Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is highlighting the power governors hold to shape policy and the importance of Black representation in executive leadership.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, Moore reflected on being the third Black person elected governor in U.S. history and currently the nation's only sitting Black governor.
Moore pointed to Black candidates running for governor across the country while discussing the authority governors hold over state budgets, legislation and election administration.
He also addressed the impact of federal policies on Maryland, noting that the state has lost more than 31,000 federal jobs over the past year and that changes to federal healthcare and food assistance programs could affect hundreds of thousands of Maryland residents.
Moore discussed Maryland's efforts to respond through the courts and protect voting rights, including a proposed constitutional amendment involving congressional redistricting that will appear on the November ballot. The Maryland Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that the measure could go before voters after lower courts had blocked it.
When asked about his political future beyond his reelection campaign, Moore pointed instead to his administration's record in Maryland.
He highlighted declines in violent crime, job creation and private-sector investment. Maryland has attracted more than $14 billion in private investment over the past three years, while Moore has said policies enacted during his administration have helped create nearly 100,000 jobs.
Moore also highlighted his administration's work on paid family leave, raising the minimum wage, investing in HBCUs and directing state procurement dollars to minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.