Community Updates

March 26, 2026 Dear Friend: This week began with Crossover Day-- the unofficial deadline for bills to move from the Senate to the House (or vice versa) if they are …

March 20, 2026 Dear Friend: Of the 1,406 bills introduced in the Senate this session, the most significant is always the State Budget. Unlike Congress, Maryland is required by our …

March 13, 2026 Dear Friend: We’ve had some wacky weather this week-- 80 degrees followed by a tornado watch and snowflakes! I am writing from Annapolis with an exciting update. …

February 20, 2026 Dear Friend: Each President’s Day, the Senate convenes in our historic Senate Chamber, where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. This tradition maintains …

January 13, 2026 Dear Friend: The 449th Legislative Session begins tomorrow at noon. As always, I am focused on a jam-packed legislative agenda advancing practical, thoughtful policies that reflect the …

January 6, 2026 Dear Neighbor: Happy New Year! Here's hoping that 2026 will bring hope, peace, success, good health,... and sanity in these crazy times! I'm writing again to tell …

Christmas Eve 2025 Happy belated Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa! It has been a long and supremely challenging year. The hateful, short-sighted, vindictive policies of the Trump Administration have made every …

June 26, 2025 Dear Friend: Senate emails have changed. My new address is Cheryl.Kagan@senate.maryland.gov. Please make a note so you can stay in touch! Spread the Word! One of my priority …

May 9, 2025 Dear Friend: What a week! In addition to everything you'll read about in this email, I was honored to interview American Hero and Civil Rights Activist Dion …

Spring 2025 Dear Friend:   Continuing from last week-- this is the second (and final!) installment of my wrap-up from the 2025 legislative session. If you missed last week's, you can …

Spring 2025 Dear Friend:   What a session! Over the course of 90 days, under uniquely difficult fiscal and political circumstances, the General Assembly approved a balanced budget and passed …

April 11, 2025 Dear Friend:   As of midnight on Monday, the 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly adjourned "Sine Die.” My colleagues agreed that this was one of …

April 4, 2025 Dear Friend: Our 90-day legislative session adjourns ("Sine Die”) at midnight on Monday. My colleagues, staff, and I are suiting up for a marathon day of debates …

March 27, 2025 Dear Friend: While we cheer on the University of Maryland Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams (who both just advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen"), we’re experiencing our own …

March 20, 2025 Dear Friend: We’ve crossed over to the other side! No, I haven’t suddenly become a Republican. “Crossover” marks the point in the legislative session when bills that …

March 14, 2025 Dear Friend: As you know, Daylight Saving Time started on Sunday. Safety experts remind us to check/change the batteries on our smoke detectors and household safety devices... …

March 7, 2025 Dear Friend: It’s Women’s HERstory Month! Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing the profiles of some inspiring women. But what better way to start the celebration …

February 28, 2025 Dear Friend: I’m not mincing words: the “Trump/Musk” Administration is literally dismantling our government. They are carrying out a relentless assault on our democracy and its institutions-- like children …

February 21, 2025 Dear Friend: I’m psyched to appear on my favorite radio show, The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, on WAMU today at noon! I am looking forward to sharing my …

February 14, 2025 Dear Friend: Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are planning to spend time with those who bring you joy. Check in on your loved ones, and take …

February 7, 2025 Dear Friend: On Groundhog Day this year, "Punxsutawney Phil" predicted six more weeks of Winter, and so far, he seems to be right! Tuning in to the …

January 30, 2025 Dear Friend: Last night, a passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter collided midair and crashed into the Potomac River near National Airport. All 67 people aboard the two …

January 24, 2025 Dear Friend: On Monday, Donald Trump took office, surrounded by billionaires collectively worth over $1.3 trillion-- and accompanied by the wealthiest Cabinet in history. On Day One, he signed …

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 …

January 15, 2025 Dear Nonprofit leader: I am not only the Senator for Gaithersburg and Rockville-- I am equally proud to be known as the “Senator for the Nonprofit Sector.” …

January 6, 2025 Dear Friend: Happy New Year! I hope you are staying safe and warm in the snow. Despite the impending political blizzard, may 2025 bring you joy, success, and good …

December 18, 2024 Dear Friend: In a few short weeks, the Senate will convene for our annual 90-day session. My bills this year address a wide array of issues, from …

Thanksgiving week, 2024 Dear Friend: This is hard to write. As a proud "word nerd," I have been living in the "D" portion of the alphabet-- depressed, despondent, dispirited, deflated, …

October 29, 2024 Dear Friend: You know this is a HUGE and historic election. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how to get a mail-in ballot. I suspect you …

June 27, 2024 Dear Friend: Happy summer! School is done, pools are open, and the sun is blazing! Please stay safe in the heat. Children, the elderly, overweight individuals, and …

May 1, 2024 It's time to VOTE!! Here's information about the ways you can make your voice heard in Maryland's Primary elections... and my recommendation for Senate: Early Voting Early …

April 11, 2024 Dear Friend: We made it through Sine Die! The last day of our 90-day session went right up until midnight, and I am exhausted. We passed a …

April 5, 2024 Dear Friend: Our 90-day legislative session adjourns ("Sine Die") at midnight on Monday. My colleagues, staff, and I are gearing up for a long day (and night) …

March 29, 2024 Dear Friend: Before tragedy struck this week, I proudly celebrated Maryland Day and the 390th anniversary of settlers disembarking from the Ark and the Dove. Heartbreaking When I woke …

March 21, 2024 Dear Friend: It's officially Spring... and there are just 19 days before adjournment! With cherry blossoms blooming, there's activity all around-- including in the General Assembly. "Crossover" …

March 15, 2024 Dear Friend: The General Assembly is Constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every year-- revenues must equal expenditures. The Senate and House review the budget separately …

March 8, 2024 Dear Friend: Young Marylanders are the future of our State. I draw inspiration from those who came before me as well as the next generation of our …

March 1, 2024 Dear Friend: Yesterday was Leap Day! As you probably know, this occurs every four years in order to synchronize the astronomical and calendar years. Leap Day provides …

February 22, 2024 Dear Friend: We are at the midpoint of our 90-day legislative session. My team and I have been super-busy, and we are ready for the fast pace …

February 14, 2024 Dear Friend: Happy Valentine's Day! I love representing my neighbors in Gaithersburg and Rockville along with Delegates Ryan Spiegel, Julie Palakovich Carr, and Joe Vogel! Hate Spikes Yesterday, the …

February 9, 2024 Dear Friend: On Groundhog Day this year, "Punxsutawney Phil" predicted an early Spring, and so far, he seems to be right! The Senate has debated some controversial …

  February 2, 2024 Dear Friend: What a bummer! The Ravens game was disappointing, but I am doing everything I can in the Senate to avoid disappointment for the causes …

January 25, 2024 Dear Friend: Our 90-day legislative session is in full swing! Every day, I advance my proposed legislation-- and I try to have a little fun while doing …

January 18, 2024 Dear Friend: January 14 marked 100 days since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. I mourn the lives lost in the ongoing war. There are an estimated 136 hostages-- including …

January 13, 2024 Dear Friend: The 90-day legislative session has begun! As always, I am bringing my dedication to the people of Rockville and Gaithersburg-- as well as my commitment …

January 4, 2024 Dear Friend: I hope you are having a happy and healthy start to 2024! The new year is a time for self-reflection and growth, and I wish …

June 1, 2022 The Hon. Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr. Governor of Maryland 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 Dear Governor Hogan: I was surprised and disappointed by your veto of SB163 (and HB862)-- …

April 15, 2022 Dear Friend: Did you know that members of the Senate sponsored 1,022 bills, and the House introduced 1,495 this Session? Read on to learn about what we …

April 9, 2022 Dear Friend: As the clock ticks down on the 90-day legislative session, there is much work to be done. We will return to the Senate Floor today …

April 1, 2022 Dear Friend: I always "aim" to vote favorably on legislation that will benefit the residents of Gaithersburg and Rockville. This is because you are very “deer" to …

March 25, 2022 Dear Friend: Monday was “Crossover Day,” when bills must have passed one chamber to be guaranteed full consideration. Important bills that passed the Senate include Climate Solutions Now, …

March 17, 2022 Dear Friend: Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope you have recovered from losing an hour of sleep to Daylight Savings Time (DST). Have you heard that the Maryland …

Mar 5, 2022 Dear Friend: An inspiring aspect of this week was watching (nearly) all Americans unite in support of Ukraine. The bipartisan spirit continued at a vigil for Ukraine, when …

February 26, 2022 Dear Friend: We are halfway through our 90-day session! Many of my bills are moving through the legislative maze; here's a quick overview about the week: Hearing …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2022 ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE Alaska House Labor and Commerce Chairs rally counterparts across the nation in support of Starbucks Workers United JUNEAU – 29 Labor …

February 18, 2022 Dear Friend: This week, the Senate resumed in-person committee hearings for the first time since mid-March of 2020. I was thrilled to see so many friends and colleagues throughout …

February 11, 2022 Dear Friend: Happy (early) Valentine's Day! I love representing Gaithersburg and Rockville in the Maryland Senate. Here's an overview of our busy week: Banning a Barbaric Practice HOT OFF …

February 4, 2022 Dear Friend: 12 bill hearings down, 18 more to go! Read on to learn about this week's events. Praying & Shadowing At my invitation, Rev. Barry Moultrie …

January 28, 2022 Dear Friend: This week was action-packed (and if you know me, that's not likely a surprise!). A whopping SEVEN of my bills were heard in Senate committees-- …

January 21, 2022 Dear Friend: Now that President Biden and U.S. Senate Democrats have been stymied in their efforts to pass critically needing voting rights legislation, attention will return to …

January 10, 2022 Dear Friend: At noon on Wednesday, the Senate will reconvene for its 90-day session. This year, Senators are only allowed to sponsor up to 30 bills-- so, of …

December 8, 2021 Dear Friend: Every time I introduce myself at a legislative or community event, I say, "I'm Cheryl Kagan, very proud to be the Senator for Gaithersburg & …

December 5, 2021 Dear Friend: It is hard to believe that December is already here! As my staff and I continue to prepare my legislation for 2022, the General Assembly …

November 1, 2021 Dear Friend: I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather! The past month has been jam-packed with notable events-- I wanted to share some of the …

October 1, 2021 Dear Friend: Did you know that most new Maryland laws take effect on October 1st? I'm writing to let you know about some of my successful legislation …

September 22, 2021 Dear Friend: I hope you had a wonderful, safe summer with friends and family. While it was fun to see a lot of you on "National Night …

July 30, 2021 Dear Friend: National Night Out Against Crime -- one of my very favorite events each year -- takes place this Tuesday, August 3rd. These gatherings promote police/community partnerships and …

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 …

May 25, 2021 Dear Friend:   Since the General Assembly adjourned, my staff and I have kept really busy. The District 17 Delegates and I have reported on the legislative …

May 4, 2021 Dear Friend:   With our 90-day Legislative Session behind us, my staff and I are busy with several important projects. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission I chair convenes tomorrow to …

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April 25, 2021 Dear Friend:   Almost a third of Montgomery County residents have been fully vaccinated and nearly half have received at least one dose. Every shot that goes …

April 13, 2021 Dear Friend:   The Maryland General Assembly's 442nd Legislative Session adjourned last night at midnight. After 90 days; a whopping 2,344 bills introduced; a $54 billion balanced …

April 9, 2021 Dear Friend:   We're almost done! Our Senate leadership implemented a comprehensive regimen of COVID-19 protocols that has kept us safe and healthy. (It's a bit miraculous …

April 2, 2021 Dear Friend:   In the midst of yet another tragedy, we could each benefit from an extra moment of reflection. Whether or not you observe Passover, Easter, or …

March 26, 2021 Dear Friend:   Chag Sameach (or Happy Holidays) to those observing Passover-- a celebration of liberation from slavery. In a time where racial injustice is still prominent in our society, …

March 20, 2021 Dear Friend: It's hard to believe that this week marked one year since the General Assembly adjourned early for the first time since the Civil War. Who would have …

March 13, 2021 Dear Friend:   Beautiful Spring weather is here. The other day, my staff and I were even able to sneak outside for some fresh air between hearings …

March 5, 2021 Dear Friend: I don't know about you, but I love a good milkshake. My staff stopped by Chick & Ruth's Deli to pick up a 'Senator Kagan Milkshake' for me after …

February 27, 2021 Dear Friend:   With false-positive COVID tests and moving my important emergency telehealth legislation, we finally hit the halfway point in our 90-day session!   Moving Forward …

February 19, 2021 Dear Friend:   I hope you're staying safe and warm during this week's round of winter weather. My staff and I are wrapping up another busy week. …

February 16, 2021  Dear 9-1-1 Colleague: I hope you are staying safe in these stressful times. As Chair of the NG911 Commission, I have introduced five bills this legislative session …

February 12, 2021 Dear Friend:   Happy Lunar New Year and (almost) Valentine's Day! It's hard to believe that we're already a third of the way through our legislative session. …

February 5, 2021 Dear Friend:   There's a lot of content in this email, so I will keep the intro short! Read on to learn about all of the events …

January 29, 2021 Dear Friend:   Newly elected President Joe Biden is off to a strong start, reversing more than two dozen Trump-era policies already! Biden's priorities directly align with the Maryland Senate's …

January 22, 2021 Dear Friend:   What an eventful week! Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy; Braving the first full week of the Legislative Session; Saying goodbye (FINALLY!!) to …

January 8, 2021 Dear Friend: I'm sure you share my astonishment and disgust at the mob attack on the symbol of our democracy-- the U.S. Capitol. I have walked those …

December 22, 2020 Dear Friend:   I hope you are staying safe as 2020 comes to a close. COVID-19 may have changed how we spread holiday cheer, but it can’t …

December 16, 2020 Dear Friend:   Happy Chanukah (or however you spell it!) to those who are celebrating. As 2020 winds down, my staff and I are reflecting on all …

November 23, 2020 Dear Friend: As we prepare for a very different kind of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share how grateful I am to serve as your State Senator. It is …

NG911-Comptroller-Franchot-Audits-Letter-Oct-30-2020 Comptroller Franchot's Response to the 911 Commission

November 6, 2020 Dear Friend:   This week's e-mail is all about the numbers. From updates on the Coronavirus to voter turnout, sharing accurate data is the best way to …

October 28, 2020 Dear Friend: Election Day is around the corner! Early Voting continues through Monday, November 2nd at the following locations. On November 3rd, you may cast your vote at …

October 22, 2020 Dear Friend:   Early Voting begins on Monday, October 26th at the following locations across Montgomery County. Don't forget to vote all the way down-- including the Sitting Judges and …

October 15, 2020 Dear Friend:   Do you know someone who isn't registered to vote? Marylanders can register and cast a ballot during Early Voting and on Election Day! Protecting Our Majority Vote …

October 7, 2020 Dear Friend: This has been a crazy week; the President continues to disregard mask-wearing while spreading his Coronavirus to Senators, the press, and White House staff. The combination of …