January 22, 2023
Dear Friends -
Today marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since Dobbs removed federal abortion protections, a dozen states have banned abortion outright, and many more have passed unprecedented restrictions, putting the reproductive rights of millions of Americans at risk. Here in Maryland, we trust people to make the right decisions for themselves and their families. I am proud to be working with my colleagues, especially Speaker Jones and Vice Chair Ariana Kelly, who, once again, will be leading the charge in ensuring Marylanders, and those who come to Maryland, can access safe abortion care. More on this legislative package to come.
Despite the challenges we face, this week was one of inspiration and hope. Monday was the swearing in of Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Wednesday was the Inauguration of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. Both ceremonies were beautiful, inclusive, and powerful. Mother Nature was smiling on us as well, as both days were sunny, alternating with rainy Tuesday & Thursday!
Friday was the deadline for members to submit their bills for drafting in order to ensure they are ready to be filed on time. I have a robust legislative agenda this session, with bills I am bringing back, bills following up on previous legislation, and bills addressing new issues. I will be highlighting them in this and subsequent newsletters.
Please know 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 Sara.Love@house.state.md.us.
Take care,
Sara
|
|
This session I "prefiled" 3 bills. Prefiling means that they were submitted prior to us convening in Annapolis on Jan. 11, and the goal is to have an early hearing. The bills I prefiled are:
Biometric Privacy HB 33/SB 169 - This bill would protect our biometrics, those unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, face scans, and iris scans. Right now companies can collect and use - even sell! - these without our knowledge or consent. The bill passed the House last year and stalled in the Senate. Chair Brian Feldman is the Senate sponsor, and I am hopeful the third time is the charm with this bill!
Maryland Recycling Act Update HB 109 - This bill would create a task force of stakeholders to do a deep review and update of the Maryland Recycling Act (MRA). A leading piece of legislation when it was enacted in the 1980s, the MRA needs to be reviewed to ensure we are recycling and counting things that make a difference to our environment. This bill passed the House in 2021.
Truth in Labeling HB 31 - This bill seeks to ensure that only those plastic containers that are recyclable have the chasing arrows triangle or other labels that indicate recyclability. This bill did not make it out of Committee last year.
|
|
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, former D16 Senator Susan Lee has become the Secretary of State in the Moore/Miller Administration. This has created a vacancy for the seat, and Delegate Korman and I are supporting our colleague, Vice Chair Ariana Kelly, for this position. The process to fill the position is as follows:
- Applications are due to the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee by 5:00pm on Feb. 2.
- There will be a public forum on Feb. 8, at 7.30pm. Register here.
- Public input is due by 5:00pm on Feb. 9. Submit here.
- The MCDCC will meet at 7:30pm on Feb. 14 to interview and nominate a candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the Governor for confirmation. Register here.
Montgomery County Quiet Skies Update
The DCA Community Noise Working Group recently voted to endorse the FAA design for a new GPS approach procedure that is expected to provide some noise mitigation for our communities. The FAA accepted almost all of the design proposed by the North-of-the-Airport subcommittee, which was developed with the support of aviation consultant Jim Allerdice of Vianair Inc. (formerly ABCx2).
TO RECAP: The initial approach fix (waypoint) of the new GPS approach procedure will move from FERGI, which is in a residential area off of Persimmon Tree Road in Bethesda, to waypoint DARIC. DARIC will move from the shores of Glen Echo, MD to the CIA campus in Langley, VA. This change is expected to lead to fewer approaching flights over our communities as more aircraft approaching DCA will be directed to fly to the new DARIC instead of to FERGI. Other approach procedures (River Visual and the RNAV-RNP) will be modified to mirror the GPS approach. The number of approaching flights that fly the LDA-Z procedure inland over Montgomery County communities during times of poor visibility is expected to drop off significantly.
UPCOMING MEETING: The FAA is scheduled to discuss its process and timeline for the new and updated procedures at the next DCA Community Working Group meeting on Thursday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. In addition to an FAA update, the meeting will include a review of northflow/southflow runway utilization and a discussion about the need for a Fly Quiet Program at DCA.
For more information and to keep up to date on this topic, see the MCQSC website.
Public Service Announcement
Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Application Now Open
The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps is a one-year term of stipend-supported service that places young adults ages 18 - 25 years with nonprofits or government agencies to work full-time in the environmental field. Those selected gain experience managing projects and programs, leadership and professional development training, mentorship, a support network, and skills including grant writing in the field of environmental restoration, community engagement, climate change, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, or forestry. The Chesapeake Bay Trust anticipates placing 50-55 Corps Members throughout the Chesapeake Bay region with a stipend of $31,200 beginning on August 15, 2023. Applications for the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps must be submitted through the Trust’s online system by March 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm. To learn more and apply go to Prospective - Chesapeake Bay Trust (cbtrust.org)
|
|
Calendar
-
Thursday, January 26, 6:00 p.m. DCA Community Working Group meeting. Link to view the meeting can be found here.
-
Wednesday, February 1, 2-2:30pm. National and Maryland PIRG will host a webinar: Turn off the Tap on Toxic PFAS Chemicals. I will be presenting on our successful 2022 legislation and upcoming legislation. Register here.
-
Wednesday, February 15, 7:00pm. Montgomery Parks will host a virtual public meeting to provide updates on the traffic analysis of Little Falls Parkway. There will be a question-and-answer period for residents to provide their feedback directly to Montgomery Parks. For more information, a Zoom link, and to register for updates, click here.
-
Saturday, February 25, 8:30-11:30am. Minnie's Island volunteer clean up day. For more information and to register, see here.
-
Wednesday, March 30, 7:30am, Bethesda Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will hear from former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, who is currently chairing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Accountability and Implementation Board. Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for the zoom link.
-
Saturday, April 1 - Submissions for the 2d Annual DADvocacy Daddying Film Festival & Forum are due. See here for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
