May 31, 2018
Van Hollen Focuses on Economic Growth in Cecil County
U.S.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) spent Wednesday in Cecil County discussing
ways to promote good paying jobs and ensure good schools and a high-quality
health care system. During the day, he met with the leaders and employees of
some of the area’s biggest employers, including Orbital ATK, W.L. Gore &
Associates, and an Amazon Fulfillment Center. He also
met with leaders of the Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services
in Elkton and spoke with many of their clients. Additionally, the Senator
had a good discussion about our education system with Dr. D’Ette Devine, the
Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools, and thanked her for her long and
excellent service to the students of Cecil County. At every stop, the Senator
focused on measures needed to build a strong workforce and attract jobs with
good pay and benefits.
“Our
economic strength starts with well-funded schools for our kids and continues
with life-long job training. It also means we must invest in the key areas that
bring good-paying jobs to our state, including infrastructure and innovative
research and development. And Maryland cannot succeed without quality health
care services,” said Senator Van Hollen. “At every stop, I had the
chance to speak with people who are working hard and are committed to helping
our state be the best it can be. I’m fighting in the U.S. Senate to make sure
that we have the resources we need to succeed.”
Senator
Van Hollen tours Orbital ATK’s Elkton facility and speaks with company
employees. Orbital ATK develops aerospace and defense technologies and has four
locations in Maryland. The Elkton facility specializes in missile defense
systems. Senator Van Hollen spoke with employees about their innovative work
and the importance of STEM education in securing a pipeline of Maryland workers
prepared to fuel this industry.
Senator
Van Hollen visits W.L. Gore & Associates’ Technically Oriented Fabrics
Division in Elkton. He viewed Gore's Heat & Flame Protection Sciences
Laboratory and their Biophysics Lab – labs that are used to develop and test
high-performing materials – and met with a group of employees. Gore's
first plant in Cecil County was built in 1972; and the company currently
employs approximately 2,400 associates across 14 facilities in Cecil County,
including Gore's largest research and development facility. Senator Van Hollen
discussed his efforts to keep good-paying manufacturing and research and
development jobs in Maryland.
Senator
Van Hollen tours Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in North East. The Center employs
over 1,000 Marylanders, and Amazon as a whole employs over 5,000 residents
across our state. During the tour, he spoke about the importance of creating
and growing local job opportunities in Maryland.
Senator
Van Hollen visits with employees at Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services,
one of the largest behavioral and mental health providers in the region. He
also spoke with patients about his efforts to protect and ensure access to
healthcare, especially behavioral and mental health services.
Senator
Van Hollen meets with Dr. D’Ette Devine, the Superintendent of Cecil County
Public Schools, to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the school
system and to congratulate her on her retirement after 42 years of working in
Cecil County schools.
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