It’s Monday, the beginning of my third full week of service in the Maryland State Senate on behalf of the residents of Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Swearing In New Legislators and A New Governor

With 69 new legislators joining the General Assembly, swearing-in day was chaotic and exciting.   At my Senate swearing-in, I was deeply honored to have our past three Senators (Jennie Forehand, Mary Boergers, and Frank Shore) as my very special guests on the Senate floor.  Afterwards, I hosted a reception.  Joining me were constituents, friends, and family– from around the region and across the country. 

The following week, I witnessed the inauguration of Governor Larry Hogan and his Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford in the Senate Chamber.  We then moved outside for the public ceremony.  With the backdrop of our beautiful State House, it was a lovely (and snowy!) affair.  I congratulated Mssrs. Hogan and Boyd as well as their families again that night at the Inaugural Ball. I look forward to a cooperative working relationship with our new Republican Governor, wherever possible, so that we can continue to move Maryland forward.

Legislative Agenda

As a freshman Senator, we have been working to organize our office to serve you.  Our computers are now up and running, and we even have business cards back from the printer!  This week, we will be finalizing our package of legislative proposals.  I have been assigned to the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs (EHEA) Committee.  We have already had nine hearings and briefings that have ranged from state agency operations to the FY16 budget.  Our committee deliberates on the bulk of legislation that comes through the Senate.  In addition to my assignment on EHEA, I am delighted to have been appointed to the Joint Audit Committee, which ensures that our taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and effectively.

Honoring Non-Profit Volunteers

Last week, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the Community Ministries of Rockville’s  annual volunteer recognition event.  Feel free to watch the video of my remarks.  CMR helps the elderly stay in their homes; provides emergency assistance to families in need; offers language instruction to people who are not yet proficient in English; and operates a multi-million dollar primary care clinic.  You can visit CMR at www.CMRocks.org to learn more.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions or opinions.  You can reach my office at Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us or call toll-free at 301/858-3134.  In addition, I am active on social media and can be found on Facebook at State Senator Cheryl C. Kagan , on Twitter at @CherylKagan, and now on Instagram at @CherylCKagan.  Stay safe and warm out there!

Best, 

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
Rockville & Gaithersburg

PS:  Please save the date for our “District 17 Night in Annapolis” on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 5:30 pm. Look for more information in future missives.