March 27, 2025

While we cheer on the University of Maryland Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams (who both just advanced to the “Sweet Sixteen”), we’re experiencing our own “March Madness” in the Senate. With just 12 days left in our 90-day legislative session, it’s a “full-court press” to get key bills over the finish line. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking– I’m hoping for a couple “buzzer beaters” of my own!

The Fiscal Team

With less than a week before the deadline to agree on a balanced budget, we are working to finalize a plan that addresses our $3 billion deficit while protecting core investments in education, health care, and vulnerable populations. The House spent nearly seven hours debating amendments. The Senate will begin our deliberations tomorrow.

Game Plan for Education

This week, the Senate advanced a revision of the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” that braids together Senate amendments with the House’s priorities and the Moore/Miller Administration’s proposals. Because of our budget gap, we were forced to delay the planned teacher collaborative time to help address our ongoing teacher shortage, while continuing to fund community schools in low-income neighborhoods. The Senate version protects students who are multilingual, have special needs, or live in poverty from any cuts in per-pupil funding.

Energy Rebound

Senators dramatically reworked a number of energy bills this week, combining several proposals into a sweeping package that addresses both short and long-term energy concerns. The amended bill includes immediate utility bill rebates for residential customers, funded by the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF), while advancing policies to fast-track new power plants; limit natural gas infrastructure spending; end subsidies for trash incineration; and reform multiyear rate hikes.

I am deeply troubled by the proposal to allocate $200 million from SEIF to distribute funds to all Marylanders, regardless of need. As quoted in Maryland Matters, “I hate that someone who lives in a huge mansion is going to somehow be getting a hardship payment when they’re not going to need it, notice it or appreciate it,” said Kagan, the vice chair of the committee.

“March”-ing Toward Unity

On the one-year anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, I was honored to deliver the invocation to the Senate. I emphasized the importance of kindness during the final weeks of session and the need to stand against division, hate, and discrimination.

On the topic of faith– my bill, SB24, is advancing in the House. Passed by the Senate (45-1), it updates terminology in the Maryland Code by replacing the word “church” with “faith Institutions” as a more inclusive term for all places of worship.

Giving an “Assist”

As you know, I am a staunch defender of bodily autonomy. I proudly voted YES on a bill that directs untapped resources to a public health abortion grant program. This crucial funding will provide greater access to reproductive health care and help cover costs for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

“Laying Up” a Local Legend

In this final week of Women’s History Month, my episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan” features Melanie Wenger, Director of Montgomery County’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations. We discussed advocating for local interests, protecting federal workers under the “Trump/Musk” Administration, and securing needed funding in the midst of our budget crisis.

Recall on a Play

Although things have been grim, there’s a glimmer of good news from D.C.: Following a federal judge’s ruling, the Trump Administration has reinstated tens of thousands of federal employees! Instead of being fired, most are now on administrative leave. This situation still leaves thousands living in uncertainty as they await what happens next. If you are among them, please know I have resources available on my website.

Follow me on Facebook (@CherylCKagan), Twitter/X (@CherylKagan), and Instagram (@CherylCKagan) for photos and posts. My website has a portal to request help with challenges you’re having with State government. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel or Apple podcasts to be alerted to new episodes of my “Kibbitzing with Kagan” podcast. And you can always send me questions or comments via email.

Don’t forget about my Senatorial Scholarships; the deadline is coming soon…

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.