BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today joined members of the Carroll-Camden Business Association and Financial Executives International for a town hall meeting on a wide variety of issues, many of which were focused on the ongoing recovery of the city’s business community following the recent civil unrest. Senator Cardin spoke in detail on the broad package of civil rights and law enforcement reforms, known as the “BALTIMORE Act,” that he and Senator Barbara A. Mikulski introduced in the Senate last week. Senator Cardin also responded to questions about the future of the Export-Import Bank, international trade, the Affordable Care Act and the Port of Baltimore, among several other topics.
“It may take time for Baltimore to fully recover from the damage done to its businesses and national image by the tragic events following the recent death of Freddie Gray, but this great city will come back. We will need to work together and much of that work is going to be hard, but make no mistake, I am optimistic when it comes to Baltimore’s future,” said Senator Cardin. “From their earliest days, Baltimore’s industrial and financial business sectors have proven themselves resilient and innovative, and these same qualities will be vital in the days ahead. I am confident that together we can find ways to help Baltimore recover and grow all sectors of its diverse economy, spurring community improvements along the way.”
Senator Cardin noted that the BALTIMORE Act includes several measures to reinforce the civil liberties of all Americans, promote the best practices in policing, and provide second chances to ex-offenders. “Every single one of us has received second chances in life, and it should be no different for those who have served their time and are attempting to re-enter society and make positive strides and contributions to their families and neighborhoods,” said Senator Cardin. “We also need to have a serious discussion about sentencing reform and finding ways to restore the lost trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. The BALTIMORE Act will move us decisively in that direction by ending racial profiling, increasing accountability, collecting critical crime data like officer-related shootings, and providing real strategies and resources to strengthen police-community relations. These measures will help protect the rights of every American, on every side of our justice system.”
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