Legislative & Community Updates

June 15, 2016   People often ask me, "What do you do when the Senate is out of session?" I thought I would take a moment to show you some of the things that have kept me busy in Rockville and Gaithersburg.   Reading …

Dear Friends: This is the final week before the session ends Monday at midnight.  We had almost 3,000 bills introduced in the General Assembly this year.  Despite long days, the jam-packed 90-day session is satisfying when thoughtful legislation is drafted, debated, and enacted.  Turning …

Dear Friends:Our focus this past week was on reviewing the budget and preparing for crossover deadline. "Crossover" is when Senate bills should be ready for House hearings and consideration, and House bills come over to us in the Senate.  Building the …

Prohibiting Bait & Switch at Gas Stations Have you ever stopped at a gas station and been surprised when you saw the final cost?Many gas stations charge more for those paying with credit and/or debit cards. Because over three-fourths of consumers buy gas …

Updating 9-1-1 Before It's Too Late Carl Henn was a Rockville resident and respected community leader who was struck by lightning in 2010 at a local park. Tragically, when his friends called 9-1-1 for help, they received only busy signals.  Two …

  Dear Friends: Maryland's primary election is coming soon (early voting starts April 14th, and Election Day is April 26th).  In light of some troubling stories (like 5-hour lines in Maricopa County, Arizona), we need to be sure that our voting systems in …

Advancing District 17 and All of MarylandWe are now in the final month before adjournment "Sine Die" on April 11th.  Things are busy! Advocating for funding for Olde Towne Gaithersburg(Photo credit: Sen. Bill Ferguson!)On Saturday, my bond bills were presented: one …

We are now halfway through the 2016 legislative session here in Annapolis.  I am pleased with the successes we have had thus far, but there is much to be done before adjournment "Sine Die" at midnight on April 11th.Ending Drugged …

Restoring Voting RightsAfter individuals have paid their debt to society, I believe they should not be denied their voting rights.  To ensure this, the Senate narrowly voted to override Governor Hogan's final veto from last session.  There was some misinformation …