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February 28, 2018
Dear Friend:
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 Legislative Spotlight: Are Private Schools That GetPublic Tax Dollars Discriminating?
Governor Hogan has allocated an increasing number of dollars– $9 million for next year– for BOOST, a tax credit program for private schools. Research revealed that eight private schools receiving these funds were found to have anti-LGBTQ language in their student handbooks. Unfortunately, there was little recourse for the students. I introduced SB1060 to ensure that any funds allocated to non-public schools in Maryland will not be given to schools that discriminate against students, staff, or faculty.
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#MeToo in Annapolis
Across the U.S., 60% of women report having been sexually harassed or abused. Obviously, this applies to members of and staff in the Maryland General Assembly as well. I served on the Women Legislators’ Caucus workgroup that ultimately crafted a report with Recommendations for a Harassment-Free Legislature. This was an important step forward as we seek to address the #MeToo movement in Annapolis. Unfortunately, the news media mischaracterized the report, claiming that it implied that the General Assembly was a “frat house.” While there are significant problems here, this label is overstated. Ultimately, 57 of 60 women legislators signed a letter to clarify our intent.
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A new State Song for our times!
Y
 ou know that (like my predecessor, Sen. Forehand) I have advocated for the repeal of our State Song, “Maryland! My Maryland!” The song is part of our racist past that exhorted Maryland to secede from the Union, labeling President Lincoln a tyrant, a despot and referencing “Northern scum.” In a state as proudly diverse as ours, it’s time to break our association with this time in our history.At the hearing on my bill to repeal our State Song, SB790, I showcased the work of two talented Maryland artists. Where “Maryland! My Maryland!” extols a culture of division and racial oppression, poet and rapper Femi the Drifish showed us what a modern song about Charm City can sound like. Applause in committee hearings is pretty rare, but Femi earned a long, loud ovation at the end of his heartfelt and meaningful performance. More soon!
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Promoting Gender Equity in Auto Insurance Pricing
Studies by the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Consumer’s Union, and the Consumer Federation of America found that women pay up to 39% more than men for auto insurance, depending on their marital status. In response, I sponsored SB1059, which would prevent insurers from basing one’s insurance premiums on one’s gender or marital status– rather than driving record. Maryland women earn, on average, $0.84 for each dollar a Maryland man earns. We shouldn’t be hit with higher insurance rates on top of that!
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This morning, I was honored that my Rabbi, Adam Raskin, delivered the invocation to the Senate. With the festival of Purim beginning this evening, he shared remarks about heroism and leadership. Raskin encouraged us to act as partners rather than partisans. You can watch his comments here.
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Watch for these weekly updates throughout these final weeks of the 2018 Session! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and posts. Check my website for information about internships, Senatorial Scholarships, and more. And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.
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Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Rockville & Gaithersburg)
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P.S. As you probably know, I have worked for several years on 9-1-1 modernization. In fact, I dedicated my entire weekly email to it two weeks ago. Last week, the Baltimore Sun published my Op-Ed on the urgent need for upgrading Maryland’s 9-1-1 system. I hope you’ll read it!
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We’re halfway there! Each year, the General Assembly meets for a 90-day legislative session. In that time, we consider thousands of bills and evaluate and pass the State budget. The overlay of an election year and the craziness coming from this White House is making for an especially frenetic and divisive session.
(301) 858-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us