*Read the 2022 End of Session Letter HERE*
I have sponsored 34 pieces of legislation over the last 8 years which successfully passed into law, including many that directly impact Cecil County. Working with local leaders, I have also delivered numerous capital budget items to benefit our local communities. My office has been able to assist thousands of constituents with difficulties while dealing with the State bureaucracy.
Information on my past and present legislative work, along with other happenings at the Maryland General Assembly, can be found at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/hornberger01.
Examples of successful legislation I have worked on include:
Maryland Medical Assistance Program – Emergency Service Transporters – Reimbursement
Our first responders are facing several challenges in the field, including appropriate funding to confront modern emergencies. 2022 HB-44/SB-295 provides a long overdue increase in EMS transport reimbursements, now including calls for service where a patient is not transported to a hospital. I have been working with EMS and volunteer fire advocates on this issue for over four years, and am happy to report that for the first time since 1999 that this reimbursement rate will be increased.
Municipalities – Municipal Infraction Proceedings – Designation of a Building Inspector or an Enforcement Officer to Testify
2019 HB-515 permits an appropriate municipal officer to testify in circuit court for unresolved municipal infractions without an attorney, similarly to how a police officer is able to show up and represent themselves in a hearing for a minor traffic offense. Permitting municipal officials to do so not only expedites this process, but also saves taxpayer money by reducing the overhead a municipality or county would have to pay to hire an attorney for these relatively minor cases. I was happy to take the lead on this legislation at the request of Rising Sun and Elkton.
Maryland Transportation Authority – Tolls – Civil Penalties
Many of you are all too familiar with the EZ Pass debacle that has plagued motorists, particularly on the Hatem Bridge and I-95 JFK plaza. My office has assisted hundreds of constituents affected by this issue. 2022 HB-582/SB-59 enacts several reforms in response to this problem including broader payment flexibility, a streamlined reimbursement process, and more remediable collection practices. I am tired of the MTA using citizens commuting to work as their personal piggy bank.
Higher Education – Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships – Reimbursement of Expenses for Community College Certification and Licensure
Or as I like to call it, the “Blue Collar Scholarship” bill. This bill increases access for blue collar workers and tradespeople to already existing scholarship money. After a couple attempts in previous years, HB-203 finally passed in 2018 unanimously in both the House and the Senate. This will help tradespeople, truck drivers, and other everyday working citizens attending Cecil College who want to better their lives.
Income Tax – Subtraction Modification – State Law Enforcement Officers
This topic has been a focus of mine for a few years. I was successful in passing similar legislation expanding a statewide income tax break for law enforcement officers to include members of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. Many MTA Police reside in Cecil County, specifically for work along the US-40 corridor. Previous bills on this issue inadvertently excluded other miscellaneous State law enforcement officers; the bill I personally worked on corrects that. I’d like to thank Senator Ben Kramer (D-Montgomery County) for working with me on this issue.