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Have questions about other state agency programs or benefits?

In 2017, the Veterans Services Specialist Program was established to improve coordination of services for the military connected community in Maryland.  Maryland State Government Departments and Agencies have a Veterans Services Specialist (VSS) or “liaison” who can provide general information to state employees who have served in the military or who have family members who have served in the military with information on veteran-related resources.  They can also answer general questions citizens may have about these resources.  If a liaison is unable to resolve questions, they have a partner at the DVMF to assist them.  The DVMF Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program is ready to support and work alongside liaisons to answer questions and make necessary referrals in order to meet the needs of our military connected community.

How is the Maryland State Government serving service members, veterans, and their families?


Aging Liaison: Terri Williams
terril.williams@maryland.gov
About
To help establish Maryland as an attractive location for all older adults through vibrant communities and supportive services that offer the opportunity to live healthy and meaningful lives.
Website https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/ProgramsAndServices.aspx
Program/Benefits
Veteran Directed Home & Community Based Services Program
Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDC) gives Veterans of all ages who need skilled services, support, and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (fixing meals and taking medication) the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need in a consumer directed way.


Agriculture Matthew Scales
matthew.scales1@maryland.gov
About
To provide leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture.​
Website https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Program/Benefits
Homegrown by Heroes Program
The Maryland Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit are pleased to announce the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes Program. The purpose of this program is to support Maryland veteran farmers by branding products with the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes logo and offering assistance through other business services. To purchase the freshest, local products produced by Maryland veterans, look for the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes logo and search for them on our website. For Maryland veteran farmers interested in participating in the program, please first sign up with the Farmer Veteran Coalition at farmvetco.org. POC: audrey.broomfield@maryland.gov


Assessments and Taxation Liaison: William (Bill) Anderson
william.anderson1@maryland.gov
About
Works to ensure property is accurately assessed, business records are appropriately maintained, and necessary tax-related information is conveyed to state agencies and local jurisdictions.
Website https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx
Program/Benefits
Surviving Spouse of Disabled Veteran Exemption: This exemption is allowed for a surviving spouse of a veteran who received 100% disability rating and benefits prior to death. A surviving spouse of a veteran who received a rating of 100% disability from the Veterans Administration after the Veteran has died is also eligible for the exemption.

Surviving Spouse of Military Casualty: This exemption is allowed for a surviving spouse of an active military personnel who died in the line of duty.

Disabled Veteran with V.A. Certification Exemption: This exemption is for veterans who have a disability which has been declared by the Veterans Administration to be 100% permanently and totally disabling. The exemption may also be granted where there is a rating of less than 100% disability provided the Veterans Administration finds that the veteran is 100% permanently unemployable.


Budget and Management Liaison: Mark Townend
mark.townend@maryland.gov
Backup: Barbie Middleton
barbie.middleton@maryand.gov
About  
Provides effective, efficient, and fiscally sound government to the citizens of Maryland. They support agency efforts to achieve results by helping them obtain the fiscal, capital, and personnel resources needed to provide services to Maryland citizens.
Website https://dbm.maryland.gov/jobseekers/Pages/VeteransJobs.aspx
Program/Benefits
Veteran Service Credit for State Employment Applicants: A veteran or spouse of a veteran may be eligible for credit when applying for employment with Maryland State Government. In addition, former prisoners of war and veterans with disabilities may be eligible for additional credit.

Noncompetitive Appointments for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with disabilities (rated at, at a minimum, 30%) may be eligible for employment without going through a competitive selection process. The veteran must be minimally qualified for the position; be able to perform the duties of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation; and present documentation issued by an appropriate department of the Federal government certifying the existence and extent of the veteran’s disability as listed below. For Certified Disabled Veteran consideration, complete the free names application process on the Maryland State Online Employment Center.

State Service Credit for Military Service: The State of Maryland offers state service credit for certain military service. In general, the individual is entitled to receive service credit only on the attainment of 10 years of service credit earned through employment as a member of a state system. The employee is not eligible for the credit if they receive credit for service from another retirement system for which retirement benefits have been or will be received by the individual.


Commerce Liaison: Dean Ertwine
dean.ertwine@maryland.gov
About
Stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encourages the expansion and retention of existing companies, and provides workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. 
Website https://commerce.maryland.gov/
Program/Benefits
Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit: The program provides a state income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans after 1 Jan 2017. This credit is good for the first year of employment, and the small business can claim up to five veterans per tax year. For more information visit: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/hire-our-veterans-tax-credit.

Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program: The program offers no-interest loans up to $50,000, from 1 to 8 years, for businesses owned by military veterans, Reservists and National Guard personnel, and for small businesses of 50 or fewer employees that employ such persons. For more information visit: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp


Comptroller Liaison: Christy Butler
cbutler1@marylandtaxes.gov
About
It is the responsibility of the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland to provide the very latest tax and financial information to residents. The Comptroller is one of four statewide elected officials in Maryland. Unique among state financial officers, Maryland’s Comptroller has diverse and far-reaching responsibilities that touch the lives of every Marylander.
Website www.marylandtaxes.gov
Program/Benefits
Property Tax Exemptions:  https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx

Maryland Tax Withholding Exemption for Qualified Military Spouse:  https://marylandtaxes.gov/forms/24-forms/MW507M.pdf

Maryland Income Tax Subtraction for Military Retired Pay: Retired service members under age 55 can subtract up to $12,500 of their military retired pay from their gross income before determining their Maryland tax. At age 55 this subtraction increases to $20,000.


Education Liaison: Mary Gable
mary.gable@maryland.gov
Backup: Kaitlin Quigley
kaitlin.guigley@maryland.gov
About
Works collaboratively with the State Board of Education and stakeholders to ensure the promise of an excellent and equitable education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved.
Website https://marylandpublicschools.org/Pages/Default.aspx
Program/Benefits
Interstate Compact Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Eases the transition for students and ensures that there are no barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents. https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/InterstateCompact/index.aspx


Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs Liaison: Danielle Davis
danielle.davis2@maryland.gov
About
Connects the small business community to greater economic opportunities in both the public and private sectors, while implementing and monitoring small, minority, women, and veteran preference procurement programs across 70 state agencies.
Website https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/VSBE-Program.aspx
Program/Benefits
Veteran Small Business Enterprise Program- provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. 


Health Liaison: Joy Ashcraft
joy.ashcraft@maryland.gov
About
Support and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease pre​vention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement.​
Website https://health.maryland.gov/bha/veterans/Pages/Home.aspx
Program/Benefits
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans (MCV) offers information and referral to veterans and anyone looking for resources for a veteran or family member. Our primary focus is to expeditiously assist veterans in obtaining behavioral health services. We also aim to educate community partners and other organizations about veteran resources and benefits. Referral line: 877-770-4801. 


Higher Education Commission Liaison: Everette Jackson
everetted.jackson@maryland.gov
About
Lead agency for all matters pertaining to higher education 
Website https://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Pages/acadaff/veteransbenefits/index.aspx
Program/Benefits
Scholarships and grants:
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program ​
Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program
Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts (VAIC) Scholarship Program 


Insurance Administration Liaison: Lynn Hill
lynn.hill@maryland.gov
About
Provides efficient, effective service to both the consumers of insurance products and the insurance industry. 
Website https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Program/Benefits
Veterans can use their GI Education Bill to be reimbursed for the cost of approved licensing and certification tests required to become a Maryland insurance producer. In order to qualify for the reimbursement, veterans must be eligible for benefits, have remaining entitlement to benefits, and their delimiting date must not have passed. To apply, veterans should contact the Insurance Administration. 


Labor Liaison: Mark Pindell
mark.pindell@maryland.gov
About
Supports the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce and the consuming public with high quality customer-focused regulatory, employment and training services.
Website https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/veteranservices.shtml
Program/Benefits
The American Job Center offers job services, education, and training to the veteran population, as well as priority of services in all American Job Centers in Maryland. When setting up their profile in the Maryland Workforce Exchange database, Labor maintains an employment database for veterans to search for employment opportunities and receive alerts on new jobs posted within the database. The American Job Centers offer multiple programs to aid in a veteran’s goals towards employment, training, licensing, and certifications. 

Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists work one on one with veterans experiencing significant barriers to employment by helping them access career training and/or employment.

Local Veteran Employment Representatives work one on one with employers who are seeking to hire qualified veterans to their workforce.

Expedited Professional and Occupational Licensing facilitates professional licensing for active duty military personnel, veterans, and spouses through the expedited issuance of specified licenses, registrations and certificates. Requires occupational units throughout the State government to give credit to former service members for relevant military training, education and experience in connection with the license. https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/opvetlic.shtml


Lottery and Gaming Control Agency Liaison: Charles Rhodes
charles.rhodes@maryland.gov
Alternate: James Butler
jbutler@maryland.gov
About
Generates revenue to support good causes in Maryland, including education, public health, public safety and the environment.
Website https://www.mdlottery.com/
Program/Benefits
Instant Ticket Lottery Machine Program: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency introduced the Instant Ticket Lottery Machine Program (ITLM) to benefit Maryland Veterans’ Service Organizations.  ITLMs are lottery vending machines with spinning video reel animation. 10% of the proceeds from the sales of tickets from instant ticket lottery machines are distributed to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF).  https://www.mdgaming.com/ancillary-responsibilities/veterans-programs/ 

Casino Donation Boxes:  Maryland casinos have installed donation boxes at various locations inside the casino to allow patrons to donate money MVTF.   Donations collected from these boxes are sent directly to the MVTF by each casino.

https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/25ind/html/76veteransr.html 


Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Information Systems Liaison:  Kenny Barajas
kbarajas@miemss.org
About
Oversees and coordinates all components of the statewide EMS system (including planning, operations, evaluation, and research), provides leadership and medical direction, conducts and/or supports EMS educational programs, operates and maintains a statewide communications system, designates trauma and specialty centers, licenses and regulates commercial ambulance services, and participates in EMS-related public education and prevention programs.
Website http://www.miemss.org/home/
Program/Benefits
Policy for Service Members Called to Active Duty: Benefits for providers who get called for Active Duty – this policy applies to the certification/licensure status of all Maryland prehospital providers (EMR, EMT, CRT, Paramedic, and EMD) who are deployed or activated under military orders in the service of the United States Armed Forces. This also includes any reservist called to extended duty. Recognizing that no entity can jeopardize the rights and privileges of the one called into the service of the United States, a “military EMS provider status” is available to these service members, enabling them to return to their established level of function within one year of their return to Maryland. http://www.miemss.org/home/ems-providers/military-policy

For veterans who currently do not have certification/licensure in Maryland: Without National Registry certification – MIEMSS will take the courses that the veteran had completed while in the military into consideration as long as they fill out a MIEMSS application and provide a course syllabus. After reviewing their syllabus, MIEMSS will make a recommendation of any additional classes that the veteran will need to take and/or challenge for testing to the teaching agency. It is then up to the teaching agency to accept or deny any or all of MIEMSS recommendations. http://www.miemss.org/home/Portals/0/Docs/EducationCert/Military-to-EMS-Transition.pdf?ver=7WAJldXede22X9pL2Kgggw%3d%3d


Military Department Liaison: Matthew Gary
matthew.gary@maryland.gov
About
Responsible for the Maryland Air National Guard, the Maryland Army National Guard, and the Maryland Defense Force. The Military Department also builds and maintains the armories and other facilities used by the Maryland National Guard.
Website https://military.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Program/Benefits
Archival Military Records: Provides archival and retrieval services to former Maryland Army or Air National Guard personnel in obtaining individual service records.  

Education Services: Provides assistance with educational services available such as the SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program), SRIP (Selective REserve Incentives Program), contact completions, terminations and exception to policy, manage and counsel individuals on their GI Bill benefits as well as their kicker contracts.

Survivor Outreach Services: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers.

Transition Assistance Advisor: Assists all service members and family members from all branches and all era’s with the following: education on the disability process and assists with filing VA disability claims, provides benefits information to service members for “Pre & Post” deployments, provides health and life insurance guidance and enrollment assistance, assists with retirement planning and information dissemination, provides employment assistance and direction.


Motor Vehicle Administration Liaison: Maureen Purcell
mpurcell@maryland.gov
About
Customer-driven leader that delivers safe, sustainable, intelligent, ​exceptional, and inclusive transportation solutions in order to connect our customers to life’s opportunities.
Website https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/militaryandveterans.aspx
Program/Benefits
Driver Services:

MDOT MVA offers a veteran designation on a driver’s license or identification (ID) card for qualifying veterans. The designation indicates that the holder is eligible for state veteran benefits. There is no cost for the service.

Maryland driver’s licenses remain in effect for active members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their dependents (who reside with the active service member outside of Maryland) while they are absent from Maryland. The holder has 30 days after you return to Maryland or are separated from employment in the military or U.S. Foreign Service to visit an MDOT MVA office to renew your driver’s license.

If an active military member’s driver license is expired for 1 year or more and the member is seeking renewal of the license, the member may be granted a waiver of the vision, knowledge and driving skills test with proper documentation of military service.

Veterans and active duty personnel may be eligible for waivers from the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing processes. These procedures are in accordance with regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Applications are eligible for CDL test waivers if on active duty or discharged within the previous 12 months along with meeting certain conditions.

All Medal of Honor recipients may renew driver’s licenses for free.

Vehicle Services:

MDOT MVA offers a wide range of more than 75 specialty license plates to honor active military service, veterans, and Gold Star families. Vehicle registration fees are waived for military in the following circumstances:

Veterans who are 100% disabled through a service related injury may obtain free disabled veteran license plates OR

All Medal of Honor recipients may renew vehicle registrations for free.

There are several vehicle registration provisions for active duty military personnel:

Active duty military personnel stationed in Maryland do not have to register their vehicles in Maryland if they are properly registered in their home state. Personnel should obtain a non-resident permit to keep the vehicle registered in their home state for up to one year while using the vehicle in Maryland;

Active duty military personnel establishing residency in Maryland have up to one year to be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state;

When a Maryland resident is on active duty in another state and purchases a used car outside of Maryland, the resident may receive a Temporary Inspection Waiver that is good for two years and may also temporarily register the vehicle by mail. The active duty member must have the vehicle inspected upon returning to Maryland residency;

Maryland residents on active military duty while stationed out-of-state may record the out-of-state address on file with MDOT MVA.


Natural Resources Liaison: Robert Kapp
robert.kapp@maryland.gov
Backup: Rob DiBiagio
rob.dibiagio@maryland.gov
About
Securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.
Website https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/Military-One-stop-Shop.aspx
Program/Benefits
Day Use Waivers for Veterans – Veterans receive year round day use waivers for entry into state parks.

Lifetime Fishing and Hunting Licenses – Complimentary lifetime fishing and hunting license for 100% service connected disabled veterans.

Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program- provide activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, team building ropes courses, hunting and camping. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/armed_forces.aspx


Public Service Commission Liaison: Ryan (Chuck) McLean
chuck.mclean@maryland.gov
About
To ensure safe, reliable, and economic public utility and transportation services for the citizens of Maryland. 
Website https://www.psc.state.md.us/
Program/Benefits
Encouraging contracting opportunities for veteran owned businesses- As part of PC52, the Commission conducts annual reviews of the Maryland Supplier Diversity Program.  A Memorandum of Understanding encourages regulated companies throughout the State to promote contracting opportunities for minority-, women-, service-disabled-veteran-, Veteran-, and LGBT-owned businesses.  Information on PC52 can be found at https://webpsc.psc.state.md.us/DMS/pc/pc52.  The Commission’s point-of-contact is Brett Sproul, Commissioner Advisor and can be reached at (410) 767-8027 or brett.sproul@maryland.gov.  


State Police Michael Taluskie
michael.taluskie@maryland.gov
About
To serve the people of Maryland and those who visit our State through purposed policing that protects our citizens, prevents criminal acts and traffic crashes, and provides the highest quality of law enforcement services available anywhere.
Website https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/Veteran-Services.aspx
Program/Benefits
Military Liaison: The primary mission of the Maryland State Police Military Liaison is to assist deploying members of the MSP family serving in the National Guard and Reserves. They also serve as the primary point of contact for the Maryland State Police Department with the US Military regarding a wide variety of MSP/Military missions.


Veterans and Military Families Liaison: Morgan Murphy
morgan.murphy@maryland.gov
About
To assist veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.
Website https://veterans.maryland.gov/
Program/Benefits
Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Program; Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; the Veterans Service and Benefits Program, Outreach and Advocacy Program, and the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. 


Visit these websites to learn more about other state government agencies and how they serve Maryland residents.
Disabilities Liaison: John Brennan
john.brennan@maryland.gov  
The Maryland Department of Disabilities is charged with coordinating​ and improving the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities in the state of Maryland. 
Website: https://mdod.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspx


Emergency Management Liaison: Chris Wise
christopher.wise2@maryland.gov
Maryland’s designated source of official risk reduction and consequence management information.
Website: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Energy Administration Liaison: Roderick Dillard
roderick.dillard1@maryland.gov
Promoting affordable, reliable and cleaner energy that benefits all Marylanders.
Website: https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Environment Liaison: Scott Goldman
scott.goldman@maryland.gov
Protecting and restoring the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders.
Website: https://mde.maryland.gov/Pages/index.aspx


Environmental Service Liaison: Joseph Wright
jwright@menv.com
Providing operational and technical services to protect and enhance the environment for the benefit of the people of Maryland.
Website: https://menv.com/


General Services Liaison: Jamie Tomaszewski
jamie.tomaszewski@maryland.gov
An accessible, accountable support agency delivering expertise, essential services and facilities operations and management to the state in order to enhance the quality of work/life environments for our stakeholders and the citizens of Maryland.
Website: https://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Housing and Community Development Liaison: Allegra Hollins
allegra.hollins@maryland.gov
At the forefront in implementing housing policy that promotes and preserves homeownership and creating innovative community development initiatives to meet the challenges of a growing Maryland.
Website: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Human Services Liaison: Cameron Miles
cameron.miles@maryland.gov
Aggressively pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provides prevention services, and protects vulnerable children and adults.
Website: https://dhs.maryland.gov/


Information Technology Liaison: Cindy Cole
cindy.cole@maryland.gov
Liaison: Norman Farley
norman.farley@maryland.gov
Provides vital technology solutions that allow the executive branch, state agencies and coordinating offices to provide Marylanders with services that enable them to live and work more safely, efficiently and productively.​ 
Website: https://doit.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Juvenile Services Tiffani Johnson
tiffani.johnson@maryland.gov
A child-serving agency responsible for assessing the individual needs of referred youth and providing intake, detention, probation, commitment, and after-care services.
Website: https://djs.maryland.gov/Pages/about-us/About.aspx


Planning Vacant
Helps Maryland’s counties and municipalities in land use and resource planning and provides review and technical assistance on a variety of planning topics.
Website: https://planning.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Public Safety and Correctional Services Liaison: Leon Henry
leon.henry@maryland.gov
Protects the public, its employees, and detainees and offenders under its supervision.
Website: https://dpscs.maryland.gov


Secretary of State Liaison: Loraine Parks
loraine.parks@maryland.gov
Provides accurate and swift access to vital information and services under their charge.  Promotes and enhances Maryland’s interests across the globe.
Website: https://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx


Stadium Authority Christalyn Winfrey
cwinfrey@mdstad.com
Builds, manages and maintains quality facilities to retain major league baseball, and return NFL football to Maryland
Website: https://mdstad.com/


Transportation Liaison: Michael McCauley (State Highway Administration)
mmcauley2@mdot.maryland.gov
Alternate: Jeannette Zielinski
jzielinski@mdot.maryland.gov
Provides the state’s leadership with the ability to develop a coordinated and balanced approach to transportation. Units: The Secretary’s Office, MDOT State Highway Administration, MDOT Maryland Transit Administration, MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration, MDOT Maryland Port Administration, MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority
Website: https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx


 

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