Political News
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Kicks Off the “Vacants to Value” Summit:
Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined Baltimore Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano, community members and business leaders for the “Vacants to Value” Summit. Mayor Rawlings-Blake launched her “Vacants to Value” initiative in November 2010 to reduce vacant housing and urban blight in Baltimore. Participants learned directly from Baltimore Housing officials how the plan would be implemented, how they could take part in the initiative and offered suggestions for addressing blight in their communities. Read in Full >>
Open Letter to the Maryland General Assembly by Dr. Joanne M. Martin: SB351:
With passage of this legislation, we, the citizens of Maryland, take a much needed step toward balancing the books on the nation's debt to Harriet Tubman. Read in Full >>
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Delivers State of the City Address:
On Monday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake delivered her second State of the City address, laying out bold plans focused on improving public education, reducing crime, strengthening Baltimore’s neighborhoods, and supporting job creation for the 21st century. Mayor Rawlings-Blake also focused on fiscal vulnerabilities facing all levels of government and declared her intention to create a 10-year financial plan for Baltimore to address the new economic reality that some have called the “new normal.” Read in Full >>
Delegate Mary Washington Reports from Annapolis:
Throughout the opening weeks of the legislative session, I have been pleased and humbled by the many positive reactions I have received to my legislative updates, and I am glad that so many of you have been eager to contact my new legislative office in Annapolis. I thank you for the feedback, and I really do appreciate all the phone calls, e-mail, snail mail and Facebook messages you have sent with words of encouragement, information about the issues you care about and invitations to visit your communities, places of worship and schools. Read in Full >>
Commentary: With All Thy Getting by Raynard Jackson:
I am continually amazed by groups and individuals that do things that undercut the very mission they are trying to accomplish. Do they not know that you don’t decrease unemployment by increasing the pool of the unemployed? Do they not know they have to be what they are looking for? Do they not know that no one should show more interest in your own people than you? Do they not know that if you are going proclaim to represent equality, then you must equally call out injustice no matter where it originates? Read in Full >>
Readout of the President’s Meeting with the National Policy Alliance, 2.8.11:
Today in the Roosevelt Room of the West Wing, the President met with members of the National Policy Alliance (NPA) to discuss a variety of issues including his vision for America to win the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building global competitors while balancing our nation’s budget and reforming our government. Read in Full >>
NCBM President Robert Bowser Meets Today with President Obama, Cabinet Members:
The Honorable Robert L. Bowser, President of the National Conference of Black Mayors, will join his counterpart principals of the National Policy Alliance in meetings today with President Barack Obama, Cabinet members and Administration officials at the White House. Read in Full >>
President Obama Speaks to Penn State about Innovation:
"Innovation is what this country is all about. Sparking the imagination and creativity of our people, unleashing new discoveries -- that's what America does better than any other country on Earth. That's what we do. (Applause.) And this innovation has always been driven by individual scientists and entrepreneurs. I was up in Schenectady, New York the other day at the G.E. plant that was Thomas Edison’s original plant. And anywhere you go in the country you will find inventors and businesses that created products that are now sent all around the world. But innovation has also flourished because we as a nation have invested in the success of these individual entrepreneurs, these inventors, these scientists." Read in Full >>
2011 Legislative Black Caucus Priorities Summary:
African Americans represent over one-third of the State, yet we are currently only 25% of the House and 17% of the Senate. The Black Caucus’ goal in redistricting is to ensure fair and equitable representation of black’s throughout the state of Maryland. Read in Full >>
MD LT. GOVERNOR BROWN SETS 2011 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown announced Thursday that he will lead the O’Malley-Brown administration’s efforts to pass a package of bills necessary for the timely and cost-saving implementation of federal health care reform. Brown, who championed legislation in past years to prevent fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid, create Patient Centered Medical Homes and strengthen domestic violence laws, will also lead the effort to pass legislation making child neglect a criminal act. Read in Full >>
Op/Ed: State of the YOUnion by Raynard Jackson:
A few nights ago, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address and, as usual, he declared the state of our union is good. No president has ever said anything differently. Every president is only going to put the best face on the state of affairs in our country.
But, the state of our union is not great. We have runaway deficits, high unemployment, unbridled partisan bickering, crumbling infrastructures (bridges, roads, etc.), and a Congress with an inability to solve problems.
But, today, I want to focus on the State of the YOUnion. America is not some abstract experiment in Democracy! We, the people, are America! We are the union. We determine what is the state of our YOUnion.
We Americans must be what we are looking for. If we want competent government, we must hold those we vote for accountable or vote them out of office.
Read in Full >>
Op/Ed: Response to Sun's Article by Justin Fenton:
In this day and age it takes mere minutes to fact-check sources through the Internet. Fenton, an award-winning journalist who covers the police beat certainly knows this. Yet his article employs both subtle and outright crude methods to unjustly discredit four of the community spokespersons involved in the protests. Read in Full >>
Op/Ed: J. Wyndal Gordon v. Baltimore City State's Attorney Bernstein's Overwhelming Ineptitude & "Underwhelming" Performance in Office:
This is just the beginning and it is going to get worse. Newly Elected Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein is overwhelmingly inept, and has put on an "underwhelming" performance during his first 30 days in office. If we take a snap shot of his performance just dealing with the Shomrim case, you'll understand why he was the absolute worst person for the State's Attorney job. Not analyzed in this Note but mentioned for what its worth, Bernstein has been (1) silent on the shooting of Ofr. Torbit and Sean Gamble outside of Select NightClub, (2) silent on Det. Anthony Fata's questionable or perhaps even false statement to police about a shootout with an alleged "Black" assailant in a downtown parking garage (that resulted in helicopter deployment, police man power, depletion of crime fighting budget, and "Black" men in the area being accosted by law enforcement during the investigation’s initial stages), and (3) silent on the bewildering disappearance of Phyllicia Barnes, the Honor student visiting Baltimore from NC. Read in Full >>
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Champions Baltimore at U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting:
Invites Nation’s Mayors to Baltimore; Named Secretary of National Conference of Democratic Mayors
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake invited mayors from across the country to Baltimore for this summer’s U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Conference. This year’s conference, which takes place June 17-21, is a first for Baltimore, and gives the Mayor an opportunity to highlight the cultural and historic attractions the City offers visitors.
Read in Full >>
First Lady's Guest List for the State of the Union - Tonite - 9 pm:
This is who will be joining the First Lady this evening as Pres. Barack Obama addresses the nation at 9 pm Read in Full >>
READER SURVEY AT THEROOT.COM REVEALS AFRICAN-AMERICAN OPINION OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
The Root announced yesterday the results of its extensive reader survey gauging how people assess President Obama’s achievements, two years after he took office. With more than 400 respondents identifying themselves as African-American, the results bring about a clearer picture than ever before of the African-American opinion of Barack Obama, as well as shine a light on the sharp divide between respondents of different races on how they view Obama and the overall racial climate in the country. Read in Full >>
State Sen. Cathy Pugh, Jan. 6th at Gertrude's:
State Sen. Pugh set to host fundraiser Read in Full >>
Message from Mayor Gray: One city. Our city.:
If we come together as One City, we will bring a collaborative and holistic approach to education reform – an approach that involves parents and teachers in the process but uncompromisingly puts children first. If we come together as One City, we will find ways to more District residents back to work and create an environment to help our small business owners thrive and succeed. If we come together as One City and work hand-in-hand with our hard-working public safety officers, we will create neighborhoods in which every family feels safe because they are safe. If we come together as One City, we will bring increased transparency to our budget process and ensure that taxpayer dollars are treated with respect. And if we come together as One City, one day we will realize the same right to self-determination enjoyed by every other American city.
Read in Full >>
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED FOR HORSE RACING IN MARYLAND:
Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following an agreement for the 2011 racing calendar:
“I am pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached, and that industry representatives, track owners, horsemen and breeders were able to come together to reach a consensus that will allow for a full season of racing in 2011...."
Read in Full >>
Bill Cosby in Baltimore for Otis Rolley, 1.11.11:
On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 5:30-9:30 pm, join Bill Cosby and Otis Rolley at the Tremont Grand, 225 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201.
Cick here for more info on the Bill Cosby event!
And, for other upcoming events, visit www.OtisRolley.com.
Read in Full >>
WHITE HOUSE UPDATE: “Dorothy I. Height Post Office”, the Medicare physician payment reduction delay and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:
Pres. Obama: "I applaud the House for passing, with bipartisan support, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Legislative repeal is supported by the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The process contained in this legislation allows for a smooth and responsible repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a way that maintains good order and discipline in our military ranks. Indeed, all of the Service Chiefs have said that when this law is changed , they will implement an orderly transition effectively and efficiently. As the comprehensive study by the Department of Defense clearly shows, we can move to a new policy in a responsible manner that ensures our military strength and our national security."
Read in Full >>
Readout of President Obama's Meeting with the National Policy Alliance:
On Tuesday, December 14, the President joined a White House meeting hosted by his senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, with the National Policy Alliance (NPA), a partnership of ten organizations representing African American elected officials and their constituents, to discuss a variety of pressing policy issues that affect millions of Americans like job creation, health care, judicial appointments, education, and economic growth. The President thanked the group for sharing their concerns and continuous engagement with the White House. Read in Full >>
Pres. Obama Signs Legislation: Healthy, Hunger-free American Children, 12.13.10:
President Obama Signs Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 Into Law, 12.13.10
First Lady Michelle Obama, Administration Officials and Let’s Move! Advocates Reaffirm Commitment to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids
Read in Full >>
White House Briefing Shows Progress:
While some of the first flurries of the season hit the White House today, the Obama administration was working on getting the message out about the progress made thus far. Read in Full >>
Statement by the President on H.R. 4783:
Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4783, the "Claims Resolution Act of 2010." This Act, among other things, provides funding and statutory authorities for the settlement agreements reached in the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native Americans; the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers; and four separate water rights suits, brought by Native American tribes. Read in Full >>
Attorney Gen'l Holder, Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack Applaud Final Passage of the Claims Settlement Act:
Yesterday, the Departments of Justice, Interior and Agriculture applauded the bipartisan House passage of the Claims Settlement Act. The Act, which recently passed the Senate, will provide long-awaited funding for the agreements reached in the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers; the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native Americans over the management of Indian trust accounts and resources; and four separate water rights suits made by Native American tribes. President Obama has said that he will sign the legislation into law. Read in Full >>
April D. Ryan: Black Farmer Settlement:
The House of Representatives surmounted the final hurdle to fund the Cobell and Pigford II discriminations settlements brought by Native Americans and African Americans against on land misuse issues and USDA discrimination in the farm loan program.
Black farmers were awarded the monies 15 years ago and had to wait until Congress approved the payout.
Outgoing, House Majority Whip Congressman James Clyburn has mixed emotions about the passage saying the black farmers settlement bill is not “clean” as the black farmers are relegated to 50 thousand dollars each in discrimination awards and women and Hispanic farmers can get countless amounts of an award from the Judgment Fund. He also feels some of the language placed in the bill could cause intimidation to black farmers.
Read in Full >>
WHITE HOUSE: President Obama Names Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients:
Last wednesday, President Barack Obama named fifteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at a White House ceremony early next year. Read in Full >>
Harris/Kratovil Two by Charles Robinson, NABJ:
According to a staffer of the incoming Congressional Black Caucus Chair Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), they cut a deal to make sure Representative James Clyburn (D- South Carolina) would have a meaningful role in the minority caucus.
But I regress. I’m getting a déjà vu feeling. Why does this sound so familiar? It was Maryland Senator Andy Harris in his loss four years ago who essentially said the same thing. Literally, the race to beat Kratovil began right after the election. Are we in for re-do?
Read in Full >>
White House Blog: What Health Reform Means for African Americans:
But for too many African-Americans, lack of access and unaffordable health care meant that their dreams were not realized.
Now, due to President Barack Obama, Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Democratic Members of Congress, health care is no longer an unmet promise for African-Americans and all Americans, it is now the law of the land.
But, you ask – how does health care help me? How does it help my family? I am glad that you asked.
Read in Full >>
Star Power at Black Caucus Weekend: Nov. 4 - 6, 2010:
Star Power Black Legislative Caucus of Maryland: FMI, call 410.841.3185 or register online www.marylandblackcaucusfoundation.org.
Read in Full >>
Pres. Obama Visits Bowie State University in Maryland:
(BOWIE - October 8. 2010) - Pres. Barack Obama visited Bowie State University yesterday on behalf of the gubernatorial re-election campagin of Gov. Martin O'Malley and several other leading Democrats in Maryland. Read in Full >>
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SIGNING OF THE SMALL BUSINESS JOBS ACT:
So this law will do two big things: It’s going to cut taxes, and it’s going to make more loans available for small business. It’s a great victory for America’s entrepreneurs. (Applause.) It is a great victory for America’s entrepreneurs.
Now, I have to admit, I regret that this bill –- which was based on ideas from both Democrats and Republicans, and drawing support from business groups that don't normally support me -- (laughter) -- I regret that this was blocked for months by the Republican minority in the Senate, and that needlessly delayed this relief. But I do want to thank the two Republican senators who bucked this partisanship to help pass this bill, and, obviously, I want to thank all the Democrats who worked so hard to get it passed.
Read in Full >>
David Plouffe, Author of “The Audacity to Win”, Comes to Baltimore’s Pratt Library:
President Barack Obama’s campaign manager, political strategist David Plouffe, came to Baltimore’s Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library on Thursday evening. He was greeted by Pratt’s chief, Dr. Carla Hayden, and senior journalist/author C. Frazier Smith - along with a packed audience.
Read in Full >>
BMORENEWS FLASH: Warren Brown, Larry Gibson at Board of Elections: Bernstein vs. Jessamy:
While a shooting suspect is "confined" just a dozen blocks to the east at Johns Hopkins Hospital by City police - even with the assistance of a Baltimore County SWAT team, the other hot spot in the City is the Board of Elections at 417 E. Fayette Street.
Around 10:15 am, the Board's chief, Armstead Jones, spoke to those present about the process that is currently underway to count the last of the votes.
Thus far, candidate Gregg Bernstein is ahead by about 2% points over incumbent Pat Jessamy in the still undeclared battle for Baltimore City State's Attorney. While most winners of Tuesday election were confirmed yesterday, the verdict is still unofficial in this hotly contested race. Among those present were Attorneys Warren Brown (Bernstein supporter) and Larry Gibson (Jessamy supporter).
There has been concern by citizens, including radio personality Daren Muhammad, who question if anything unethical has happened and why the process is still going on.
