JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Maryland’s Unsung Heroes On The Front Line: Maryland Park Rangers
Maryland Park Rangers are on the frontline serving Marylanders during the COVID-19 pandemic in a unique way. Parks are a holistic approach to the mental and physical challenges we face. Since state parks are essential in contributing to the overall health and well-being of Maryland citizens, there is a substantial impact on Maryland Park Services (MPS). As attendance continues to skyrocket, budget cuts in the department have left them with less contractual help to deal with the crowds. This has led to increased park closures, greater vigilance to manage traffic control, and response to emergencies in the park. Of greater importance and concern is the increased exposure Rangers have to the thousands of daily visitors to state parks.
Maryland’s Unsung Heroes On The Front Line: Mindy Lawson
Mindy Lawson is a rehabilitation teacher at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, the state’s forensic psychiatric hospital. While teachers in other facilities across the state telework, she continues to report to the hospital daily. Initially, her job was not deemed essential; however, during a state of emergency, management can make non-essential employees essential and alter their work duties, which changed her job status.
A Cost-Effective Solution To Budget and Health Concerns
With budget concerns looming, placing state employees on the chopping block to mitigate budget shortfalls, would seem like a logical solution for some decision-makers that are less than forward-thinking.
COVID-19 ELEVATED LEVEL 2 STATUS
Governor Hogan has ordered movement to an Elevated Level 2 status for all Executive Branch agencies, this means:
MPEC Info Table at DLLR
Valentine’s Day is a day of love, and MPEC was in the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulations (DLLR) spreading union love. Organizer Aaron Ray tabled at the facility during lunchtime. He engaged workers on a number of issues, but one that drew the most interest was reclassification and back-pay associated with it.