Superintendent Bulson Visit
Recently, I had the honor of hosting the Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, Dr. Sean Bulson, as he received a resolution from the entire Maryland Senate for being selected as the Superintendent of the Year by his peers. Dr. Bulson is an incredible leader who is at the helm of Harford County in implementing the sweeping education reform known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. I am confident in his ability to lead our public schools, and his endorsement from his fellow superintendents shows our students are in excellent hands.
Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is aware that a cybersecurity incident involving Change Healthcare is impacting healthcare operations nationwide. Additional information regarding this situation is available at: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/ns/changehealthcare.html
If you believe you are improperly being required to pay for your covered services or medications, contact your health plan using the phone number on the back of your member identification card or on the health plan’s website. You can also use that number to find out whether the security breach impacts your information. If the health plan does not address your concerns, then you may contact MIA to file a complaint at: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/FileAComplaint.aspx
Exciting Opportunity for Small Business Owners
I would like to announce an exciting opportunity for small business owners to connect and learn what state and local agencies, departments, and universities are interested in procuring. The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs is inviting all small businesses to an event to connect with government agencies regarding their procurement needs. Participants will include:
There is no cost to attend or park, but pre-registration is required. To register for the event, please click here: Ready Set GROW (maryland.gov)
When:
Wednesday, March 20th, 2024
9:30 am- Check in and refreshments
10:00 am - Program/Keynote Address/Citation Ceremony
11:15 am - Opening Networking with agency buyers
Where:
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, 9th Floor
Columbia, Maryland 21044 (in Merriweather District)
Lane Closures on the Hatem Bridge and Philadelphia Road
As you may have already noticed, the first phase of a rehabilitation project for the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) recently began. The Maryland Transportation Authority anticipates that the project will be completed in May of 2026. In the meantime, there will be temporary lane closures on the bridge Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 7 am to 7 pm. One lane will always be open in each direction during the duration of the project, but bicycles and pedestrians are not permitted on the Hatem Bridge while the lane closures are in place. During the first phase of the project, all lanes will be open on Sundays to allow bicycle access.
For email alerts on this project click here
For real-time traffic camera footage on MDTA roadways click here
For real-time updates on major incidents, follow MDTA’s Twitter Page here
Secondly, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin removing a large debris buildup underneath the MD 7 (Philadelphia Road) bridge in eastern Harford County on Monday, March 11. The work should be completed by Friday, March 15, weather permitting.
Starting at 9 am on Monday, crews will use a crane and dump trucks to remove the debris beneath the MD 7 bridge over Bynum Run north of the Abingdon area. Crews will work until 3 pm. During work hours, motorists can expect a closure and detour on the two-lane bridge in both directions between MD 136 (Calvary Road) and Bush Road.
All through travelers on MD 7 between MD 543 (Creswell Road) and MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway) in Harford County will be diverted to a detour route including MD 543, US 40 (Pulaski Highway) and MD 24. The State Highway Administration will use digital message signs, arrow boards, and temporary detour signs to safely guide drivers through the temporary bridge detour route.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact my office at 410-841-3158 or marydulanyjames@senate.state.md.us
Sincerely,
Mary-Dulany James
Senator
Harford County
Maryland General Assembly