* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Health Equity Resource Communities
For the purpose of calling on the General Assembly to pass and the Governor to sign legislation creating Health Equity Resource Communities.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Maryland is in a deadly pandemic which disproportionately impacts black and brown residents;
Whereas, Even before the pandemic, health outcomes for black and brown residents of Maryland were worse than for white residents;
Whereas, Many communities in Maryland lack the health care resources they need to care for all residents, including certain rural areas;
Whereas, From 2012 to 2016, the Community Health Resources Commission and the Maryland Department of Health administered the Health Enterprise Zones Program, which increased access to health resources for certain communities lacking sufficient resources;
Whereas, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health found that the Health Enterprise Zones Program improved Maryland residents’ health, reduced hospital admissions, and created health care cost savings from a relatively small investment;
Whereas, Passing legislation that creates Health Equity Resource Communities can build on the success of the Health Enterprise Zones Program;
Whereas, Communities will be eligible for the Health Equity Resource Communities program if they are in great need of more health care services and can compete to join the program by demonstrating how they plan to address the health needs of underserved residents. Communities chosen to join the program will receive new grants and tax incentives to expand care in their areas; and
Whereas, The Health Equity Resource Communities program will be funded with a 1 cent per dollar increase in the state alcohol beverage sales tax, which has not been raised since 2011 and, when increased in 2011, led to significant reductions in underage drinking, binge drinking, driving under the influence, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council calls on the General Assembly to pass and the Governor to sign legislation creating Health Equity Resource Communities.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Honorable
Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.