On Saturday, Governor Moore addressed the summer session of the Maryland Association of Counties in Ocean City. And his message was loud and clear.
In the words of the governor, “Our economic engine does not support our ambition.”
With state budgets facing shortfalls, Moore pointed to other nearby states whose economies grow while Maryland’s remains the same as it was four years ago. According to Moore’s speech, when it comes to economic momentum Maryland ranks 47th.
Meanwhile, in the last four years the state of Pennsylvania’s economy saw an uptick of $22 billion. Last year in New Jersey, the average resident’s bank account saw a $1700 increase. The average Marylander counted only $1000. Total income in the state grew at nearly one half the rate of the rest of the country.
Still, Governor Moore expressed confidence and optimism about the state’s future. He noted, “We are home to some of the greatest institutions of science, health care, research, education and commerce in the world….I want Maryland to be the headquarters of the 21st century…”
He has ordered the creation of a new Maryland Economic Council and will soon appoint a new Chief Performance Officer to monitor progress and maintain efficiency to foster new business opportunities.
Moore ended his speech, “This is Maryland’s time. And our greatness will be won here, in this moment, together, in partnership….and let’s leave no one behind.”
