The moral test of government is how we treat those in the shadows of life – the sick, the needy and the handicapped.

Hubert Humphrey said that.

If we want taxpayers to support what the government does with their money, we must spend it wisely and effectively.

I’ve said that on candidate questionnaires.

The death of Damaud Martin brings to the fore Humphrey’s moral test and my pragmatic one.

Martin, a severely disabled 10-year old, died while in the care of a company funded by the state of Maryland, despite a record of legal and financial problems.

This tragedy will result in changes to laws and regulations.

I want to participate in that discussion.

Consequently, I made this bill drafting request:

 

 1. Provide that when state audit finds company “fiscally insolvent,” it may not bid on any additional contracts.

 2. Require local police and fire units to inform state agency of reports of abuse and injuries, instead of depending solely on the provider to do so.

 

My involvement has already generated discussion of how we care for the most vulnerable among us.

Hopefully, the end result next April will meet Humphrey’s moral test.