January 16, 2025

Dear Friend:

The 90-day legislative session has begun!

As always, I will bring my dedication to the people of Gaithersburg and Rockville to this session– as well as my commitment to making a difference.

Our District 17 Zoom Town Hall is next Wednesday, January 22nd, at 7:30 pm. Learn about the initiatives we’re advancing and share what’s on your mind. Sign up today!

Thanks to the work we did in the interim, we were ready out of the gate– the first hearings on my bills were yesterday morning. Green & Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations (SB105) will create an interest-free revolving loan fund to help nonprofits convert to renewable energy and help address our Climate Crisis; it has passed the Senate unanimously three times. I also presented my bill to link the 9-1-1 Trust Fund and 9-8-8, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (SB36), improving access to these valuable, life-saving services.

Today, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard my legislation to penalize Cyberattacks (SB81), protecting our vital emergency infrastructure. Thirty-one other states already have laws targeting these criminals.

Last week, I spoke at Gaithersburg and Rockville’s Mayor and Council meetings discussing the State’s budget challenges; threats posed by the next Trump Administration; my legislative agenda; and funding priorities for District 17.

Here I am with Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton, dubbed the “Ash Twins”! Check out my “Kibbitzing with Kagan” episodes with Mayor Ashton (posted yesterday!) and Mayor Ashman to learn more.

On Opening Day of the Legislative Session, I was honored to nominate Sen. Bill Ferguson to continue serving as Senate President. He leads with intellect, passion, and pragmatism; I am confident in his ability to guide us in this challenging year. You can watch my brief nominating speech.

Given everything happening in our State, our country, and around the world, staying well-educated is more important than ever! Some of my favorite resources include Maryland Matters, NPR, the Baltimore Banner, the Washington Post, and the Baltimore Sun.

For a more personal view on what’s happening, you can watch my weekly updates from Annapolis on Facebook Live. Follow my page so you don’t miss out.

I am delighted to present my talented staff. Matthew Jeweler is my Chief of Staff; he has experience in strategic communications and political campaigns. Jordyn Loring is my Legislative Aide; she recently graduated from College Park with a degree in Psychology and was promoted after interning in my office. Sharon Spira-Cushnir is serving as my Senior Policy Advisor, focusing on the nonprofit sector. Legislative Interns William O’Donnell and Lucas Roca attend George Washington University and University of Maryland, respectively.

Matthew Jeweler, Sharon Spira-Cushnir, Lucas Roca

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.