February 14, 2024

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 American Jewish Committee (AJC) released a shocking report on The State of Antisemitism in America that revealed some unsettling facts:

• 63% of American Jews say they feel less secure than a year ago– nearly a 50% increase since 2021;
• 74% of all respondents agree that Antisemitism is a problem; and
• At least 1 in 4 college students avoid wearing, carrying, or displaying items that would identify them as Jewish for fear of Antisemitism.

MD Attorney General Anthony Brown took time to meet with AJC leaders and me about issues including the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention. Those who espouse hateful language should have no place on the Commission. The Attorney General is working to right this wrong.

Educating Maryland’s Kids

The “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” was landmark legislation that is changing K-12 education by emphasizing college and career readiness; promoting diversity; improving early childhood education; and more.

My bill, SB762, creates the Maryland Civic Excellence Program to train our leaders for tomorrow. Qualifications include high marks in relevant courses, completion of civics exams, and a community Student Service-Learning (SSL) project. Co-sponsored with Republican Senator Justin Ready, this legislation seeks to reward involvement in State and local affairs.

An Unexpected Announcement

In the final hours before the filing deadline, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan entered the race for U.S. Senate. With majority control of the Senate at stake, it’s hard to imagine that people will forget his extremist vetoes on abortion care, gun safety, family and medical leave, and the decade-long “Blueprint” for our public schools. I plan to be quite outspoken about Hogan’s partisan record. As I always say, “He’s not nearly as moderate as his P.R. people would have you believe!” Voting for Larry Hogan would empower the likes of Right-Wingers Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz. None of them reflect Maryland’s values.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: Yesterday was Arts Day! As the Senate’s representative on the MD State Arts Council (MSAC), I appreciate music, theater, and literature. I’ve recently seen (and strongly recommend) Jane Eyre in Annapolis and Lend Me A Soprano at Olney Theatre.

And, spread the word about these opportunities:

• The MSAC’s individual artist grants support your work and living expenses– up to $2,500! Applications are due by February 29.
• Gaithersburg is accepting applications for the Washingtonian Boulevard Retaining Wall Art Project. Learn more and apply by March 1.