March 1, 2024

A Bit Frightening

After a threat was called into the State Police, we had a scary couple of hours of lockdown and evacuation in the State House complex. Fortunately, there were no injuries. I’m grateful to our State troopers, police officers, and all security personnel who courageously and meticulously followed established protocols in order to protect legislators, staff, and visitors.

Ending “Bait & Switch”

You see an enticing price on a gas station sign and pull up to the pump. You insert your credit or debit card and are shocked to see the price jump by 5, 10, or even 25 cents per gallon! 63% of drivers rely on the price sign when choosing a gas station, and 59% say that cost is the most important factor in their decision. Current law requires the display of the lowest gas price, which is either the cash amount or the price with a car wash. It’s noteworthy that less than 10% of gas consumers buy gas with cash.

• The higher (usually credit/debit) price; OR
• Both the credit/debit and cash price prominently.

Last year, both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties unanimously enacted consumer protection laws inspired by my bill. Howard County had its hearing last week with three of the five Councilmembers as co-sponsors. I testified at the Baltimore City hearing this week, after which the committee approved the bill.

The disparity between the advertised price and the actual cost impairs consumers’ ability to make an informed financial choice. My bill (as amended) earned the support of the bill’s former opponents and will result in greater clarity in gas price signage!

“Educate to Stop the Hate”

Sen. Ben Kramer (D-19) has introduced SB1058: the “Educate to Stop the Hate Act.” Incidents of Antisemitism, Racism, Homophobia, Anti-Asian Hate, Islamophobia, and Transphobia have spiked. Education is a way to reduce the hate and violence that result from ignorance. And… I have long opposed curricular mandates on our 24 duly-elected Boards of Education. Compromise language is being negotiated now that will accomplish the bill’s goals without too heavy a hand on our counties.

Is “Death” Dying?

As I have previously shared, I am a staunch supporter of “Death with Dignity,” “Compassionate Choice,” “Medical Aid-in-Dying”– regardless of the title. I am heartbroken that it looks like this year’s bill, SB443, may not win sufficient support in the Senate Committee. This compelling policy seems to be stalled for purely political reasons, which is devastating. I am proud of my years of advocacy on this issue and will continue to fight for bodily autonomy in all its forms.

Enhancing Democracy

The voting system we use for most Maryland elections is called “First Past the Post,” in which a candidate can win with a plurality, rather than majority of votes.

In Australia, Alaska, Maine, and elsewhere, Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) has become the chosen method. RCV allows voters to rate candidates in order of preference. If a candidate earns more than half of the first choices, that person is declared the victor. If there is no majority winner, the race is decided by an “instant runoff.” The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and votes for that candidate are reallocated to each voter’s second choice. This continues until one candidate earns majority support.

Continuing the Celebration

Too often, Black History Month focuses exclusively on trauma and oppression. I’d also like to highlight some African-American success stories.

From ice cream to medical care to event planning services and more, Gaithersburg and Rockville are home to many Black-owned businesses and historical sites. Several notable Black figures hail from our area, including Georges C. Benjamin (Executive Director of the American Public Health Association) and Jessica Watkins (rugby player and NASA astronaut). And, I was thrilled to meet the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra‘s talented new conductor, Jonathon Heyward— the first person of color in this role!

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: Last weekend, I attended Folk Alliance. Not only did I see friends and hear top-notch live music, the annual conferences offer an opportunity for me to identify singer/songwriters I might invite to my Folk ‘N Great Music concert series!