February 21, 2025

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 thoughts on the “Trump/Musk” Administration’s first month and its devastating impact on our region– especially Montgomery County. (Hope you’ll tune in!)

Every year on President’s Day, we convene in the historic Senate Chamber, where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. This session allows us to maintain our status as the oldest State House in continuous operation. This week, Secretary of State Susan Lee delivered the President’s Day address. In the midst of the unprecedented turmoil emanating from the White House, it’s especially important to honor our nation’s founders.

In the House, our own Del. Julie Palakovich Carr delivered the annual address. She acknowledged George Washington’s flawed legacy, but also the precedents he took care to set. Nearly 250 years later, President Washington continues to teach us “that the Constitution still matters. That democracy still matters. That holding public office is an obligation to continue this great experiment that is democracy.”

There is an age-old tradition that many of the Governor’s appointments to Maryland’s 600+ Boards and Commissions are delivered to the Senate in a green leather satchel. The latest installment was delivered by Secretary Tisha Edwards, who has worked diligently to identify talented nominees ready to serve our State. If YOU are interested in being considered, learn about applying, and be sure to let me know!

Yesterday, I presented my bill to diversify our Boards and Commissions. SB490 suggests that the 6,000+ Marylanders appointed should reflect the “full diversity of the State to the extent practicable” and replaces “citizen” with “resident” or “private individual.” Given the significant impact these bodies have on all Marylanders, their membership should match the people they serve.

The General Assembly renewed its annual Blood Drive, and I was delighted to donate again. If you want to join me in saving lives during our critical nationwide blood shortage, find a location near you— or host a Mobile Blood Drive at your business, school, or nonprofit.

Next week, I have TEN bill hearings! Eight bills will make our elections more transparent and fair– issues I’ve long championed. The other two are:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) Election Transparency (SB758): This would establish clearer guidelines for elections; ensure financial transparency; and set reasonable safeguards to protect homeowners from unfair practices.

• 3-1-1 Workgroup (SB775): I continue to focus on establishing a statewide 3-1-1 system in order to help our government to provide excellent customer service while lightening the load on our 9-1-1 centers.

I encourage you to celebrate this month by visiting the Gaithersburg Community Museum. It has a special exhibit honoring the historical contributions of local Black heroes. Learn more 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.

PPS: Also during Black History Month, I strongly recommend watching The Six Triple Eight on Netflix, which focuses on an all-Black Women’s Army Corps battalion during World War II. This film brings overdue recognition to 19 Marylanders and their families; we thank them for their service and bravery.