Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we face a global health crisis, it is important that we do all that we can to ensure the safety of others. Statutorily I will be required to stay in Annapolis to pass the State budget, support the Governor’s emergency Coronavirus measures by approving 50 million dollars for mobilization, and to put protections in place to help our constituents during the trying times that may lie ahead. With that in mind, some difficult decisions have been made in Annapolis. On Thursday, all non-essential staff was sent home and all remaining legislators and staff were strongly advised not to return home and to stay in Annapolis. We worked double sessions on both Saturday and Sunday to try to pass essential legislation before an early close to session. It was decided on Sunday evening that the 2020 session will adjourn on Wednesday, March 18th.
House Bill 847 which will establish a State Coordinator for Autism Strategy passed unanimously through the House and will have a sponsor hearing in the Senate's Finance Committee tomorrow. This bill is critical in preparing for the future of Maryland's ever expanding population of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can still help pass this important legislation by e-mailing the Senate Finance committee TODAY. Finance Committee
DELEGATE SCHOLARSHIPS!

The deadline for scholarship applications is coming up on 3/31/20. you can find a copy of the application here: application
Other bills that are still in play include HB33 which would criminalize psychological abuse against vulnerable adults, HB142 Voting Order Priority for those that need extra assistance and HB396 Early Childhood Screening for Children with Developmental Disabilities. HB171 which will extend protections equines other than racehorses looks promising. My two foster care Bills have also moved and HB754 which addresses graduation requirements for students in foster care or homeless youth will be heard on the floor this evening. It is still uncertain how things will move in the opposite chamber but I am hopeful that at least some of our hard work this session will see fruition.
By now most of you probably know that the most important thing that we can do to stop the spread of the coronavirus is to socially distance ourselves from others. The State Superintendent announced during the Governor's press conference today that three meals a day plus a snack will be provided to food insecure students under the age of 18 during the school closures. I have provided links below that will keep you up to date on the latest information from the County and the State as well as a link to find locations providing meals to students. Please stay safe and look after those in your community that need help. If you are quarantined and need assistance please reach out to my office and we will do what we can to help. e-mail

Some important links to stay informed:

Baltimore County Department of Health: coronavirus updates from the county

Maryland State Department of Health: Coronavirus updates from the state

List of locations where food is available for food insecure students: food sites