In his address last Tuesday, Gov. Hogan suggested the state of our state hinges on stemming the pandemic. He said Maryland was put to the test over the past year, but Marylanders rose to the challenge.

COVID has disproportionately affected racial/ethnic groups in Maryland and nationwide, with Black and Hispanic people succumbing to the disease at higher rates.

Last week’s presidential inauguration offered messages of unity and a hopeful path forward. As the transfer of power continues amid a global pandemic, it’s clear COVID is President Biden’s top priority.

Just as it has dominated our professional and personal lives for nearly a year, the COVID pandemic—and its effects—will dominate the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session, which got underway last week.