Eastern Shore delegation votes to send letters urging DDA reform and flexibility for Blackwater Refuge farming

Delegates voted by voice to authorize two letters near the close of the March 6 meeting.

First, Senator Carozza moved that the delegation draft a letter to the Maryland Department of Health and the governor's office calling for restored funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and for systemic reforms informed by frontline testimony presented at a recent "Save the Services" rally. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair’s office will work with Senator Carozza and interested members to draft the letter.

Second, Delegate Hutchinson moved and the delegation approved a letter regarding cooperative farming issues at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County. Delegates said farmers told them at a recent refuge meeting that constraints on allowable seeds, pesticides and cooperative farming agreements were harming local operations and that the refuge and delegation should coordinate on practical solutions that also meet wildlife objectives. The chair assigned staff to work with Delegate Hutchinson and regional members on the text.

Both motions were carried by voice vote; members instructed staff to produce drafts quickly and share them with the delegation for final sign‑off. The meeting adjourned following the votes.