April 4, 2025

Our 90-day legislative session adjourns (“Sine Die”) at midnight on Monday. My colleagues, staff, and I are suiting up for a marathon day of debates and votes, using every last moment until the stroke of twelve. The race is on, the clock is ticking…and we’ll sprint to the finish for the people of Maryland!

Moving on the Budget

After days of debate, dozens of amendments, and innumerable conversations with stakeholders, FY26 Budget (HB350) and Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (HB352) bills moved out of the Senate. While elements will be adjusted in a Conference Committee between the Senate and the House before adjournment, the Senate versions achieve balance by:

• Making $1.6 billion in cuts;
• Generating $1.2 billion in new revenues;
• Reducing general fund spending (compared to this year) by over $400 million; and,
• Leaving a $15 million structural surplus, a $354 million cash surplus, and $2.1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.

Supporting ALL Students

The Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act (SB429)– legislation to update the “Blueprint”– passed out of the Senate on party lines. Unfortunately, our deliberations included 25 minutes of debate over an amendment to bar transgender athletes from school sports– and I’m proud that this exclusionary, regressive idea ultimately failed. Our comprehensive plan includes continued funding for community schools and alters the per-pupil funding formula. This bill is also headed to Conference Committee to work out differences.

Power to the People

The Senate also moved three bills (SB909, SB931, and SB937) to increase the affordability, reliability, and predictability of Maryland’s energy grid– including by generating more clean power in our State. This package incorporated multiple pieces of energy legislation introduced this session, taking feedback from key players into account to address our growing energy crisis. Also headed to Conference Committee to resolve differences between the chambers, watch for all the final details after we adjourn!

Holding Producers Accountable

In a big green step forward, Producer Responsibility Plans (SB901) will require packaging and paper-product companies to manage their waste. This single measure is predicted to: increase packaging recycling in Maryland from 35% to 50%; reduce over 1 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions; and create 2,075 new jobs– without impacting State budgets! If this legislation also passes the House, it will be a huge win for both the environment and our economy.

Learning from Local Leaders

Have you seen the latest episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan?” I chatted with Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor about partnering with local stakeholders; combating discrimination in schools; the nationwide teacher shortage; and much more.

Earth Day Come Early

You don’t need to wait until April 22– Gaithersburg and Rockville are hosting environmental events all spring!

Rockville is waiving permit fees throughout April for environmentally friendly home improvements like solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient heating and cooling upgrades.

Curious about composting? Now is the perfect time to start! Learn how composting your food scraps and yard waste can reduce landfill use, enrich your soil, and help the environment. Montgomery County has free compost bins and workshops to help you get started.

Supporting the HeART of our Communities

Did you know that Maryland’s arts and humanities sector has an impact of almost $1 billion annually and supports nearly 4,000 jobs in Montgomery County alone? The arts also provide close to $24 million in state and local tax revenue. Maryland has been a leader in funding of the arts. I’m proud to represent the Senate on the Maryland State Arts Council supporting the artists and institutions that enrich our lives.

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.