January 6, 2025

Dear Friend:

Happy New Year! I hope you are staying safe and warm in the snow. Despite the impending political blizzard, may 2025 bring you joy, success, and good health.

The 447th legislative session begins at noon on January 8th. Tune in then for a special surprise! 

This will be my 11th year in the Senate, working to improve the lives of our neighbors in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and across the State of Maryland. I have pre-filed bills on issues including elections, 9-1-1, nonprofits, and consumer protection. You can learn more about my agenda and follow our progress on the General Assembly’s website.

Maryland is facing the most significant budget deficit in nearly 20 years. Projections indicate a $2.7 billion shortfall for 2026– and nearly $6 billion over the next five years. Passing a balanced budget will require tough choices, innovative strategies, and (hopefully!) bipartisan collaboration. You can watch my “Kibbitzing with Kagan” episode with Sen. Guy Guzzone, Chair of the Budget & Taxation Committee, for an expert’s perspective.

Four years ago today, our brave public safety officers put their lives on the line to defend the U.S. Capitol and our democracy. I’m especially thinking of my friend, Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who continues to recuperate from physical and emotional injuries sustained that day. (If you would like to help support his family, please consider visiting his GoFundMe page.)

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, there is no question that difficult times are ahead. Along with the Moore/Miller Administration, I will watch out for policies that would devastate our accomplishments on Climate Change, reproductive rights, public education, and health care. We will continue to work tirelessly so that progress and inclusion remain hallmarks of our great State.

The Port is one of the largest economic drivers in Maryland. The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last March has had enormous human and fiscal impact. I commend Congress for appropriating the entire cost for the new bridge, reflecting the Port’s crucial role in our nation’s infrastructure. Thanks to the Biden/Harris Administration’s leadership, the project launches tomorrow!

As you know, updating our 9-1-1 systems has been my passion for more than a decade. For four years, I chaired Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission; my legislation has put us at the forefront nationally. Last month, I was honored to be elected Chair of a new Workgroup on 9-1-1 Specialists— the courageous women and men under the headset who save lives and property every day. Our agenda will include recruitment and retention, Workers’ Compensation, pension eligibility, mental health care, and more. I am also partnering with the Executive Branch to explore a statewide 3-1-1 using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to expand capacity and enhance customer service.

Congratulations to the four impressive new members of Maryland’s Congressional delegation! Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Reps. Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney bring diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to their roles. While I will miss Congresswoman Elfreth in the State Senate, I am confident that these leaders will make a meaningful impact at the federal level, along with our own extraordinary Rep. Jamie Raskin.

Interested in hearing about our priorities this session? Reserve your place for our Zoom Town Hall at 7:30pm on Wednesday, January 22nd.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

Vice Chair, Education, Energy, & the Environment Committee

www.CherylKagan.org

NOTE: My Annapolis phone number is now 410/841-3134.

(Did you notice the football themes in our headlines? I’ll be punning again at the DC Improv. You can join me if you get tickets before they’re sold out!)