ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a significant move to enhance state communications, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order today establishing the Maryland Plain Language Initiative. This initiative is designed to improve interactions between the state government and its residents, ensuring that governmental communications, services, and support are accessible, clear, and easy to understand for all Marylanders.
The initiative is a response to the complexity often found in government communication. Governor Moore emphasized the importance of simplicity in public communications, stating, "It shouldn't have to be so difficult for Marylanders to access the programs and services they need. Our administration's Plain Language Initiative will help ensure that every piece of writing that comes out of our administration – in print and online – is simple, accessible, and easy to read. This is what it looks like to leave no one behind."
The new order sets into motion a collaborative effort across several state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Information Technology's Maryland Digital Service, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives. These agencies will collectively assess the state's needs, capacity, and resources to enforce best practices in plain language. This effort aims to create the Maryland Plain Language Plan, incorporating community-based content reviews and testing to verify the effectiveness of the implemented standards.
Secretary Carol A. Beatty of the Maryland Department of Disabilities highlighted the inclusive nature of this initiative: "Plain language makes state government more accessible for all Marylanders, including those with disabilities, allowing them to participate in meaningful ways. Technical terms and government jargon don't help people get needed services. Plain language does."
While the state already translates many of its written communications into other languages, the adoption of plain language is expected to further simplify the process for residents to access government services. Secretary Katie Savage of the Maryland Department of Information Technology underlined the initiative's benefits, noting, "We owe Maryland residents a straightforward approach to find and access critical information and services they need to live safely, efficiently, and productively."
The progress of the Maryland Plain Language Initiative will be monitored closely, with annual reports due to Governor Moore every December 31. This measure promises to dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive and understandable government communication landscape.
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