January 13, 2024

Dear Friend:

The 90-day legislative session has begun!

As always, I am bringing my dedication to the people of Rockville and Gaithersburg– as well as my commitment to making a difference– into this new year and new session.

My guests in the Senate for the first day of session were Rockville’s new Mayor, Monique Ashton, and Gaithersburg’s Mayor Jud Ashman– the “Ash-twins”!

Astonishing. Depressing. Shocking. What’s the right word???

As you may have seen in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Banner, and even on CNN’s news scroll, Republican State Board of Elections (SBE) member Carlos Ayala was arrested by the FBI for his role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. As I said to Maryland Matters, I was truly “shocked and devastated that someone we entrusted to protect our democracy and our elections was part of one of the worst chapters in American history.” Mercifully, he resigned from the SBE and will return to court next month. Through my legislative and political work, I remain dedicated to protecting our nation’s democratic values through inclusive, accurate, and fair elections.

Needed Comfort & Inspiration

My friend Rev. Doug Tanner, founder of the Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) delivered yesterday’s invocation to the Senate. He is a lifelong champion of equity and civil rights and invoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values on an otherwise deeply challenging day. Jill Ortman-Fouse, a fabulous former FPI staffer, MoCo School Board member, and close friend, showed up to add to the joy. To top it off, Doug, Jill, and I grabbed a quick lunch at the iconic “Chick and Ruth’s Delly”… complete with a “Sen. Cheryl Kagan Milkshake!”

Supporting Nonprofits, Tackling the Climate Crisis

My Green and Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations Loan Program or “G.R.E.E.N.” bill (SB169) would enable Maryland’s nonprofits to afford the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy by creating an interest-free revolving loan fund. The hearing is Wednesday; please let us know if you would like to submit written testimony.

Don’t forget about Wednesday’s Zoom Town Hall meeting with our

talented Delegates! Register here to get the Zoom link for an insider overview

of our legislative priorities.

Please follow me on Facebook (@CherylCKagan), Twitter (@CherylKagan), and Instagram (@CherylCKagan) for photos and posts. My website has a new portal for casework you will find helpful if you’re having challenges with State government. 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.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: Do you know that I’ve hosted “Folk ‘N Great Music” concerts for more than 20 years? On Sunday, January 21st, I’m thrilled to present the fabulous John Flynn. John’s music is stunning, powerful, meaningful, and memorable. He writes about social issues in a way that brings people together… rather than divide them. If you haven’t seen John before, I hope you’ll check out his videos here, here, and here. Be sure to reserve your seat(s) before we sell out!