MarylandReporter.com (https://marylandreporter.com/tag/maryland/)
An annual report released by the Human Rights Campaign Federation Institute on Thursday said Maryland has some of the strongest laws in the nation protecting the rights of LGBTQ Americans. Former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler says the state’s residents deserve credit for the boost in ranking, rather than the current governor or his immediate predecessor.
The study found that Maryland ranks 9th in racial integration, 11th among states that have made the most racial progress and 5th among states with the lowest poverty rate gap.
The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board members were given an extensive presentation about the financial disclosure requirements they must make as part of their service. Disclosure exemptions may be requested. However, Van Mitchell, chair of the board, said members voted prior to the meeting not to ask for exemptions.
Maryland has firmly established its Health Benefit Exchange under Obamacare and has a long-term plan in place. But 40 states, including Virginia, have not passed legislation authorizing a health benefit exchanges in their borders as required by the Affordable Care Act of 2010.
The people who sell Maryland to the country and the world spent part of this week debating whether the Free State’s brand is competitive in today’s marketplace.
On the plus side, Maryland has a “great quality of life” and a highly educated workforce, said economist Anirban Basu. On the downside, it has high taxes and a perceived bad attitude toward business.