March 21, 2021
Dear Friends -
I thought a lot about what to write today. It's hard to put into words how I am feeling: in the last two weeks we have had two mass shootings, one of which targeted Asian American women, and a 5-year old was screamed at and handcuffed by Montgomery County police. None of this should happen. We shouldn't have to keep talking about mass shootings and police abuse. Yet here we are. It is all just so wrong. It highlights, yet again, the importance of the bills we are passing in Maryland to address racism, guns in the hands of people with mental health problems, and police abuse. But in truth while laws can set up the guidelines and the consequences for behavior, no law will fix mental health or ensure people treat each other with respect. So we must keep working. Keep supporting each other, keep reaching out, keep fighting against injustice. I will - and the good thing is I believe you will as well.
We are heading into the final stretch of session, which ends on April 12 at midnight. Session is a funny thing: we plan for it for months yet it speeds by in a blink of an eye. Please remember that while I focus on legislation in my newsletter during session, my office is always here to help you. If we can ever be of any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out: (410) 841-3453 or [email protected].
Speaking of legislation, as usual, I highlight some key bills that the House passed last week as well as also include the latest in Covid testing & vaccine information.
Take care,
Sara
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Floor Action
Here are some of the bills the House passed this week (you can see all the floor agendas and debates here):
After facing nearly a billion dollar structural deficit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the House Appropriations Committee presented a budget with a balance large enough to erase the State’s deficit for two years, general funds are up by nearly $900 million and $1.8 billion is available to restore the Rainy Day Fund.
Because of the swift actions taken by the General Assembly and federal assistance provided by Congress, the state budget provides sufficient funding for healthcare resources to address COVID-19 impacts, shores up the State’s retirement system, fully funds the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and other education initiatives, and allocates additional support for low-wage earners and businesses.
HB 448 designates June 19th as a state holiday, Juneteenth Freedom Day. This new holiday will commemorate June 19, 1865 – the day that the last enslaved Americans learned they were free – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. House Bill 448 reflects our values of inclusivity and celebrates the freedom of all Americans.
HB 1207 reforms the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. This Commission has not had the staffing or support to do much; this bill will enable them to do the work of addressing environmental injustice.
HB 1372 revises the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. After a year of distance learning due to COVID-19 school closures, a growing number of students are falling further behind. This legislation revises the Blueprint in response to the current state of education and gives students a path forward. The Blueprint 2.0 bill includes needed fixes to education funding that were exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and:
- Provides more support to address learning loss;
- Expands behavioral and mental health resources;
- Closes the digital divide with more access to broadband and devices; and
- Requires better reporting and data tracking for more accountability.
HB 23 ensures that the U.S. Dept. of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot gain access to drivers' license information without a warrant. Years ago Maryland created a two-tier license system to ensure safety on the roads by allowing undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license (having drivers education and getting insurance). ICE has been accessing this information for enforcement purposes, creating a disincentive for immigrants to get drivers licenses. This bill allows ICE to access the information with a warrant, ensuring their ability to access the information when necessary and ensures drivers have the training and insurance they need to be safe on the road.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered!!!
Last week the Governor signed HB 1, funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities. While the State has increased operating and capital funding to the HBCUs over the past decade, additional investment is needed to increase the availability of new and distinct programming to attract more students to HBCUs. HB 1 provides $577M to settle a decade-long lawsuit and level the playing field for all students – regardless of background, race, or college they attend.
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COVID-19 Information & Resources
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If you don't already get it, please read Delegate Ariana Kelly's weekly email update. She always has the best and most up-to-date vaccine information.
See the Montgomery County's vaccine dashboard for more information and to register for an appointment.
The numbers:
- 300,420 Montgomery County residents have received their first dose of the vaccine (28.6% of the population)
- The 7-day testing positivity rate is 4.64% (up slightly from last week)
- Statewide, 2,422,963 doses have been administered
- 25.9% of Marylanders have received their first dose; 11.8% have received their second dose.
Resources:
The State vaccine website is here. You can register for a mass vaccination site using this website.
Here are some websites to help people find appointments:
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I love seeing the yellow school buses back on the streets! Students in Kindergarten through 3d grade, some technical programs and special education programs are back in the classroom. You can see the County Board of Education reopening plan here.
Your D16 Delegates are working hard to keep in touch! In addition to my newsletter and Delegate Ariana Kelly's that I link to above, every Wednesday Delegate Marc Korman sends his newsletter.
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