ANNAPOLIS, MD — Yesterday, Governor Wes Moore delivered his first State of the State address, in which he highlighted service as the tool that will create a Maryland that leaves no one behind. The Governor described the Moore-Miller administration's vision for historic and innovative investments in civic innovation, rebuilding state government, education, veterans, public safety, and ending child poverty.

In his speech, Governor Moore also shared the stories of hard working Marylanders to highlight how, when given the opportunity to serve, the people of Maryland will lead.

Governor Wes Moore Tells Maryland He's Leading with Service in First State of the State  

Gov. Moore lays out a vision of service in first State of the State address

Pamela Wood, Brenda Wintrode and Callan Tansill-Suddath // Baltimore Banner

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore laid out a vision of a state full of people who wish to serve — whether it's in their community, the military or the state workforce — in his first State of the State address on Wednesday.

Service, the new Democratic governor said, is the best way to move Maryland forward.

Here are the six Marylanders Gov. Wes Moore honored during his State of the State address for their commitment to service

William Ford // Maryland Matters

As Gov. Wes Moore (D) delivered his first State of the State address on Wednesday, he highlighted six Marylanders for their service to their communities and the state.

Judy Roopnaraine has worked the last eight years for the state's Department of General Services doing maintenance work mostly inside the State House. Wednesday marked the first time she watched the State of the State address in person, seated next to first lady Dawn Moore and the governor's family.

'It felt incredible': Md. student recognized by governor during State of the State address

Kate Ryan // WTOP

Jefferson Vasquez-Reyes had two thoughts when Maryland Gov. Wes Moore asked him to stand during Moore's State of the State address on Wednesday.

First, the 18-year-old Montgomery College student said, “It felt incredible," as members of the General Assembly and invited guests burst into applause in the historic State House.

Gov. Wes Moore calls for action on public service initiatives in first State of the State speech

Sam Janesch // Baltimore Banner

Gov. Wes Moore, in his first State of the State speech before the Maryland General Assembly, issued a call to action as he asked state lawmakers to support his first package of bills aimed at inspiring a wave of public service.

“Service will save us," Moore told Wednesday's joint session in the House of Delegates chamber at the State House, exactly two weeks after he took his oath of office.

Moore's first State of the State speech is a prolonged call to service

Josh Kurtz & William Zorzi // Maryland Matters

Gov. Wes Moore (D), who has cast his own decision to enter politics as an extension of his lifelong record of service to country and community, used his first State of the State address Wednesday to urge Marylanders to join him on the path to public service.

Two weeks into his administration, and mindful of his trail-blazing status as the first Black governor in Maryland history, Moore touted a public service program he aims to establish for young Marylanders, and also described restocking state government as his first mission as governor. He characterized both of these initiatives as priorities that political leaders of both parties can easily embrace.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivers State of State address confident about future

Steve Cohen // DC News Now

A month after his inauguration, Governor Wes Moore said Maryland is full of hope and has the potential for a bright and prosperous future.

He called for investment in education, a commitment to public service and an end to child poverty.

Sen. Clarence Lam (D – Anne Arundel and Howard Counties) said he is impressed by the governor's commitment to workforce development.

“He wants to be sure our workforce has the resources it needs," said Lam.

Even the minority party in the House of Delegates sees ways to work in cooperation with Moore.

“The governor is correct," said Sen. Paul Corderman (R – Washington County). “We have shared priorities, and we'll work with the new administration going forward."

Gov. Moore Talks About Service In First State Of State Address

WFMD

In his first state of the state address, Governor Wes Moore emphasized service. “This is a state where opportunities are boundless, but the challenges are undeniable," he said. “It's also a state where there is no obstacle that we cannot address, no challenge that we cannot tackle if we are intentional, if we move in partnership. And promoting a state of service is how we're going to do that."

He told lawmakers and others assembled on Wednesday at the State House in Annapolis that he is creating a Department of Service and Civic Involvement. “Our order consolidates and elevates the agencies of state government that support service opportunities, and we need to follow it up with legislation. And the Serve Act will do just that because it will create a service year option for high school graduates, give them an opportunity to serve this state," he said.

Moore emphasizes public service in 1st State of the State address

Bryan Sears // The Daily Record

In his first State of the State address Wednesday, Gov. Wes Moore laid out a vision of a Maryland in which the state and its government are supported by a corps of volunteers and public servants.

Moore, sworn-in just two weeks ago, offered a lofty and idealistic vision of a state where child poverty is eradicated, and many citizens answer a call to service.

Gov. Wes Moore proposes service year for high school graduates

Scott Broom // WUSA 9

Maryland's new governor revealed a plan that would let high school graduates take a year off before college or starting their careers to serve their communities. Gov. Wes Moore says it will make Maryland the only state in the country offering the option.

Moore talked about the idea Wednesday in his first State of the State address. He said he will work with legislators to pass the proposed "Serve Act."

Gov. Wes Moore's first State of the State address hinges on public service

David Collins // WBAL 11

Gov. Wes Moore weaved a public service theme throughout his first State of the State address, in which he also declared war on child poverty in Maryland.

The State of the State address is a defining moment for Moore with high expectations.

Governor Moore continues to call for service in State address

Jeff Morgan // WMAR 2

Following the cheers and applause as he entered the House chamber, Governor Wes Moore delivered his first State of the State address.

The Governor started his speech with service and kept it throughout.

"I'm only here right now because of the people in my life who stepped up even when they were not called. People who served even when the didn't call it that. People who were willing to sacrifice in the moment for the hope of a better tomorrow," said Governor Wes Moore.

Moore focuses on public service, rebuilding state workforce in first State of the State Speech

Matt Bush // WYPR

Two weeks after taking office, Gov. Wes Moore delivered his first State of the State address to the Maryland General Assembly Wednesday afternoon. But Moore's speech had a similar main theme to that of his campaign and inauguration — public service.

Moore used that major theme to push his plans to rebuild the state government workforce.

“Despite the challenges we have seen, I know the Marylanders I have spoken to, not only are they fast to offer solutions," Moore told a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly Wednesday afternoon. “But they've also expressed a deep hope and desire to be a part of the solution."

Moore points to State of the State guests as examples of service

Brenda Wintrode // Baltimore Banner

Interlaced among his policy initiatives, Gov. Wes Moore wove the stories of six Marylanders through his first State of the State address to demonstrate his concept of service.

Moore delivered the address, which in part fused his resume and his winning campaign message with his policy agenda, before the Maryland General Assembly Wednesday, two weeks after his inauguration.??