSITION FROM UNION LEADERS AND WORKERS, SOME CAME TO ANNAPOLIS TO SAY THAT THE I GAMING BILL COULD LEAD TO THE LOSS OF 2,000 JOBS AT THE STATE'S CASINOS.

THEY WARNED IF I GAMING IS APPROVED, IT WILL LEAD TO AN EPIDEMIC OF GAMING ADDICTION AMONG TEENS AND YOUNG PEOPLE.

JOINING US FOR THE ANNAPOLIS FACE OFF ARE DELEGATES JULIE PALAKOVICH CARR, A DEMOCRAT FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

AND DELEGATE JASON BUCKEL A REPUBLICAN FROM ALLEGHENY COUNTY MANY THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE.

DELEGATE CARR YOU ARE THE SPONSOR OF THE FAIR SHARE ACT WHICH HAD A HEARING LAST WEEK.

IT WOULD RAISE REVENUE.

TELL US HOW MUCH AND WHERE WOULD IT COME FROM?

>> WELL, THANKS, JEFF, FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ON THE PROGRAM.

GREAT TO BE HERE WITH MY COLLEAGUE.

THE FAIR SHARE FOR MARYLAND ACT WILL CUT TAXES FOR 1.4 MILLION MARYLANDERS.

THESE ARE HARD-WORKING PEOPLE WHO IN SPITE OF WORKING ONE, TWO, EASTERN THREE JOBS ARE LOW INCOME.

MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN HAVE FELT THE SQUEEZE ECONOMICALLY AND ARE IN NEED OF MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS.

THE BEAUTY OF THE PLAN NOT ONLY ARE WE CUTTING TAXES BE WE PAY FOR THE TAX CUTS BY MAKING STRATEGIC CHANGES BY CLOSING CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES AND MAKING SURE THAT BILLIONAIRES AND MILLIONAIRES ARE PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE.

AND THE PLAN WILL GENERATE REVENUE BEYOND JUST CUTTING TAXES AND PAYING FOR THAT.

MONEY THAT WE VERY MUCH NEED TO INVEST IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN AND IN OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

SO I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF POTENTIAL HERE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE STATE.

POTENTIALLY AS MUCH AS $1.6 BILLION A YEAR.

>> Jeff: IT SOUNDS LIKE MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE NEGATIVE AFFECTED BY THIS SO WHY NOT?

>> THAT IS PROBABLY NOT THE RIGHT ANALYSIS TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

MOST PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND WORK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THOUGH WE HAVE A HUGE GOVERNMENT SECTOR PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES, AND THAT AFFECTS OUR BUDGETS AND THAT AFFECTS OUR ECONOMY, MOST PEOPLE WORK FOR PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES.

UNDER THE BILL, JULIE IS RIGHT WE ARE COLLEAGUES ON THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE WE ARE FRIENDS AND WE DISCUSS THESE THINGS AS CIVILLY AS WE CAN, BUT THE TRUST IS -- TRUTH OF VARIETY OF TAX RAISES YOU ARE NOT GETTING 1.6 BILLION OUT OF THE THIN AIR.

YOU ARE GETTING IT FROM BUSINESS CREATORS AND AS FALLACY TO SUGGEST THIS IS ADDITIONAL TAXES ON BILLIONAIRES AND MILLIONAIRES IT RAISES INCOME TAXES ON ANY FAMILY THAT MAKES MORE THAN $300,000 A YEAR.

I'M NOT TELLING YOU THAT 300,000 IS STRUGGLING MIDDLE CLASS BUT THOSE WHO LOOK AT HOUSING PRICES YOUR PRICES FOR KIDS TO GO TO COLLEGE ALL THE THINGS THAT GO INTO THAT $300,000 FOR A HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS NOT MILLIONAIRES THEY ARE NOT THE SUPER RICH THEY ARE NOT THE ELITE FLYING OFF IN PRIVATE PLANE TO THE BAHAMAS.

THEY ARE TWO-INCOME COUPLES WHO WORKED HARD, STUDIED HARD AND TRYING TO PUT THEIR KIDS THROUGH COLLEGE AND MAKE THE MORTGAGE PAYMENT TO STAY IN THE GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE COUNTIES AND WE'RE GOING TO RAISE THEIR TAXES TOO.

IN ADDITION TO MANY, MANY STATE'S LARGEST CORPORATIONS, BUSINESSES WE'RE GOING TO RAISE CAPITAL GAINS TAXES AND THAT APPLIES TO EVERYBODY IF YOU SELL STOCKS AND GET THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX YOU WILL GET TAXES UNDER THIS PROPOSAL.

>> Jeff: YOU REPRESENT MONTGOMERY COUNTY A LOT OF PEOPLE HIGH EARNERS THERE.

HOW WOULD YOUR CONSTITUENTS FEEL ABOUT THAT?

>> YEAH, I DO REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF INCOMES AND I HAVE CENSUS TRACKS WHERE THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS A QUARTER OF A MILLION A YEAR I WOULD HAVE CONSTITUENTS IMPACTED.

BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE SPECIFICS AND WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED.

FOR THOSE LOWER UPPER INCOME EARNERS, PEOPLE MAKING EVEN 500,000 A YEAR, IT IS A RELATIVELY MODEST TAX INCREASE ONLY A FEW HUNDAI YEAR AND WITH THAT INCOME LEVEL YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FEEL A $300 A YEAR TAX INCREASE.

THE MONEY RAISED THROUGH THE BILL ARE ON THE CORPORATE SIDE AND PEOPLE'S WHOSE INCOMES ARE ABOVE A MILLION A YEAR AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO LOOK WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE A SYSTEM WHERE ONE-THIRD OF THE LARGEST COMPANIES IN MARYLAND PAY NOTHING IN STATE INCOME TAXES IN A GIVEN YEAR AND THAT DATA IS FROM A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND THE FEDERAL TAXES, AND SOME OF THE BIGGEST COMPANIES IN THE WORLD PAY NOTHING IN FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.

AMAZON, GOOGLE AND OTHERS REALLY ARE NOT PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE SO WE NEED TO ADDRESS THESE INHERENT DISCREPANCIES AND UNFAIRNESS IN OUR TAX SYSTEM IT IS NOT A GOOD BREAK FOR THE 99% OF US.

>> I CAN TELL YOU THIS... EVERY MAJOR COMPANY NOT JUST MAJOR COMPANIES EVERY BUSINESS GROUP IN THE STATE THAT I AM AWARE OF OPPOSES THE LEGISLATION AND THEY OPPOSE IT BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT MARYLAND JUST STARTING OFF TODAY IF WE DIDN'T DO THIS, DOES NOT HAVE A BUSINESS FRIENDLY CLIMATE.

WE DON'T HAVE A BUSINESS FRIENDLY REGULATORY.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE COMPTROLLER'S REPORT BACK IN JANUARY MARYLAND IS NOT GROWING.

OUR ECONOMY IS NOT GROWING.

OUR POPULATION ISN'T GROWING.

COMPANIES LIKE AMAZON AND GOOGLE THEY ARE NOT COMING TO MARYLAND THEY ARE COMING TO VIRGINIA AND OTHER STATES.

AND SO I THINK IT'S INTERESTING WE TALK ABOUT AMAZON, WASHINGTON STATE TRIED TO DO SOMETHING SIMILAR TO ONE OF THE PROPOSALS TO IMPOSE A HIGH WEALTH TAX.

THE RICHEST INDIVIDUAL WHO LIVED IN WASHINGTON STATE WAS JEFF BEZOS.

THE TAX WOULD HAVE MEANT TENS OF MILLIONS OF NEW TAXES FOR HIM TO PAY TO WASHINGTON STATE.

WHAT DID HE DO?

HE PACKED UP AND MOVED TO FLORIDA.

WASHINGTON STATE IS GETTING NOTHING AS THEY CONTINUE TO MOVE AMAZON OPERATIONS AND BOEING OUT OF STATES LIKE THAT, PEOPLE SUFFER.

MARYLAND DID THIS 10 YEARS AGO UNDER MARTIN O'MALLEY WE PASSED THE MILLIONAIRE'S TAX AND IT JUST APPLY TO PEOPLE WITH INCOMES ABOVE A MILLION.

35% OF THOSE HIGH EARNERS LEFT THE STATE.

BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE MONEY TO LEAVE.

JULIE AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO LEAVE WE ARE RAISING YOUNG FAMILIES WE MAY NOT BE THE PEOPLE TO PULL UP STEAKS.

BUT PHONES THAT PRODUCE HUGE AMOUNTS OF REVENUE FOR OUR STATE THEY HAVE THE OPTION.

AND STATES HAVE TO COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER AND THIS BILL IS GOING TO MAKE US LESS COMPETITIVE AND OVERALL HURT OUR REVENUE THAT COMES IN.

>> Jeff: I WILL ASK YOU TO RESPOND TO THAT AND WHAT WE'RE HEARING FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IS NOT THIS YEAR WHEN IT COMES TO A BIG REVENUE BILL NOT THE SAME THING AS SAYING NOT EVER.

YOU'RE NOT EXPECTING THE BILL IS GOING TO PASS THIS YEAR?

>> LET ME FIRST RESPOND TO THE ISSUE ABOUT MILLIONAIRE MIGRATION THIS HAS BEEN WELL STUDIED BY ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS AND IF WE LOOK OVER MORE THAN A DECADE'S WORTH OF FEDERAL TAX INCOME IS VERY FEW PEOPLE VERY HIGH INCOMES DO MOVE ACROSS STATE LINES.

IT'S ONLY .3% MOVED TO A DIFFERENT STATE.

WHILE THERE MAY BE HIGH PROFILE EXAMPLES IT IS NOT TRUE FOR VAST MAJORITY OF MILLIONAIRES THEY ARE ROOTED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES IT IS WHERE THEIR JOBS AND FAMILY, AND CHILDREN ATTEND SCHOOL.

THEY DON'T HAVE MUCH INCENTIVE TO MOVE.

TAXES ARE NOT AT THE TOP OF THE LIST.

>> Jeff: ON THE FATE OF THE BILL THIS YEAR AND POTENTIALLY NEXT YEAR?

>> .

>> I THINK WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC WHERE OUR STATE'S FINANCES ARE AT.

IT WAS HELPFUL DURING THE PANDEMIC WHEN CONGRESS PROVIDED A LOT OF ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MARYLAND AND TO EVERY OTHER STATE.

WHEN WE NEEDED IT AND OUR RESIDENTS NEEDED IT.

BUT I DON'T THINK THE PROSPECTS ARE GOOD TO GET A HANDOUT.

WE HAVE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET OUR OPTIONS ARE TO CUT OR RAISE REVENUES AND IT'S WORTH NOTING THAT THE BUDGET PROPOSAL PUT FORTH IS ABOUT A BILLION LESS THAN THE PRIOR YEAR'S SPENDING.

THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE A PRETTY PICTURE DOWN THE ROAD AND FACING A $3 BILLION A YEAR BUDGET DEFICIT.

THAT IS GOING TO MEAN MAKING SIGNIFICANT CUTS TO OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> Jeff: DELEGATES WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

JULIE PALAKOVICH CARR AND JASON BUCKEL WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU, JEFF.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Jeff: NOW FOR THE POLITICAL ROUNDTABLE OUR CHARLES ROBINSON IS JOINED BY REPORTER SAM JANESCH OF THE BALTIMORE SUN.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

SAM, I UNDERSTAND YOU WERE AT THE STATE HOUSE YESTERDAY WHEN THERE WAS A SECURITY SCARE AND A LOCKDOWN.

WHAT HAPPENED?

>> YES, SO THIS WAS AN ANONYMOUS CALL THAT GOT PLACED TO THE ANNAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT 5:00 P.M. THURSDAY AND THREATENED GUN VIOLENCE AT THE STATE HOUSE.

SO AT THAT TIME WE WERE TOLD TO CLOSE OUR DOOR HERE IN THE BASEMENT OF THE STATE HOUSE.

AND SHELTER IN PLACE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE POLICE CAME AND ESCORTED US AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE BUILDING OUT OVER A COUPLE OF HOURS.

AND THEN GAVE THE ALL CLEAR.

IT LASTED A COUPLE HOURS OF LOCKDOWN AND GOT THE ALL CLEAR.

>> Jeff: GOOD NEWS IS NOBODY WAS HURT.

AND AT OUR TAPING TIME, NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST ANYONE.

YOU KNOW, YOU BOTH COVERED THE GOVERNOR'S TESTIMONY THIS WEEK ON THE ENOUGH ACT.

CHARLES, WHAT WERE THE TAKE AWAYS FROM THAT?

>> I THINK AT THE END OF THE CHAIR OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE QUESTIONED THE GOVERNOR ABOUT WHERE WERE THE REVENUE SOURCES THAT COULD FUND THIS.

SAM, YOU WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW THE GOVERNOR KIND OF APPROACHED THIS?

>> YES.

HE WAS ASKED SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS IN CONTEXT OF THE $3 BILLION BUDGET DEFICIT THAT IS FORTHCOMING.

THE PROGRAM IS ONLY $15 MILLION A YEAR AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT HE'S COMMITTED TO THIS PROGRAM AND IT CAN'T WAIT.

PEOPLE IN POVERTY ARE GOING TO BE BENEFITING FROM THIS CAN'T WAIT.

UNTIL WE SOLVE THE OTHER BUDGET PROBLEMS.

HE IS STRESSING THE URGENCY OF IT WHILE SAYING AGREEING TO TALK MORE ABOUT ALTERNATIVE REVENUE OPTIONS TO SOLVE THESE BUDGET PROBLEMS IN THE COMING YEARS.

>> ONE.

THINGS THAT ALWAYS HAPPENS HERE, JEFF, DURING THE SESSION WE GET THESE UNUSUAL BILLS.

THIS YEAR UNUSUAL IS THE NORTHERN SNAKE HEAD AN INVASIVE SPECIES IN BOTH MOST OF THE CONTRIBUTORIES IN THE WATERS AROUND THE CHESAPEAKE.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU I DON'T ALWAYS GO TO THE RESTAURANT AND ASK FOR A SNAKE HEAD.

THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT CHANGING THE NAME OF A SNAKE HEAD TO MARKET IT TO A WAITING AUDIENCE, IF YOU WILL.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO FOR THE FISH OR WHAT IS IT THE CHESAPEAKE -- >> Jeff: CHARLES I WAS READING ABOUT THIS AND ONE VERSION IS THE CHESAPEAKE CHANA.

WHICH I DON'T KNOW -- I MEAN YOU CAN'T GET WORSE THAN THE SNAKE HEAD IN TERMS OF PUTTING IT ON AN MENU.

I DON'T KNOW HOW BIG OF AN IMPROVEMENT THAT IS.

>> NEITHER DO I. I'VE SEEN CHEFS DO AMAZING THINGS WITH FISH LIKE THIS WE'LL SEE HOW THAT WORKS OUT.

>> Jeff: THE BLUE CATFISH THE IDEA OF DEALING WITH THAT PROBLEM BY EATING THEM THAT MAY BE AN EASIER SELL.

GENTLEMEN WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

CHARLES AND SAM APPRECIATE THE TIME HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND.

>> THANKS A LOT.

>> Jeff: YOU CAN READ SAM'S REPORTS REPORTS IN "THE BALTIMORE SUN".

AND "THE BALTIMORE SUN".COM.

>>> WITH THE COUPS CHOO >> THERE WERE COLLEGE CHEERLEADERS.

AND THE COLLEGE MARCHING BAND.

[*] A COLLEGE PEP RALLY TO KICKOFF THE 2024 EDITION OF THE CIAA'S HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION DAY AT THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER.

RAQUEL ROBINSON IS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION DAY.

>> THE ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS ARE HERE AND THE DIRECTORS OF ADMISSIONS ALUMNI ORGANIZATIONS ARE HERE.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS ARE HERE TO THERE IS A CONNECTION AND TALK ABOUT LIVING ON CAMPUS AND LIVING IN THE DORM AND THEY WILL OFFER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL.

IF THEY MEET THOSE CRITERIAS WITH GPA SOMETIMES SAT OR ACT SCORES THEN THEY CAN WALK AWAY TODAY BEING ACCEPTED AND HAVE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

>> JUSTIN TUCKER IS AN ADVISER AT THE STEM ACADEMY.

15 OF THE SCHOOL STUDENTS TOOK PART IN EDUCATION DAY.

>> WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE PUT COLLEGE IN FRONT OF THEM AND EXPOSE THEM TO IT.

I KNOW IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY BUT EVERYONE SHOULD BE EXPOSED.

SOMETIMES THESE EXPERIENCES ARE WHAT CHANGES SOMEBODY TO BECOME A MORE SERIOUS STUDENT GET THAT OPPORTUNITY GO AWAY AND CHANGE THEIR LIVES.

>> ALEXIS IS WITH BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY A MEMBER OF THE CIAA AND THE HOST COLLEGE FOR THIS YEAR'S TOURNAMENT.

>> THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OUR LITTLE SCHOOL WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER FROM OUR ACADEMICS AND PROFESSORS, FROM OUR CHEERLEADERS TO OUR BAND, OUR TEAM BEING HERE AND SUPPORTING THE STUDENTS AND GUIDING THEM TO LET WHAT WEE HAVE TO OFFER.

>> AND THE STUDENTS TAKEAWAY.

>> I TALKED TO BOWIE STATE, NASSAU, LINCOLN UNIVERSITY.

YES I'M VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN BOWIE STATE.

>> I'M MOST INTERESTING WAS THE PEOPLE I MET FROM THE DIFFERENT BOOTHS.

EACH OF THEM WERE VERY KIND AND VERY NICE.

AND EACH OF THEM GAVE US A REALLY NICE TALK.

>> IT'S VERY LIKE OPEN ARMS HEY, COME ON, JOIN US WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME.

MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN GO OUT AND CHANGE THE WORLD.

>> RAQUEL SAYS EDUCATION DAY GIVES STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO FIND OUT THAT WITH A LITTLE HELP, COLLEGE CAN BE POSSIBLE.

>> I'M JUST AMAZED AT THE STUDENTS THAT GET TO WALK AWAY EVERY YEAR YOU KNOW WITH IT AN ACCEPTANCE IN HAND AND SAYING I'M GOING TO A CIAA SCHOOL AND CIAA FOR LIFE.

>> I'M SUE COPPIN FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: CIAA STUDENTS GOT TO ATTEND A CAREER EXPO WHERE MANY ARE HOPING TO LAND THEIR FIRST JOB.

NANCY AMATA HAS THE STORY.

>> I'M VERY COMMUNICATIVE.

I'M A GREAT PROBLEM SOLVER.

>> IT'S ALL ABOUT SELLING YOURSELF AT THE CIAA CAREER EXPO AT THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER.

>> .

>> I'M KRISTEN AND I ATTEND SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY.

>> I'M AT THE POINT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT I WANT TO DO NEXT.

>> I WANT TO BE A CLINICIAN FAMILY AND CHILDREN.

>> I WANT TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE I'M LOOKING FOR MARKETING JOBS OR ANY MANAGEMENT JOBS.

>> RECRUITING ARE PRIVATE COMPANIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND EMPLOYERS WHO SEE THE VALUE OF HIRING HBCU STUDENTS.

>> IT'S IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT TO HBCU STUDENTS THEY BRING CULTURE AND EXPERIENCE THAT IS NUANCED AND HELPS US AS A COMPANY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OUR CONSUMERS AND HOW TO CONNECT AND REACH THEM.

>> MANY ARE LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRADITIONALLY UNDERREPRESENTED IN THEIR FIELDS.

>> WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE DIVERSITY, FEMALES, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, HISPANIC, WE ARE TRYING TO STRIVE FOR A DIVERSE COMMUNITY.

>> BEYOND JOB OPPORTUNITIES STUDENTS ARE LEARNING ABOUT INTERNSHIPS AND HOW THEY COULD BE THE KEY TOTE GOING THEIR FOOT IN THE DOOR.

>> THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO HELP STUDENTS GET INTO THE DOOR TO LEARN MORE, NETWORK AND HELP US GROW THEM AND DRO OUR CONNECTION WITH THESE STUDENTS FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES.

>> I DO THINK INTERNSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU NEED THE EXPERIENCE BEFORE YOU GO OUT INTO GLOBAL SOCIETY.

BECAUSE YOU DON'T -- DON'T ALWAYS KNOW AND TO HAVE THE EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING.

>> RECRUITERS SAY THEY HOPE APPLICANTS LOOK BEYOND COMPENSATION WHEN MAKING A CHOICE IS IMPORTANT AS THEIR FIRST SKBROB.

>> MY JOB IS VERY FULFILLING AND IT COMES WITH A LOT OF BENEFITS A LOT OF CAREER ADVANCEMENTS AND PEOPLE CAN FIND THE BENEFIT OF JOINING THE ARMY WITH THE ABILITY THE ARMY CREATING THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.

WE HAVE 150 JOBS.

WHY NOT TRY TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR ONE OF THE JOBS?

>> I'M NANCY AMATA FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE CIAA.COM.

>> AND THAT IS "STATE CIRCLE" FOR THIS WEEK.

JOINS US EVERY WEEK AT THIS TIME AS WE BRING THE STATE HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE.

COMING UP MONDAY ON "DIRECT CONNECTION", DOES SAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME UPSET YOUR SLEEP HABITS?

JOIN US LIVE FOR EXPERT ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR SLEEP RELATED QUESTIONS.

THAT IS MONDAY EVENING AT 7:00 P.M. NOW, FOR ALL OF US AT MPT THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE MONDAY.

[*]