Halfway There!

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 from a President on President’s Day!
Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President of University of Maryland Baltimore County for 30 years, delivered the President’s Day address in the Historic Senate Chamber. One of the most respected educational leaders in the nation, his remarks on several American Presidents were thoughtful and powerful. I wish Dr. Hrabowski the very best when he retires in June.
Protecting our Cats!
My “purrrr-fect” bill to protect our furry feline friends from the mutilation of declawing
was approved in the Senate by a vote of 32-14!
Voting, Voting, Voting…
Three more of my bills were approved by my Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. They will be debated by the full Senate next week.
SB158: Election Funding Fairness
In partnership with the Maryland Association of Counties and Del. Julie Palakovich Carr, this emergency bill would require our State Board of Elections to assist our counties and Local Boards of Elections by mandating a 50/50 sharing of election costs.
SB269: Expanding Government Transparency
Transparency is an essential element of good government. Maryland boards and agencies should continue to make their meetings accessible to the public… even after the pandemic. Working with Del. Marc Korman, this will be our third year of expanding the number of agencies covered.
SB372: Banning Toxic Sealants
Coal tar sealants are used on driveways, parking lots, and even playgrounds. Unfortunately, they are dangerous to our health and our waterways. Del. Vaughn Stewart and I are seeking to protect both by prohibiting the sale and use of these sealants. Anne ArundelHowardMontgomery, and Prince George’s Counties have already banned this harmful product. Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and many other stores have already stopped selling coal tar due to liability concerns.
Honoring a Gaithersburg Leader
Former Mayor of Gaithersburg Bruce Goldensohn passed away suddenly. I gave a brief speech, paying tribute to his decades of service to the City, the County, and the State and asked that the Senate adjourn in his memory.
SNEAK PEEK: Next Week’s Hearings
Wednesday, March 2nd
SB683: Many tax credits exist for homeowners and businesses install solar panels. These same opportunities do not exist for the nonprofit sector. My bill creates the “Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations (RENO) Loan Fund” to help our nonprofits reduce their carbon footprint.
Thursday, March 3rd
SB684: Driving under the influence of drugs threatens lives. Similar to current laws on driving under the influence of alcohol, this bill will use technology to help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
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Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)
P.S. My bill to address Maryland’s crisis-level health care labor shortage was featured on WDVM-TV. Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk and I have been working with the doctors, hospitals, nurses, and other interested parties to help implement a common sense solution.