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.

[♪♪] CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT, THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: WELCOME TO "STATE CIRCLE".

JUST AHEAD ON OUR BRAM THIS WEEK HELP NEED TRAINING PUPPIES FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AND WHY THE WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER IS CLOSING ITS DOORS.

FIRST, A DEMOCRATIC SWEEP IN THE TOP OFF YEAR ELECTIONS AND NEW POLL NUMBERS FROM MARYLAND'S CAMPAIGN NEXT YEAR.

[♪♪] OUR NEWSMAKER IS MILEAH KROMER, SHE IS DIRECTOR OF THE UMBC INSTITUTE OF POLITICS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Jeff: YOU HAVE REALLY INTERESTING NEW POLL NUMBERS MARYLAND VOTERS WILL GET INTO THAT IN A MINUTE.

LET'S FIRST GET YOUR THOUGHTS, THOUGH, ON THE OFF YEAR ELECTIONS WE SAW THIS WEEK.

WHAT WERE THE BIG TAKEAWAYS?

>> THIS IS EVERYTHING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS HOPING FOR.

THERE'S BEEN DOOM AND GLOOM SINCE 2024 AND TO SEE DEMOCRATS ACROSS THE BOARD WITH A CANDIDATE IN NEW YORK CITY WHO WAS CERTAINLY FROM THE PROGRESSIVE WING OF THE PARTY AND THEN WE SEE TWO MODERATE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES WINNING GOVERNORSHIPS IN NEW JERSEY AS WELL AS VIRGINIA.

I THINK THAT IS THE CONFIDENCE THAT A LOT OF DEMOCRATS NEEDED PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE OR TALK ABOUT TRYING TO RETAKE THE SENATE DURING THE MIDTERMS.

>> Jeff: I WAS GOING TO ASK, THIS SMALL SAMPLING OFF YEAR ELECTIONS DOES IT FORETELL THE MID-YEAR ELECTIONS COMING UP A YEAR FROM NOW?

AND TRADITIONALLY THE PARTY THAT IS OUT OF POWER IN WASHINGTON, DOES WELL, PICKS UP SEATS?

>> YEAH, SO AT THAT TIME'S THE BIGGER TREND TO THINK ABOUT NOT JUST WHAT OFF YEAR ELECTION LOOKS LIKE BUT THE TREND IS TYPICALLY THE OUTPARTY WILL GAIN SEATS.

WHAT THIS SERVED AS FOR DEMOCRATS IS A MOMENTUM BUILDER AS THEY ARE LOOKING TOWARDS 2026 HOPING AT THAT TIME MIDTERM EFFECT IS GOING TO WORK IN THEIR FAVOR THEY HAVE A PUSH TO GET FORWARD MAYBE REENTHUSE THOSE VOTERS AND THEIR DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS TO LEAN HARD INTO THE 2026 CYCLE FOR THAT.

>> Jeff: AND THAT EXPLAINS THE FESTIVAL OF GERRYMANDERING THAT IS L HAS BEEN GOING ON STARTING WITH THE REPUBLICANS IN TEXAS THIS WEEK, CALIFORNIA VOTERS ENDORSED REDRAWING THEIR MAP.

STATE OF MARYLAND MAY OR MAY NOT REDRAW THE MAP.

AND THIS IS ALL ABOUT WHAT THE NEXT CONGRESS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE?

>> RIGHT.

AND IT WAS INTERESTING IS WE ARE SORT OF RUNNING INTO IT.

THE 2026 CYCLE IS NOT AT THAT TIME FAR AWAY.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE.

NOW THAT CALIFORNIA AND OTHER STATES IF THEY MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS THEY CAN PASS THE NEW MAPS HOW THAT REARRANGES THE CANDIDATES IN THE RACES, WHETHER IT DOES ANYTHING TO THE PRIMARIES AND THE BIGGER EFFECT IT HAS ON THE GENERAL ELECTION.

>> Jeff: AND THAT BRINGS US TO THE POLL.

A SAMPLING WHAT MARYLAND VOTERS ARE THINKING WHEN IT COMES TO THE GOVERNOR WHO WILL BE RUNNING FOR REELECTION NEXTARY.

HIS APPROVAL NUMBERS HAVE REALLY STATIC.

>> REALLY STEADY.

SO OVER THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE POLLED ON HIM TWICE.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR AND FEBRUARY 2025.

AND WHAT WE FIND IS HE IS ABOVE WATER.

HE HAS A 52% APPROVAL RATING NOW.

THE SAME AS IT WAS LAST YEAR.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THERE'S BEEN AN UPTICK IN DISAPPROVAL RATING DRAWN FROM THE DON'T KNOW COLUMN IN 2024 AS WELL AS SHIFT AMONG INDEPENDENTS SO THE DON'T KNOW PEOPLE SHIFTED A LITTLE BIT TO DISAPPROVE AND HE IS LOSING GROUND AMONG INDEPENDENTS AND THOSE ARE THE TWO KEY FACTORS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THINKING ABOUT REELECTION RATES IS HIS DEMOCRATIC BASE IS BEHIND HIM AND WE KNOW THAT DEMOCRATS ARE 55% OF THE STATE'S ELECTORATE AND UNAFFILIATED VOTERS AND REPUBLICANS MAKEUP A QUARTER EACH.

THE KEY THING IS FOR WES MOORE REELECTION EFFORTS HE MAINTAINS STRONG POPULARITY AMONG HIS DEMOCRATIC BASE.

>> Jeff: THE UPTICK IN DISAPPROVAL NOT COMING FROM DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS DISAPPROVED SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM INDEPENDENTS.

HOW WORRISOME IS THAT IF IT IS A TREND?

>> I MEAN, LISTEN, CERTAINLY YOU WANT TO APPEAL ACROSS PARTY LINES AND BE APPROVED BY THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MARYLANDERS.

IF WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE NUTS AND BOLTS PUTTING TOGETHER A COALITION HE NEEDS INDEPENDENTS OR INDEPENDENT VOTERS NEEDED TO WIN HE DOESN'T NEED TO CLEAN UP LIKE HOGAN DID IN THE TWO PREVIOUS VICTORIES.

HE DID WELL AMONG INDEPENDENTS.

AGAIN, WITH THE MATH IN THE STATE IF YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT RUNNING ESPECIALLY AN INCUMBENT PLUS SOME VOTES FROM STATES UNAFFILIATED VOTERS.

>> Jeff: AND YOU DID THE HORSERACE QUESTION.

GOVERNOR MOORE VERSUS AN UNNAMED REPUBLICAN.

AND HOW DID THAT TURNOUT?

>> GENERIC REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT NOW, WE'RE A YEAR AWAY FROM THE GENERAL ELECTION WE TOOK A LOOK AT WES MOORE VERSUS A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE.

AND WHAT WE SEE IS THAT WES MOORE IS UP 20 POINTS RIGHT NOW ON A GENERIC REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE.

UNDERNEATH THE NUMBERS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT HE ENJOYS STRONG SUPPORT AMONG THE DEMOCRATIC BASE.

YOU DO SEE A LOT OF DIVISION WITHIN THOSE UNAFFILIATED VOTERS THERE ARE ENOUGH THAT ARE SUPPORTING HIS REELECTION EFFORTS THAT HE WOULD WIN TODAY.

THE BIGGER QUESTION IS IT'S NOT JUST HOW WES MOORE IS STANDING WITH THE PUBLIC, IT'S WHETHER THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN MARYLAND ARE ABLE TO PUT UP A CHALLENGER THAT IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO REBUILD THE NECESSARY COALITION THAT REPUBLICANS NEED TO WIN.

THAT IS 25% OF DEMOCRATS.

IT'S OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FROM UNAFFILIATED VOTERS AND TURNOUT.

THAT IS THE BIGGER QUESTION NOT JUST WHETHER WES MOORE'S BASE CAN GET HIM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

IT'S WHETHER REPUBLICANS CAN PUT UP SOMEBODY WHO CAN CONTEST HIM.

>> Jeff: IN A YEAR A LOT CAN HAPPEN BUT YOU EXPECT IT TO BE A DEMOCRATIC YEAR AS THIS WAS.

SO SWIMMING UPSTREAM A LITTLE BIT FOR ANY REPUBLICAN?

>> I THINK SO.

AND ANOTHER SORT OF CAVEAT IS THAT THERE IS NOT A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE SAVE FOR LARRY HOGAN, WHO HAS A STRONG STATE-WIDE NAME RECOGNITION.

THEY ARE STARTING AT A REALLY LOW BASELINE.

AND THAT BECOMES CAUSES A HINDERANCE TO FUNDRAISE OUTSIDE GROUPS DON'T LIKE TO SUPPORT YOU UNLESS YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED A PATH TO VICTORY.

THIS ALL CAUSES SWIMMING UPSTREAM AN UPHILL BATTLE FOR REPUBLICANS THEY GET THEIR VOTERS BEHIND A CANDIDATE THAT CAN PULL TOGETHER A COALITION.

LOOK WHAT HAPPENED IN 2022 THE REPUBLICANS NOMINATED A CANDIDATE WHO WAS JUST NOT ABLE TO APPEAL TO ANYBODY OUTSIDE OF THE REPUBLICAN BASE.

>> Jeff: YOU ASKED AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE QUESTION.

WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING FOR THERE IS THIS AND WHO WROTE THIS QUESTION?

WAS IT YOU OR WAS IT A.I.?

>> IT WAS ME.

BUT SO THERE'S BEEN SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS ASKED NATIONALLY AND I WAS INTERESTED WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE IN MARYLAND IT IS A TOP OF MIND CONCERN IF YOU ARE IN A UNIVERSITY YOU ARE WORKED ABOUT CHATURVEDI AND WE SEE ACROSS THE BOARD MARYLANDERS ARE AWARE OF IT AND THEY ARE WARY OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF A.I.

IN THEIR LIVES.

THE RISE OF A.I.

IS GOING TO HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON AMERICAN SOCIETY.

AND I THINK WHAT BUBBLED TO THE TOP AND IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THIS TO CONSIDER IN THIS ELECT SON CYCLE IS THAT MARYLANDERS ACROSS THE BOARD IT DOESN'T MATTER A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN ARE WARY ABOUT MANIPULATION OF IMAGES THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT POLITICAL PROPAGANDA AND MISINFORMATION THAT RESULTS FROM A.I.

>> Jeff: WELL, JUST FOR THE RECORD THIS SEGMENT HAS NOT BEEN RETOUCHED IN ANYWAY WITH A.I.

ASSISTANCE.

ALL OF YOUR DATA YOU PUT IT ON THE WEBSITE OF THE UMBC INSTITUTE OF POLITICS PEOPLE CAN FIND IT THERE?

>> YES.

POLITICS.

>> Jeff: Dr.

MILEAH KROMER FROM UMBC WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Jeff: TOWSON UNIVERSITY, HE DELIVERED HIS 2026 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK.

HE SEES A SLOWING LABOR MARKET ESPECIALLY IN MARYLAND WHERE FEDERAL JOB CUTS ARE A DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT.

A PANEL DISCUSSION FOCUSED ON WAYS TO IMPROVE MARYLAND'S BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS.

AND JOINING US IS ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THAT CONVERSATION, COMPTROLLER BROOKE LIERMAN THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> MY PLEASURE, THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Jeff: WE WANT TO FOCUS ON A NEW REPORT ON HOUSING IN MARYLAND.

BUT TO PICK UP ON THE CONVERSATION AT TOWSON ON BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS, I GUESS THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVE.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

>> THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND ONE OF THE INTERESTING THING IS WE'VE DONE ROUNDTABLES WITH BUSINESS LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE.

AND TAXES IS NOT WHAT MOST PEOPLE BRING UP WITH US THOUGH I AM THE REF FEW ADMINISTRATOR.

IT OFTEN IS ABOUT THEIR EMPLOYEES AND ABOUT THEIR ABILITY TO RECRUIT THE PEOPLE THEY NEED SO THAT THEY CAN GROW AND THRIVE AS A BUSINESS IN MARYLAND.

AND ACTUALLY HOUSING IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT COMING UP WITH EMPLOYERS.

AND THE ABILITY TO RECRUIT THE TALENTED THEY WANT FROM OUT OF STATE TO MOVE HERE TO RETAIN TALENT HERE.

SO REALLY IT'S TALENT RETENTION AND ADVANCEMENTS THAT FOLKS WHO I TALK TO QUITE OFTEN ARE VERY FOCUSED ON.

>> Jeff: A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE FOCUSED ON IT.

THE LARGEST EXPENSE FOR PEOPLE.

WE SAW THE IDEA OF A RENT FREEZE PLAY REALLY WELL IN THE NEW YORK CITY MAYOR'S RACE.

SO WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN MARYLAND?

>> SURE.

I MEAN ACROSS THE UNITED STATES THERE IS A HOUSING CRISIS.

AND WE ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THAT IN MARYLAND.

A GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICANS ARE BEING PRICED OUT OF THE MARKET.

AND THERE IS A SCARCITY OF HOUSING PRODUCTION.

SINCE 2019 HOME SALE PRICES HAVE JUMPED BY MORE THAN 60%.

IN MARYLAND, WHICH IS A STATE WITH A RELATIVELY HIGH HOUSING COSTS WE ARE CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE.

WE ARE ATTRACTING NEWCOMERS FROM EXPENSIVE STATES AND LOSING MORE TO PLACES WHERE HOMES COST LESS TO OWN OR RENT.

AND DRIVING ALL OF THIS IS A REALLY CHRONIC UNDER SUPPLY OF HOUSING.

AND A WEB OF COMPLEX AND COSTLY REGULATIONS, FEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES.

THAT END UP HAVING THE EFFECT OF LIMITING HOUSING PRODUCTION AND DRIVING UP COSTS.

HAVING TO UNPACK THAT WITH YOU BUT THAT IS WHAT OUR REPORT CENTERS AROUND.

>> Jeff: MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMES TO MIND.

I MEAN IT'S OBVIOUSLY RIGHT NEXT TO WASHINGTON D.C.

STATE'S LARGEST COUNTY.

GREAT MASS TRANSIT BUT THEY ARE TRYING TO PROTECT THE WESTERN PART OF THE COUNTY FROM DEVELOPMENT.

IT'S JUST BURSTING AT THE SEAMS AND RENTS GO UP?

>> I DON'T THINK YOU CAN TALK JUST ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT THE REST OF THE STATE.

BECAUSE THE COMPLEXITY OF OUR REGULATORY FRAMEWORK EXISTS IN EVERY COUNTY.

AND NONE OF THE COUNTIES OPERATE IN A VACUUM AND MARYLAND DOESN'T OPERATE NAY VACUUM.

WHEN WE PASS STATE-WIDE REGULATIONS OR STATE-WIDE LEGISLATION THAT IMPACTS HOUSING THAT SEPARATES US FROM OUR NEIGHBORS DEMAND, THAT HAS AN IMPACT.

AND EACH COUNTY HAS ITS OWN REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AS WELL.

AND WHEN YOU ARE IN A COUNTY LIKE MONTGOMERY OR PRINCE GEORGE'S OR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STATE LIKE GARRET COUNTY AND YOU ARE RIGHT NEXT TO ON THE LINE OF OTHER COUNTIES THAT HAVE OR OTHER STATES THAT HAVE SORT OF LOWER OR EASIER REGULATORY BURDEN OR HAVE EARLIER VESTING RIGHTS OR DON'T HAVE THE APPEAL RIGHTS THAT SOME OF OUR COUNTIES HAVE, THEN WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT INVESTMENT ENDS UP GOING TO THE PLACES WHERE THE RETURN IS MORE CERTAIN.

AND UNFORTUNATELY LIKE GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO FUND THE HOUSING THAT IS NEEDED IN MARYLAND OR ANY STATE.

AND SO WE DO RELY ON PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING, OF COURSE, AND ALSO TO BUILD MEDIAN PRICED HOMES.

AND SO WE NEED TO BE BEHINDFUL THAT EVERY -- MINDFUL THAT EVERY REGULATION IS COMPOUNDED BY THE PREVIOUS ONES WE CALL IT THE SMITH ISLAND CAKE EFFECT OF REGULATIONS AND CHANGES AND LAWS.

>> Jeff: PEOPLE CAN PICTURE A SMITH ISLAND CAKE IT HAS A LOT OF LAYERS WHOVMENT ARE SOME OF THE LAYERS?

>> THE LAYERS ARE DIFFERENT EVERYWHERE.

BUT THAT IS ONE OF THE ISSUES IS THAT EVERY COUNTY HAS DIFFERENT LAYERS OR FLAVORS TO CONTINUE THE ANALOGY.

BUT SOME OF THEM INCLUDE PERMITTING CHALLENGES, DIFFERENT FEES AROUND PERMITTING, VESTING RIGHTS SO WHEN A DEVELOPER FOR-PROFIT OR NONPROFIT DEVELOPER HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO WITHOUT INTERVENING LAWS, APPEAL RIGHTS, AND THEN THERE'S ALL SORTS OF DIFFERENT BOARDS THAT SOME OF THESE PROJECTS HAVE TO GO THROUGH.

I SIT ON THE BOARD, MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION FOUNDATION BOARD AND EVEN THERE THEY SOE DEVELOPMENTS ARE BROUGHT TO US TO REVIEW.

AND WE TALK ABOUT IN THE REPORTS THE AMOUNT VOTED DOWN.

I WAS THE LONE VOTE FOR IT IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY THOUGH THE COUNTY SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT.

WE ARE WORKING ON THAT AND WE THINK WE WILL GET TO A GOOD PLACE SO IT CAN MOVE FORWARD BUT THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS THAT IT ENDS UP COSTING MORE.

IN FACT, REGULATIONS ARE ABOUT OVER A QUARTER OF THE COST OF MOST HOUSING THESE DAYS.

AND THAT JUST ENDS UP BEING PAID FOR BY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MOVE AND WANT TO LIVE IN MARYLAND.

AND JUST MAKES THE COST OF LIVING IN MARYLAND TOO HIGH.

>> Jeff: BALTIMORE CITY JUST ENACTED CHANGES THIS WEEK IN AN EFFORT TO SPUR DEVELOPMENT.

CHANGES TO HOW MUCH OFFSITE PARKING AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING ABOUT THE NUMBER OF STAIRCASES IN A THREE STOREY OR TALLER BUILDING IS THAT THE SORT OF THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?

>> YEAH, I THINK EVERY POLICY DECISION NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED THROUGH A LENS OF IS THIS GOING TO HELP US CREATE THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE COUNTY AND THE CITY WHERE WE CAN WELCOME MORE PEOPLE AND CREATE A MORE AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE SO FOLKS WHO ARE MIDDLE CLASS CAN OWN A HOME BEFORE THEY TURN 50.

AND SO THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF POLICIES AT THAT TIME REALLY DO ENSURE THAT WE ARE THINKING PROACTIVELY ABOUT CREATING A SPACE WHERE WE'RE WELCOMING MORE PEOPLE AND WANTING FOLKS TO BE ABLE TO MOVE TO LIVE.

>> Jeff: ONE LINE IN THE REPORT SAYS THAT MAKING CHANGES AROUND THE MARGINS IS NOT GOING TO BE ENOUGH.

SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN MIND?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE'VE DONE HERE THIS REPORT WHICH IS A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND REPORT IN THE NATION, IS WE HAVE LOOKED AT DIFFERENT REGULATIONS, DIFFERENT LAWS ACROSS THE STATE, AND WE THEN COMPARED THEM TO REGULATIONS AND LAWS IN OTHER STATES WHERE THEY'VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP HOUSING COSTS LOWER.

AND SO I AM NOT A POLICY MAKER BUT WE OFFER THE PANOPLY AND MENU OF OPTIONS AND SHOW OUR POLICYMAKERS WHAT THE COST DRIVERS ARE AND WHERE OUR RESIDENTS ARE MOVING.

BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY WE'VE HAD 2.3 MILLION MARYLANDERS MOVE TO LOWER COST OF LIVING STATES SINCE 2016.

AND THE CONCERNING THING RIGHT NOW IS SINCE THE PANDEMIC, MANY OF THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT OLDER RETIREES MOVING TO FLORIDA.

THEY ARE YOUNGER FOLKS.

THEY ARE OUR WORKFORCE, THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE.

THEY ARE MIDDLE INCOME.

AND THEY JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE.

AND THAT IS NOT THE MARYLAND THAT I WANT TO LEAVE MY KIDS AND I DON'T THINK MOST POLICYMAKERS DO EITHER.

I KNOW THERE'S BEEN GREAT LEADERSHIP FROM THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TRYING TO TACKLE THESE CHALLENGES AND I JUST HOPE THIS REPORT OFFERS MORE IDEAS AND GENERATES THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL.

BECAUSE WE NEED ON PARTNERS IN MAKING SURE WE ARE MAKING ROOM FOR EVERYONE.

>> Jeff: BEFORE WE GO, TIME FOR A WORD ON THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY WEBSITE.

I REMEMBER WHEN THEY USED TO PRINT A LIST IN THE NEWSPAPER.

>> WE STILL DO THAT.

>> Jeff: REALLY?

I'M SURE EVERYBODY KNOWS WHERE THEIR MONEY IS, WHY SHOULD THEY STILL TAKE A LOOK?

>> BECAUSE WE HAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT WE'RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW.

SOME OF THAT MONEY IS PROBABLY YOURS IF YOU ARE WATCHING THIS OR YOUR FRIEND'S OR FAMILY'S.

WE HAVE JUST LAUNCHED MY REQUEST IS TO MODERNIZE OUR AGENCY AND WE LAUNCHED THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY WEBSITE YOU CAN GET TO FROM MARYLAND COMPTROLLER.GOV.

EASY TO CLAIM YOUR MONEY.

PLEASE GO CHECK IT OUT TODAY.

AND CLAIM THAT EXTRA MONEY BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS SO YOU CAN SHOP LOCAL.

AND SPEND THAT LITTLE WINDFALL.

>> Jeff: WE THANK YOU BROOKE LIERMAN FOR DECADES THE WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER WORKED TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE ROLE AND HISTORY OF WOMEN IN THE STATE.

WHEN THIS YEAR ENDS THE CENTER WILL END AS WELL.

OUR SUE COPPIN HAS THE STORY.

>> MANY OF THEM ARE IN THE HALL OF FAME.

LUCY MALLER, THE EARLY TREASURER IN MARYLAND.

>> DONNA BAILEY IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NONPROFIT WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER IT'S HOME FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS IN BALTIMORE'S HISTORIC WOMEN'S INDUSTRIAL EXCHANGE.

BUT WHEN THIS YEAR ENDS, SO, TOO, WILL THE CENTER.

>> LIKE MANY, MANY NONPROFITS, AND MANY WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS, IT'S HARD TO SUSTAIN FOR MANY REASONS.

NOT JUST MONEY BUT VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERSHIP.

AND SPACE AND INTEREST.

>> THE FINAL DECISION TO DISSOLVE THE ORGANIZATION CAME LAST JUNE.

>> WE HAVE A LOT OF SUPPORTERS, BUT THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY BIG MONEY SUPPORTERS, AND NOW WITH A LOT OF OTHER THINGS GOING ON, WE'RE COMPETING WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND COMPLETING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WE'RE COMPETING WITH CRITICAL SERVICES FOR WOMEN.

>> THE MARYLAND WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER IS A HANDFUL OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY DEDICATED TO WOMEN'S HISTORY.

>> WHEN A PLACE LIKE THIS PARTICULAR ORGANIZATION CLOSES IN MARYLAND, IT'S ONE MORE LAYER OF CREDIBILITY FOR WHAT WOMEN HAVE DONE, ARE DOING AND CAN DO.

>> THAT GOES AWAY?

>> SO, WE NEED MORE PLACES LIKE THIS.

WE NEED MORE RESOURCES.

WE NEED MORE HISTORY AVAILABLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.

NOT DIGGING, DIGGING TO GO FIND THEM.

>> BAILEY SAYS SHE IS CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT WILL BE LOST AFTER THE MARYLAND WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER IS DISSOLVED.

>> I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WORRY ABOUT NOW IS WILL WE BECOME LESS VISIBLE AGAIN?

AND WHAT ABOUT THE DAUGHTERS AND OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS AND THE GENERATIONS TO COME WHEN WE NOT JUST THE WE LIKE IN OUR GENERATION, BUT FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, HAVE FOUGHT SO HARD AND THEN TO HAVE IT ROLLED BACK SO FAST, IS JUST DISTURBING.

>> ALTHOUGH THE CENTER'S ON-LINE RESOURCES WILL BE MAINTAINED THE JOB IS TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR ALL THE ARTIFACTS AND MATERIALS BEFORE THE DOORS ARE SHUT ONE LAST TIME.

>> PRATT IS VERY INTERESTED IN SOME OF OUR ARCHIVES AND PROCLAMATIONS.

A LOT FROM THE WOMEN'S INDUSTRIAL EXCHANGE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY IS ALREADY COME TO TAKE.

NOTRE DAME WILL HAVE THE BLACKS THAT PLAQUES WILL HAVE THE FULL EXHIBIT.

>> THE HOPE IS OTHERS WILL STEP FORWARD IN MAINTAINING THE HISTORY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

>> WE LIVE IN A TIME WHERE, I THINK, THERE IS A REAL THERE TRYING TO SUPPORT WOMEN, WOMEN'S STORIES, WOMEN'S HISTORY TO DO A BETTER JOB OF PARTNERING AND COLLABORATING.

>> IS THERE MORE TO DO?

OF COURSE.

WE RISK TRYING TO KEEP HER STORY ALIVE.

>> IN BALTIMORE, I'M SUE COPPIN FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: NOW WITH OUR SALUTE TO VETERANS HERE IS NANCY YAMADA.

[♪♪] >> SO THIS IS ADRA SHE IS NAMED AFTER ADRA WHO IS AN OFFICER IN THE NAVY.

AND SHE IS 18 WEEKS OLD.

>> THE FIRST PUPPY THAT LIZ OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY HAS SIGNED UP TO TRAIN AND RAISE FOR WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION THE NONPROFIT, TRAINS SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AND BRAIN INJURIES.

>> I AM AN ARMY PEDIATRICIAN AND AFTER MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLE BECAME A PATIENT AT THE SOLDIER RECOVERY UNIT.

>> IT'S THERE WHERE PERKINS SAW DOGS FROM WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION OR WCC, TRAINING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SOLDIERS' LIVES.

>> AND WHEN MY MEDICAL BOARD CAME THROUGH WITH A DECISION FOR A MEDICAL RETIREMENT, THAT IS WHEN I STARTED NEGOTIATING WITH MY HUSBAND WE SHOULD RAISE A PUPPY.

>> IN HER OWN WAY GIVING BACK TO HER COUNTRY BY ANSWERING THE CALL FROM WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION AS IT STRUGGLES WITH MEETING THE DEMAND FOR TRAINED SERVICE DOGS.

>> IT IS A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF PUPPY RAZORS.

>> WCC VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MANAGER MOLLY SAYS THERE IS A TWO-YEAR WAIT FOR VETERANS IN NEED OF A SERVICE DOG.

>> THEY PICK UP ON STRESS QUEUES AS WELL AS THEY HELP WITH MOBILITY ISSUES.

THEY CAN RETRIEVE THINGS.

THEY ARE THERE TO HELP OUR VETERANS RECONNECT WITH THEIR LIVES WITH THEIR FAMILIES GIVE THEM THE COURAGE TO GO OUT IN PUBLIC AND THEY ARE JUST THEIR BEST FRIEND.

IT'S REMARKABLE TO SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR DOGS AND THE VETERANS AND THE CHANGES THAT IT MAKES IN THEIR LIVES.

>> IT TAKES TWO YEARS TO RAISE AND TRAIN A SERVICE DOG THEY PLACED AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS AND NO COST TO THE PUPPY RAZORS.

ALL OF THE FOOD, CARE AND VACCINATIONS ARE PROVIDED BY WCC.

>> IT IS A BIG COMMITMENT BUT IT IS SUCH A REWARDING EXPERIENCE.

SHE IS VERY SMART AND VERY, I WOULD SAY ATTUNED.

>> PERKINS ACKNOWLEDGES THAT PERHAPS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT TRAINING AND FOSTERING A PUPPY IS LETTING THEM GO.

>> FOR ME, I THINKING ABOUT AT THE SRU AND SEEING SO MANY SERVICE MEMBERS IN NEED, AND WATCHING SOME WHO HAVE GOTTEN THEIR SERVICE ANIMAL I KNOW I'M TEASING YOU.

SIT.

DOWN.

AND HOW THAT'S CHANGED THEIR OUTLOOK, REALLY JUST THEIR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING MORE THAN THEIR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING.

HAS BEEN REALLY IMPACTFUL.

>> THE BEST ADVICE I HAD FROM A PUPPY RAZOR THAT RAISED ALMOST 20 DOGS SHE SAID YOU JUST GET ANOTHER ONE.

YOU BRING IN A DOG AND THEN YOU TAKE HOME ANOTHER ONE.

>> PUPPY MATH THAT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR VETERANS IN NEED.

I'M NANCY YAMADA FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jef: EARLIER THIS WEEK, ON THE EVE OF THE NEW COLLEGE BASKETBALL SEASON, WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK.

JIM SMITH TAKES CHARGE AT A TIME OF DRAMATIC CHANGES IN COLLEGE SPORTS.

>> IT'S THE PROGRAM.

IT'S THE COACHING.

IT'S THE FACILITIES.

AND NOW FOR SOME PLAYERS AND NOW NIL THEY ARE PART OF THE EQUATION HOW THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL.

ULTIMATELY THAT IS WHAT A PLAYER IS GOING TO LOOK AT.

HOW AM I GOING TO BE MOST SUCCESSFUL AT THE SCHOOL I CHOOSE?

I THINK THOSE OUR FACILITIES HELP MAKE THAT PLAYER FEEL LIKE THEY CAN BE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND.

>> Jeff: YOUR BACKGROUND YOU HAVE A LOT OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS EXPERIENCE, WHICH IS GOING TO COME IN HANDY IN THIS NEW ERA.

ALSO YOU WERE AT A OHIO STATE FOR A WHILE.

>> BOTH.

I HAVE A BLEND OF GOOD COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS A FAIR AMOUNT OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.

AND BOTH THOSE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND AS WE GO INTO THIS EVER CHANGING WORLD OF ATHLETICS TODAY.

EVERYDAY IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT.

IT'S CERTAINLY NOT THE WAY IT WAS FIVE YEARS AGO, HECK, IT'S NOT THE WAY IT WAS FIVE MONTHS AGO.

SO YOU HAVE TO BE RAPIDLY EVOLVING.

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

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE MONDAY FOR "DIRECT CONNECTION".

[♪♪]