Hogan expands ‘Refund to Police’ initiative, plans to reintroduce 2 crime bills that didn’t go through – CBS Baltimore

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) As lawmakers return to the House of Representatives for the 2022 legislative session, Governor Larry Hogan said he is expanding his “police refinancing” program and reintroducing two crime-fighting measures that he announced. tried unsuccessfully to pass the legislature.

In October, the governor announced a “police refinancing” initiative, committed 150 million dollars to raise wages, assist recruiting agents, pay for body cameras and de-escalation training as well as other programs. On Monday, Hogan said he has increased the amount to $500 million over the next three years.

READ MORE: MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office Accepts Application for Traffic Safety Grant to Reduce Road Accidents

A Maryland State Police fund that provides aid to local jurisdictions has been boosted by 50% to $137 million, Hogan said, and he has announced plans to introduce legislation that makes these amounts. permanently increased.

Governor also pledges an additional $220 million to increase wages for law enforcement, $50 million to improve capital at Maryland State Police facilities, $37 million to victim services and $30 million for the Safe Neighborhood Fund to provide cameras, lighting, increased security, and other upgrades to business districts and major thoroughfares.

“There is nothing more important than addressing the violent crime crisis in our state, and our efforts to ‘repay police’ and provide them with support is just as important,” he said. as the resources they need to do our jobs more effectively.

Following the show’s October announcement in which Hogan singled out Baltimore and the city’s State Attorney Marilyn Mosby,

Though the governor suggested Baltimore is part of a larger “police sabotage” movement, which has grown in popularity after senior police kill civilians, such as George Floyd, the Police Department’s budget Baltimore raised $28 million last year.

READ MORE: Authorities say car exploded after crashing into Middle River home

Mayor Brandon Scott hit back at the governor’s comments at the time, saying that cooperation is needed to tackle the city’s violent crime problem, “not just smack dab.”

Senate President Bill Ferguson, who represents Baltimore, said: “A real effort to stop violence and make communities safe requires a coordinated plan that is purposefully executed every day. It also includes strategies for acknowledging poverty and for shaping individual outcomes. The rhetoric of division doesn’t make us any safer.”

Hogan also announced plans to again introduce the Violent Crimes Act and Judicial Transparency Act during the session, statutes that would strengthen sentences for gun violence repeat offenders and allows reporting of sentences handed down by judges in violent cases, respectively.

Governor submitted bills during the 2020 session and again in a special session in December focusing on the new congressional map. Both times they failed to advance.

Calling the “beat the police” movement a “huge and utter failure,” Hogan points to free zones such as California, San Francisco, Chicago and New York City increased funding for public safety in the face of protests against law enforcement.

“Now we just need the Maryland General Assembly to do the same,” he said.

MORE NEWS: Riverfront Business Target in Smash-And-Grab . ATM Heist

The governor said he will map out more fiscal priorities next week when his budget is submitted, but hinted that crime, tax cuts and fair legislative mapping are some of the top priorities. his head.