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The breakfast took place at the Maryland Inn and was sponsored by the Maryland Forestry Foundation and the Maryland Tech Council.

“We’ve accomplished many significant benchmarks over the past few years in areas such as broadband and digital inclusion,” Chair Susan O’Neill said. “While we are all bracing for budget cuts, we are advocating for equity in our rural areas, so we can continue working toward a stronger, more resilient Maryland for everyone.”

Equity was also top of mind for Executive Director Charlotte Davis. “It will be a difficult budget year. Equitable budget cuts and finding efficiencies will be crucial,” she said. “We need proper funding to continue progressing in areas such as growing our economy, affordable housing, accessible health care, and agricultural and forestry education. We literally can’t afford to backpedal on the progress we’ve made,” she adds.

In the past fiscal year, the Rural Maryland Council administered 65 grants totaling more than $6.1 million to local and regional public and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and regional councils. Upcoming RMC legislative events include:

• Legislative Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis.

• Maryland Day, Tuesday, March 25, on Lawyers Mall, Annapolis.

All meetings are free and open to the public. Contact RMC for more information or to register at 410-841-5772 or rmc.mda@maryland.gov.

To get involved, visit or contact RMC at 410-841-5772 or rmc.mda@maryland.gov. For updates on events and activities, connect with the Rural Maryland Council on or on Twitter @RuralMaryland.