Much to Celebrate! — August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020
Dear Friend:

What a week! It has been such a joy to cheer on Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and all of the tremendously impressive women and men being featured at the Virtual Democratic National Convention! The Maryland Democratic Party has also been hosting terrific online events, many featuring our talented elected officials.
 
Presumptive Vice Presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris will be tonight’s keynote speaker. The timing of her selection to run with

 Joe Biden as we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage is perfectly poetic!
 
(Don’t forget tonight’s Virtual Commemoration of Suffrage on the role of activists during the suffrage movement.)
 
Transitioning to the Ballot
After we’ve officially nominated our candidates, we must pivot to our key responsibility: VOTING. Clearly, this Presidential Election will be very different than any other. I encourage you to request a mail-in ballot in order to stay safe. Please do NOT choose online ballot delivery, which is deceptively appealing. There are extra costs and risks when voters print and mail their ballot from home.
 
Exciting News for 9-1-1!
As you know, I have been chairing the statewide “Next Generation 9-1-1” (NG911) Commission for the last few years. Maryland has enacted cutting-edge legislation in memory of Carl Henn, who died when 9-1-1 failed. We have updated our technology; adjusted our funding structure; strengthened our oversight; enhanced our Geographic Information Systems; reinforced cybersecurity; and much more. TOMORROW will launch our “Text-to-911” education campaign. Though calling will still be the best method, texting is an option if you are unable to speak. After years of hard work, it is exciting to see this advancement, knowing it will help save more lives!
 
Fixing COVID Testing Errors
Have you been tested for COVID-19 in the last two weeks at a Montgomery County-sponsored site? Unfortunately, there was a problem with some test kits. Though inconvenient, it is important that you get re-tested to make sure you know if you’re sick.
 
Are you looking for work? Eager to help your community during the pandemic? Maryland is hiring Contact Tracers! Feel free to share this listing with family and friends who may be interested.
 
Healing our Planet
There is a silver lining to COVID-19’s stay-at-home orders, telework requirements, and social distancing: Mother Earth has gotten a much-needed break. Carbon-dioxide emissions are down 10% in the State of Maryland since the pandemic began. We may feel trapped by the limitations imposed by the pandemic, but I find comfort in knowing that we are healing the planet through our new routines.
 
Completing the Census
For purely political reasons, the Trump Administration has moved the deadline for gathering Census data to September 30th– a month early. Those who complete the
decennial Census bring $1,800 in federal funding per year to their community. I urge you to take 10 minutes to respond today! Please share this link with friends and family and through your social media outlets.

If you enjoy my weekly updates, please consider following me on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for photos and posts. If you have any questions or comments, send me an email!
 
Best,
 
Cheryl
 
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)
 
PS: Too many people inside a local restaurant? Notice a store that isn’t requiring masks? You can report COVID-19 violations by calling 1-833-979-2266 or e-mailing details to prevent.covid@maryland.gov. Let’s #FlattenTheCurve and stay safe!