During AFT-Maryland’s Lobby Night, February 11, members of the Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) spoke to delegates about the proposed move of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) from Crownsville to Prince Georges County.
In a meeting with Delegate Ron George (R-Anne Arundel County) MPEC member Bill Walling asked specifically about the status of the DHCD move. Delegate George told the MPEC delegation that he had filed a Public Information Act request (PIA) to determine the status of the relocation of DHCD.
The contractor originally selected to construct the new facility, however, was unable to proceed with construction plans and the contract was rescinded. Reportedly, a second Request for Proposals has been issued in an attempt to secure a new contractor.
Delegate George told MPEC members that he would issue a second PIA request in an attempt to obtain the latest information on the status of the DHCD relocation. Walling reported that he informed Delegate George of the DHCD employee’s opposition to the relocation, and that the delegate was supportive of their position.
MPEC members also met with Delegates Tom Hucker and Craig Zucker, both Democrats representing Montgomery County, requesting that the legislators protect state worker pensions and raises. The governor’s budget includes a 3 percent raise for state workers, part of the terms secured by MPEC during the last round of contract negotiations.