March 7, 2025

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 than to congratulate District 17 Del. Julie Palakovich Carr and Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton for being recognized among this year’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record?!

Funding State Services

Gov. Wes Moore released his supplemental budget, which added funding for critical State services. Most notably, it includes roughly $300 million for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. It also provides $9 million for the expected spike in Unemployment Insurance claims from terminated federal employees.

You can read more on the Governor’s website.

Combatting Hate

I met with University System of Maryland Chancellor, Dr. Jay Perman; American Jewish Committee (AJC) leaders; and the co-chairs of the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus to discuss antisemitism on our college campuses.

I am proud to have served on the Board of AJC for the past 26 years. Their 2024 report on The State of Antisemitism in America highlights how this discrimination harms Jewish students pursuing higher education.

“9-1-1 Goes to Washington”

Last week, I was honored to speak at an annual Emergency Managers’ conference about all we’ve accomplished here. It was a treat to reconnect with friends and colleagues in the field. In addition to highlighting the laws we’ve already enacted, I shared some of my pending 9-1-1 legislation:

• 9-8-8 & 9-1-1 (SB36): Allows a small portion of the 9-1-1 Trust Fund to be used to connect to the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Hotline.
• Protecting 9-1-1 (SB81): Increases penalties for cyberattacks that aim to disrupt the operations of 9-1-1 Centers.
• MDEM Regulatory Authority (SB138): Grants the Maryland Department of Emergency Management the ability to establish its own regulations.
• Updating MSFA (SB164): Renames the Maryland State FireMANs Association to the Maryland State FireFIGHTERs Association.
• Supporting Our 9-1-1 Specialists (SB759): Provides an income tax deduction for retiring 9-1-1 Specialists.
• Implementing 3-1-1 (SB775): Establishes a workgroup to develop an expanded 3-1-1 system and reduce the strain on our overburdened 9-1-1 Specialists.

Supporting Federal Workers

Did you know that Federal employees comprise 8% of Maryland’s workforce? The “Trump/Musk” Administration’s cavalier cuts are not only causing incalculable harm to our nation– they are having an acute impact on our State’s economy. I hope you saw my list of resources that you can share with affected friends and family.

“Death with Dignity”

The End-of-Life Option Act (SB926) would create a process for a patient to request– and potentially receive– aid in dying. If you’re reading this, you probably know that I am staunchly pro-choice. It’s noteworthy that a whopping 76% of Maryland voters (and 83% in Montgomery County!) said “YES” to safeguarding reproductive freedom. I am a huge advocate for all bodily autonomy– including options at the twilight of our lives.

SB926 had a hearing scheduled next week, but sadly, it was cancelled. It is unlikely to move forward this year.

Updating You Weekly

Are you in the loop? Every week during the legislative session, I have recorded a “Facebook Live” to discuss what’s happening in Annapolis, around the State, and more. Click on one of the photos below and/or follow my YouTube page to stay informed!

Honoring Our Beloved Ike Leggett

To recognize his 28 years of service to Montgomery County, the Executive Office Building in Rockville was renamed for Isiah “Ike” Leggett. A trailblazer and dedicated public servant, Ike made history as the first person of color elected to the County Council and as our County Executive. Today, he continues to serve our community.

Centering Clean Energy

I spoke at the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s legislative reception about SB105, the “G.R.E.E.N.” Act. This revolving loan fund would allow nonprofits to shift from fossil fuels to green energy. State officials estimate that a clean energy economy will create roughly 27,000 jobs; save ratepayers thousands; and boost State revenues. Including nonprofits in this transition is key to reducing Maryland’s carbon footprint and building a sustainable future.

Scholarships Available!

Do you know someone attending college or graduate school this fall? If they live in District 17, encourage them to apply for the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship! This wonderful opportunity helps eligible students in my district cover their tuition.

Access the application here!

Don’t forget about my Senatorial Scholarships; the deadline is coming soon…

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

Vice Chair, Education, Energy, & the Environment Committee

www.CherylKagan.org

NOTE: My Annapolis phone number is now 410/841-3134.