Your 7th District Update

Dear Friends,

Monday marked President’s Day, a holiday that is always celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of President Washington’s birthday as well as all the great Presidents who served the United States. While schools, post offices and many government offices observed this federal holiday, the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates were in Session. 

Advocacy groups have begun to return to Annapolis to lobby on issues of importance to them. This week I had the opportunity to meet with constituents representing various interest groups, including people with disabilities and Maryland’s independent colleges. 

On Wednesday, the Joint Republican Caucus held a press conference to bring attention to the Governor’s decision to cut $2 million in funding from The Broadening Options & Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program. This program provides scholarships to low-income and at-risk youth who will no longer be able to choose an alternate educational opportunity without this funding.

SENATE COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS

We are almost half-way to the end of session, Senate Committees continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the over 900 hundred Senate bills receive a hearing in their assigned committee. 

Senate Bill 557/House Bill 628: Primary and Secondary Education – Breakfast and Lunch Programs – Universal Expansion

Senate Bill 557 was heard before the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on Wednesday, February 22nd. SB 557 expands existing state free breakfast and lunch programs to every student whose school participates in the federal School Breakfast and National School Lunch Program.

Senate Bill 559/House Bill 514: Education - Maryland Meals for Achievement In-Classroom Breakfast Program - Annual Appropriation

Senate Bill 559 was heard before the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on Wednesday, February 22nd. SB 559 increases the mandated appropriation for the Maryland Meals for Achievement In-Classroom Breakfast Program from the current funding of $7,550,000 to $12,050,000.

UPCOMING HEARING ALERT

Senate Bill 798/House Bill 705: Declaration of Rights - Rights to Reproductive Freedom

Senate Bill 798 will be heard before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 1st. This bill offers a constitutional amendment to be decided on by voters during the November 2024 election, allowing voters to vote “for” or “against” the following:

“The proposed amendment confirms an individual’s fundamental right to an individual’s own reproductive liberty and provides that the State may not, directly or indirectly, deny, burden, or abridge the right unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

BILLS ON THE MOVE!

More than fifty bills have passed the Senate in either their original form or in an amended version. These bills have now been sent to the House of Delegates for consideration. Highlights include: 

Senate Bill 3: 9-8-8 Trust Fund - Funding

Senate Bill 3 requires that $12 million be allocated to the 9-8-8 Trust Fund annually in the state budget beginning in Fiscal Year 2025. The 9-8-8 Trust Fund supports the local crisis call centers that provide 24/7 free confidential suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis services in Maryland.

Senate Bill 72: Task Force on Financial Incentives for Pet-Friendly Housing

Senate Bill 72 was amended by the Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee. The amended version creates a Task Force to study and make recommendations on how to financially incentivize the expansion of pet-friendly housing.  

Senate Bill 34/House Bill 389: Department of Agriculture - State Agriculture Specialist for Value-Added Agriculture

Senate Bill 34 was amended in the Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee. The amended version establishes a State Specialist for Value-Added Agriculture as a position in the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This newly created position assists new and existing producers and businesses navigate the often-cumbersome regulatory process. 

Senate Bill 10/House Bill 1238: Department of Natural Resources - Documents - Digital or Electronic Issuance

Senate Bill 10 was amended in the Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee. The amended version expands the availability of digital or electronic licenses issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Senate Bill 235/House Bill 300: School Building - Solar & Geothermal Technology

Senate Bill 235 was amended in the Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee. The amended version requires local school systems to consider the use of solar and geothermal technology in public school construction. It also prohibits the Interagency Commission on School Construction from delaying its approval of the project based on the local school system's decision not to use solar or geothermal technology.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Do you know a student who is attending or will be attending a Maryland State College, Trade Program, or a certified Unique Major Out-of-State School? If so, they may be eligible for Maryland Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships. To see what District you reside in, CLICK HERE.

Please email us: [email protected] for more information on how to apply.