The Office of Governor Wes Moore
Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced additional action to "close the racial wealth gap and expand access to work, wages, and wealth for Black Marylanders."
Before a congregation of 200 at Bethel AME Church in Cambridge, the governor made official new Just Community designations to prioritize up to $400 million in competitive state investments in communities that have been historically impacted by exclusionary policies. The governor also announced the addition of nearly 7,000 pardons for certain cannabis convictions, expanding upon the clemency order that the he signed last year.
“We know the racial wealth gap affects all of us. It hurts our economy; it restrains job growth and it limits our potential as a state,” said Gov. Moore. “If you want a growing economy, you have to make sure it is an inclusive one. We cannot afford to simply ‘meet’ about the situation before us and delay progress—we need action. Together, we are going to continue the work of repair with action that delivers results.”
As required by the governor’s Expungement Reform Act, all pardoned cannabis possession offenses will be removed from public view by January 31, 2026. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will also indicate pardoned convictions on criminal background checks.
“We know the racial wealth gap affects all of us. It hurts our economy; it restrains job growth and it limits our potential as a state,” said Gov. Moore. “If you want a growing economy, you have to make sure it is an inclusive one. We cannot afford to simply ‘meet’ about the situation before us and delay progress—we need action. Together, we are going to continue the work of repair with action that delivers results.”
As required by the governor’s Expungement Reform Act, all pardoned cannabis possession offenses will be removed from public view by January 31, 2026. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will also indicate pardoned convictions on criminal background checks.
