September 10, 2020
Dear Friend:
We have now survived 6 long months of this pandemic. As we approach the tragic milestone of 200,000 American lives lost, please continue be mindful of self-care to stay both physically and mentally healthy.
Keeping Your #MaskOnMD
Got one minute? Senators around the State have created #MaskOnMD videos to encourage our constituents to wear masks to protect themselves and others. Here is my light-hearted contribution!
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Honoring my Advocacy
The Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County (CRCMC) is hosting its annual gala virtually on October 12th. With COVID-related tensions high between neighbors, landlords, employers, and family members, CRCMC continues to assist our community. I am flattered that this nonprofit is recognizing me as “Peacemaker of the Year” for my legislative leadership and community outreach. Due to the importance of their work, I featured CRCMC as a beneficiary at my 4th and final 2020 UnNaugural Concert this past January. Please consider donating to this important organization and joining us at the event.
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Expanding is Expensive
Traffic has always been a problem in our area. But many of us are dubious that the proposed 495/I-270 Expansion Plan doesn’t appear to be the best solution. Aside from insufficient public hearings and disclosure of details, this project comes with a completely unaffordable price tag of over $9 billion– when we are already struggling economically. The 18,000 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement fails to address key questions about how the project would affect commuters, low-income neighborhoods, local parks, and stormwater runoff. We should seek more thoughtful options before moving forward with Governor Hogan’s plan.
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What to Expect When You’re Voting: A Series (Part 2)
In addition to the races for President/Vice President, Congress, Board of Education, and of the Sitting Judges, six questions will appear on your ballot. I will share my recommendations over the next several weeks to help you prepare.
State Constitutional Amendment #2: “Sports Betting Expansion”
This would allow sports wagering, which is already permitted in 22 other states. A portion of the revenue would be dedicated to funding public education. I encourage you to vote YES on this measure.
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Remembering the Victims and Heroes
Tomorrow marks 19 years since the tragic events at The World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A childhood friend was among those murdered that day. Let us never forget.
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Saving Lives Through 9-1-1
In case you missed it, I was a guest on The Kojo Nnamdi Show again last week. We discussed recent incidents of First Responders dispatched to the wrong location and how “Next Generation 9-1-1” will increase location accuracy. Unfortunately, three people have died in my district when 9-1-1 failed. I continue to be committed to modernizing our public safety systems in order to save lives.
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)
PS: Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Did you know that every 40 seconds, someone in the world takes their own life? It is hard to identify those who are struggling; reaching out could make a difference.
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