July 15, 2021
Dear Friend:
I hope you are enjoying the summer with family and friends. With businesses reopening and more in-person activities, I have been busy in our community! Read on to catch a snippet of the last several weeks…

We Need More Data!
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) held two hearings in Rockville to hear feedback from members of the community on Governor Hogan’s ill-conceived I-270/495 expansion. Along with a number of constituents,
I testified, sharing my concerns about the lack of an Environmental Impact Study; post-COVID teleworking changes in commuting habits; exorbitant tolls; the failure to seriously explore mass transit alternatives; and the possibility of significant federal money through the Biden/Harris Administration infrastructure plan.
As key decisions are approaching, I
sent a letter to Comptroller Franchot, urging him to vote to delay this project. We lack adequate information to design a workable solution to our traffic woes. It is imperative that more data is collected before construction on expensive toll lanes begins.
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE UPDATE
Gov. Hogan Loses in Court
Hundreds of
constituents have contacted my office since last March, frantically needing assistance getting the unemployment benefits they have earned. Unfortunately, the Hogan Department of Labor seems incapable of fixing this broken system, as too many are still waiting…
Creating New Jobs in Our Community 
Along with local leaders and the Governor, I recently visited
Novavax in Gaithersburg to celebrate the announcement of 500 new jobs! Scientists at Novavax have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to develop an additional
vaccine against COVID— proven to be 90% effective. I am proud to
represent Novavax and the other life-saving companies in our high-tech and bio-tech corridor in Gaithersburg & Rockville.
Leading on the Eastern Shore
Honoring a Nonprofit “She-ro”
It was SUCH a joy to be with my friend,
Becky Wagner, as
Interfaith Works dedicated “Becky’s House” to recognize her leadership. Serving previously as Executive Director and Interim CEO, Becky played a key role in the success of this vitally important Montgomery County nonprofit. A few days later, I was able to “Kibbitz” with Becky for my podcast! You can learn more about her impressive career in
my latest episode.
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)