Maryland Democrats prepare for 47th presidency

Source: AFRO

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Democratic leaders are projecting public confidence about how Maryland will fare under Donald Trump, but they're also concerned about some of his policies - and how quickly he might implement them.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said he's hoping for bipartisan cooperation with the incoming administration.

"We will look for areas where cooperation is possible," Van Hollen told Capital News Service.

But he's also preparing for a fight, sooner rather than later.

"We'll be having to confront these challenges much earlier on," Van Hollen told CNS, "because there's been more preparation from the Trump side."

Some potential areas of disagreement include Trump's hard line on immigration, the Affordable Care Act and financial matters. In preparation for a second Trump term, Gov. Wes Moore recently hired a consultant to help state leaders understand the impact of his policies.

"I know this isn't a result that a majority of Marylanders hoped for," the Democratic governor told his cabinet right after the election, "but this is a result we have prepared for."

"We are ready to push back on this new White House when necessary," Moore said.

Maryland State Treasurer Dereck Davis is keeping it optimistic.

"Ultimately, I believe everyone understands that the government is here to serve the people, and not any political party or individuals," Davis told CNS.

But Van Hollen advises vigilance and readiness, starting on inauguration day.

Immigration

Trump's aggressive stance on immigration and border security, one of the central platforms of his campaign, may face opposition from Maryland leaders.

"Maryland will not facilitate mass deportation," Van Hollen said. "That's my view."

The Maryland Department of Labor plans to fortify the local workforce to support those in need.

"The Maryland Department of Labor and the local workforce areas will continue to focus on supporting workers -- connecting them with jobs and skills training, and, where necessary, providing unemployment insurance benefits," said Secretary Portia Wu.

Still, leaders of local immigration rights organizations see challenging times ahead. Eric Lopez warns that deportations could move even faster under Trump:

"Time is really of the essence to effectively defend someone against prolonged detention and against swift deportation," Lopez said.

"Policies will be wielded very much against these communities."

Healthcare

Another area concern potential rolling back Affordable Care Act something threatened since first ran president 2015. Van says repeal ACA would disaster country." "It grave harm tens millions Americans access use ensure coverage even pre-existing conditions." loss ACA hit people pocketbooks according Hannah Wesolowski chief advocacy officer National Alliance Mental Illness. "There tax credits help lot afford health care coverage insurance marketplace expiring end next year." Lawmakers citizens alike push back against predicted. "I think lots Republicans both House Senate opposed repealing point." One reasons Democrats successful blocking past repeal attempts because there was huge outpouring opposition American people."

Funding

Maryland needs federal funding more than ever several statewide projects need financing including Key Bridge rebuild ambitious school plan known Blueprint Future. "As federal funding Davis going expecting anything politically motivated behind it." shared optimism especially regard Key Bridge rebuilding effort already funded congressional delegation pushing remaining expressed confidence cases make decisions hurt able successfully cited example first term which attempted slash Chesapeake Bay Program." "We delegation successfully worked colleagues basis annual not only eliminated increased."