Weigh in on This Week's Hot Topics
There are many different bills covering a variety of topics going through the legislature and I would love to hear your opinions. Please participate in our hot topics survey!
I'm Excited to Bring Financial Support to 42B
I am honored to request funding for two tremendous organizations in District 42B. Both groups have been actively serving our neighbors during this pandemic.

I am requesting $250,000 for First Fruits Farm, a non-profit in Freeland that grows and distributed fresh produce to people in need through the Maryland Food Bank, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other providers.

I am requesting $150,000 for the Graham Equestrian Center located in Glen Arm. They have an impressive equine therapy program for people with disabilities. This request will help them make improvements that will them provide year-round programming and increase accommodations for those with sensory sensitivity.
HB 718 - Funding for Autism Coordinator
I am so appreciative for the support of Chair Maggie McIntosh and members of the Appropriations Committee for my work to help adequately fund the Coordinator for Autism Strategy that was created last year by HB 847.

This bill will provide funding to quick-start hiring for this position and meetings of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
I have Already Had Multiple Bills
Pass Out of the House!
I am very excited that two more bills passed out of the House this week.

HB 247 - Voting Order Priority for Individuals Who Need Extra Assistance passed 131-0 and HB 193 - Sensitive Issues Reporting passed 133-0.
I Need Your Help Getting Some Bills Moving
I need your help and am asking you to email House Leadership and members of the Ways and Means Education Subcommittee urging them to pass HB 418 - Hate Symbol Ban, and HB 713 - Therapy Dogs - Policy for Use in Schools.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
While Maryland has administered over 1 million vaccines to date, I know there is room to improve the process. I have been a part of a push to create on centralized sign-up location for the vaccine. Today, Governor Larry Hogan announced that on March 1 the state will launch a pre-registration site to sign up and to receive information on how to received your vaccine from one of the over 2,300 vaccination sites in the state of Maryland.

While I am hopeful this will make for a more streamlined process, you may still visit Maryland's COVID-Link website to find a vaccination site and register to be contacted by the Baltimore County Department of Health when you become eligible to receive your vaccine. If you are unable to sign up on the form you can also call 311 or the Department of Aging at 410-887-3816.
StarLink Beta Testing Now Expanding
Broadband to North Baltimore County
I am very excited to learn that the SpaceX StarLink Beta Testing program that is focused on connecting rural areas to high-speed internet has expanded its Beta testing area to include Northern Baltimore County. Connectivity for this beta test is limited to first-come, first-serve availability. You can sign up or read more information and pricing options here.
American Rescue Plan to Bring in Millions
to Baltimore County Schools
I have been informed by Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger that Congress released their COVID-19 American Rescue Plan and it estimated $60.6 million in federal assistance for Baltimore County Public Schools. Maryland could also receive relief from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to support local institutions of higher education, and $504 million in supplemental funding for childcare that will help providers keep their doors open and reduce costs for families. The state will also receive $11 million in emergency funding for Head Start to maintain access to services for children and families.
Maryland Retains AAA Bond Rating
In more good news for Maryland, the state has retained its AAA Bond Rating by the three primary rating agencies -- S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings. Maryland is one of just 13 states with a AAA Bond Rating. This means Maryland will retain comparative lower interest rates and an increased ability to attract investors to raise capital funds for projects such as for public schools, colleges, and hospitals.