February 7, 2025

Dear Friend:

On Groundhog Day this year, “Punxsutawney Phil” predicted six more weeks of Winter, and so far, he seems to be right!

Gov. Wes Moore delivered his third annual “State of the State” to a joint session of the Senate and House. He reflected on the progress Maryland has made, connecting more than 100,000 Marylanders to broadband for the first time, reducing crime, and recovering from the Key Bridge collapse. He discussed economic growth through cutting taxes for two-thirds of Marylanders; expanding the child tax credit; advancing critical transportation projects; and investing over $750 million in industries such as information technology and life sciences.

In his words, “this will be Maryland’s decade. Not because we say so, but because we make it so.” Watch his address here!

(Photo: Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

The “Trump/Musk” Administration issued an Executive Order implementing a government-wide hiring freeze and demanding that all federal employees return to their offices. A letter from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) offered federal workers the option to resign with pay and benefits through September 30 in order to reduce the federal workforce and replace them with loyalists. A judge blocked the order – delaying the buyout until at least Monday. Would YOU trust Donald Trump to keep his promises in paying our hard-working public servants?

Maryland is facing an energy crisis. Rising electricity demand, retiring power plants, and skyrocketing prices are affecting both households and businesses. Our Democratic majority has proposed three bills that would lower utility bills; enhance grid reliability; and create a more predictable regulatory environment to attract investment. This package ensures that Maryland’s energy future is both sustainable and secure. SB937, SB931, and SB909 are likely to be scrutinized and amended in the coming weeks.

Six of my bills were heard this week – including my proposals to legalize “Right to Repair” Wheelchairs and allow some legislative vacancies to be filled through Special Elections. I joined the Maryland State FireFIGHTERS Association (MSFA) in codifying their new, gender-neutral name, partnering with Chief Bob Phillips in honoring the legacy of my late colleague and ally, Del. Jimmy Malone.

This morning, I spoke at a press conference with my colleagues– President Bill Ferguson, Committee Chair Brian Feldman, and Sen. Nick Charles. President Ferguson asked me to describe some of my eleven election bills for the assembled reporters.

One of the (many!) reasons I am terrified about RFK Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is that there will be preventable deaths from disease and infection.

Recently, a Senate colleague of mine shared a horrifying story that should be a warning to us all. A young woman he’s known her entire life was diagnosed with the flu and tragically died the following week. Listen to the story here. I strongly encourage you to get a Flu shot to prevent tragedies like this. Find a center to get your vaccination today.

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.