January 25, 2024

Dear Friend:

Our 90-day legislative session is in full swing! Every day, I advance my proposed legislation-- and I try to have a little fun while doing it.

"Freedom to Serve"

Maryland's police departments are facing a recruitment crisis. This means reduced community presence, mandatory overtime, and increased pressure on our police officers. My bill-- “Freedom to Serve” (SB48)-- addresses this pressing issue by allowing police departments to hire honorably discharged veterans who are not yet citizens.

In presenting this bill, I was joined by Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones and Jayson Spiegel, President of the Maryland Military Coalition.

Navigating a Tight Budget

Governor Moore’s budget (SB360 & SB361) has been released! The proposed $63 billion plan tackles Maryland’s impending deficit by cutting 2% from last year’s total spending. It is noteworthy that this was accomplished without raising taxes.

Some of the highlights include:

• A record $127 million for local law enforcement agencies-- an annual increase of $5 million over last year’s budget;
• $110 million to address our affordable housing shortage for renters and lift more families and children out of poverty;
• $9.2 billion in operating funds for Maryland’s public schools; and 
• $906 million in capital funds for public school construction.

Looking Ahead

Next week, six of my bills will be heard in committee! Four bills will make our elections more transparent and fair, as I described last week. The other two are:

• SB10: Defaced license plates can't be read by speed or red light cameras. They compromise safety and divert revenue. Penalties would include a warning for a first offense and 3 points assessed for any subsequent violation.

• SB24: Maryland law allows merchants to post their refund policy solely on sales receipts. This means that consumers do not see the policy until after a transaction, denying them the ability to make informed decisions before a purchase. SB24 would require merchants to display their policy on a price tag; at the point of sale; or on a webpage a consumer must view before paying online.

My Next Career??

While the legislative process is often described as “making sausage,” several of us got to try our hands at "making music!" We welcomed the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) back to the Senate, and I even got to conduct. I am proud to represent the Senate on the Maryland State Arts Council, supporting the BSO and hundreds of other worthy organizations and individual artists.

Please follow me on Facebook (@CherylCKagan), Twitter (@CherylKagan), and Instagram (@CherylCKagan) for photos and posts. My website has a new portal for casework you will find helpful if you're having challenges with State government. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified of new episodes of "Kibbitzing with Kagan." And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: Although I’m a lifelong fan of the "burgundy & gold," I'm wearing purple as we cheer on the Baltimore Ravens in the Conference Championships this Sunday! #FlockTogether