(WBFF) — With a $71 billion budget, Maryland outspends many states of larger size, but lawmakers and advocates say tracking how that money is spent — and who can access public records — can be difficult.
“We are spending like drunken sailors here,” said Del. Lauren Arikan, who blames the one party that controls Maryland for keeping a tight grip on transparency. “When folks have absolute power it corrupts absolutely. That’s what we’ve seen in Maryland. We’re allowed to make small changes in the minority party but in terms of making a big overhaul addressing transparency issues, we’re not seeing any rule on that.”
ALSO READ | One man killed after being shot in northeast Baltimore
The debate over access to records has played out in multiple bills this session, including House Bill 524, proposed by Baltimore’s mayor. The measure would give the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, known as MONSE, and other city offices greater access to juvenile records.
During testimony, supporters said the change would help assist city agencies which provide services to juveniles.. “This allows us to better access those records,” MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis said during a hearing last month. “We’re just talking about records who have been referred to our office for services.”
Child welfare advocates, however, warned the proposal could put children at risk. “In 30 years of doing this work, I have never seen a public official make a request like this that was more inappropriate,” child welfare advocate Maureen Flotley said.
After a brief hearing last month, a Senate committee gave City Hall unanimous approval.
At the same time, Maryland’s inspectors general have been lobbying for greater access to public records, but a bill which would guarantee that access has stalled in a committee. It has not received a hearing nor a vote.
Del. Ryan Nawrocki questioned the differing treatment of the proposals. “Its makes you wonder why its okay to release some types of information but not other types of information,” he said.
Arikan said the inspectors general measure has bipartisan support but not enough backing to advance. “I think there are a few Democrats who see value in public transparency, PIA’s, but not enough at the top to make the changes that are necessary,” she said.
Republican lawmakers also urged Maryland residents to get involved in the process. “In Maryland, it doesn’t take that many people to change policy but it has to come from the grassroots, the people have to get involved,” Arikan said.
Local Story
