March 15, 2024

Moore’s Mission

Once again this year, Gov. Wes Moore has a variety of issues on his agenda, including the following bills (and more!):

• The Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act would promote careers in certain law enforcement agencies that are severely lacking in numbers. Mental health policies would also be developed and implemented.
• Establishing the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention would lead to research and data on the best ways to minimize gun violence.
• The ENOUGH Act of 2024 would set aside funds to combat concentrated poverty by connecting Marylanders to jobs; improving child care and education; and boosting access to health care.
• The Transparent Government Act would require State agencies to publish projected timelines and results for licensing and permitting applications.
• The Housing and Community Development Financing Act would lead to more investments in low-income communities.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Defending Reproductive Freedom

Reproductive freedom in our country is in jeopardy. In his State of the Union Address, President Biden declared, “There are state laws banning the freedom to choose, criminalizing doctors, forcing survivors of rape and incest to leave their states to get the treatment they need.”

From the overturning of Roe v. Wade to the recent declaration by an Alabama judge that embryos are “extra-uterine children,” reproductive autonomy is vanishing. The President highlighted the story of an Alabama social worker whose in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment was halted due to the ruling.

If you agree with President Biden (and me!), it’s critically important

to vote “yes” in November to codify

reproductive freedom in our State Constitution.

Health & Wellness for All

The Access to Care Act (SB705) recently passed the Senate along Party lines. This potentially life-saving bill would open the MD Health Benefit Exchange to everyone in the State– regardless of citizenship. Roughly 275,000 uninsured Marylanders often skip preventative care appointments because of cost; these individuals may later be hospitalized with serious conditions. This legislation would reduce health care costs by reducing taxpayer dollars spent on unpaid medical fees.

Scholarships Available!

Do you know an undergraduate or graduate student thinking about the cost of higher education? My Senatorial Scholarships can help. In order to apply, applicants must complete the FAFSA. District 17 residents should submit an application soon, as late submissions will not be accepted.

And now, 5:30 on Friday, I’m headed back to the Senate floor for a few hours to vote on more bills before Monday’s Crossover deadline. (Yes, I’ve got snacks and caffeinated soda and tea to get me through!)

Wishing you all the best…

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: With the start of Ramadan this week and both Easter and Passover coming soon, the month-long Spring holiday season is upon us! I wish you all growth and renewal as we eagerly watch the flowers bloom in the warmer weather.