[As I prepare to push “send” on this email, Sen. Barbara Mikulski announced her retirement.  I wanted to share my admiration and deepest gratitude for her 44 years of service to our state and our country!]

We have arrived at the halfway point in the 90-day legislative session, and the pace has started to accelerate.  Nearly every day, we are casting votes on bills in committee and on the Senate floor.  I can’t say often enough how honored I am to represent District 17.  Our office is glad to get your emails, voice mails, and phone calls on the bills that are before us.  Even if we don’t respond right away, please know that your opinions are being shared with to me as we deliberate.   

Visitors from Rockville & Gaithersburg

Last week, I was delighted to welcome dozens of residents of District 17 who came to Annapolis for District 17 Night.  Delegates Barve, Gilchrist, Platt and I were able to chat about issues ranging from those affecting our environment to the search for a new MCPS Superintendent to legislative scholarships and so much more!  Each of us spoke, giving our guests a sense of our legislative assignments and priorities.  

Committee News:  In my committee, Education, Health and Environmental Affairs, we have been hard at work, hearing testimony on a huge variety of topics.  We have heard from farmers and environmentalists who are working together to label foods treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which may be a threat to pollinators.  Anything that is a potential hazard to our bee population should be a concern since pollinators play such a crucial role in many of our foods. 

Also in my committee, we have  heard testimony about our complicated liquor laws; campaign finance laws; a ban on “fracking” in Maryland; special education students; Chesapeake Bay tanker pilots; Sunday hunting; election laws; school meals for lower-income students; ethics rules for municipal officials; honoring our Vietnam veterans; and much more.  Some of these bills will be especially challenging to address, as both sides present compelling and heartfelt testimony.

Reelecting Our State Treasurer  

Last Wednesday, the Senators and Delegates that comprise our 188-member General Assembly met in a joint session to vote.  I was proud to help reelect former Montgomery County legislator Nancy Kopp for a fourth term as State Treasurer.  Under her leadership, Kopp has helped us retain our AAA Bond Rating through tough economic times.  It was flattering to have been named in her acceptance speech as one of her respected colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions or opinions.  You can reach my office at Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us or call toll-free at 301/858-3134.  In addition, I am active on social media and can be found on Facebook at State Senator Cheryl C. Kagan, on Twitter at @CherylKagan, and now on Instagram at @CherylCKagan.  Please stay in touch!

Best,

Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
Rockville & Gaithersburg 

PS: Thank you to the Rockville Rotary, who invited me to read one of my favorite Seuss books on Dr. Seuss Day.  The Rockville Rotary Club is comprised of business and community leaders who serve some of the unmet needs of Rockville residents.