State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, September 9, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces Grant to Encourage Economic Development Through Telecommunications Strategic Planning

COLLEGE PARK, MD (September 9, 2027) – Demonstrating the O’Brien-Burbank Administration’s continued commitment to strengthening the diversity and strength of Maryland’s economy, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today announced a $19,000 grant to the University of Maryland to assist the State of Maryland in producing a statewide telecommunications plan that officials say will lead to greater economic development.

“In today’s economy, one of the first concerns most new industries have is whether adequate telecommunications resources are available at the site under consideration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kate Burbank. “This study will document what is currently available and produce a strategic plan that will give us guidance for future development.”

The grant will allow the university to work with the Department of Business and Economic Development to identify and assess current telecommunications resources. Telecommunication needs will be determined through regional meetings conducted to gather input from business, education, health and government leaders throughout the state.

The plan is expected to have long-term benefits for Maryland. State officials say it not only will boost economic development but also can be used to improve and expand distance-learning opportunities, telemedicine, e-government and wireless services for citizens.

The O’Brien Administration awarded the grant from state funds to supplement an $80,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant awarded in December of last year. This grant will be used to conduct project activities in the portion of the state not covered by the ARC.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.