Crossover, Capital Improvements, and More…

March 25, 2022

Dear Friend:
Monday was “Crossover Day,” when bills must have passed one chamber to be guaranteed full consideration. Important bills that passed the Senate include Climate Solutions Now, the Time to Care Act, and bans on ghost guns, toxic PFAS, and Coal Tar chemicals. Check out my Senate bills that are on the move!
Passing the “Time to Care” Act
Paid family and medical leave are important for the well-being of Marylanders. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting treatment for cancer; caring for a newborn; or being with loved ones in their final days. As introduced, SB275 would require employers to provide 12 weeks of paid leave.
On the Senate floor, an amendment was offered to allow employees to take an additional 12 weeks of paid leave in the same year under certain circumstances. I cast a reluctant “no” vote on this amendment due to the burden it would add on our small businesses and nonprofits as they rebound from the challenges of COVID. Ultimately, I voted in favor of this bill that is now being considered by the House of Delegates.
I joined Senate colleagues at a press conference in support of the “Time to Care” bill.
Approving the Budget
The FY23 Budget was approved by the Senate unanimously. Once again, I spoke in opposition to earmarking $10M in taxpayer money to private and parochial schools through the BOOST program.
In the Capital Budget, 365 improvement projects were approved by the Senate. Here are just a few of the allocations coming to District 17:
  • $500,000 – Montgomery History Office Relocation (Rockville)
  • $275,000 – Morris Park Playground (Gaithersburg)
  • $200,000 – ADA Improvements at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (Rockville)
  • $200,000 – Blohm Park Stream Restoration Project (Gaithersburg)
  • $96,000 – Croydon Creek Nature Center Playground (Rockville)
Grilling U.S. Supreme Court Nominee
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings took place all week. She was poised and unflappable in response to interrogations about her career, education, and religion; judicial approach; family life; and more. Jackson needs a majority of the committee’s votes in order for her nomination to move to the full Senate. I am hopeful that we will see the first Black woman on America’s highest court!
Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and posts. Check out my completely redesigned website to learn more about legislation, internships, Senatorial Scholarships, and more. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified of new episodes of “Kibbitzing with Kagan.” And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)
PS: Today is Maryland Day. We currently have a record-breaking 82 women legislators! This morning, we snapped a picture, showing our #MDpride. Consider supporting a local business in celebration of the special day.
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Senator Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator
Rockville & Gaithersburg
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