January 18, 2018
On Monday, the Senate reflected on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hearing the Senate’s President Pro Tem recite the entire moving and inspiring “I Have A Dream” speech. In these divisive times, celebrating Dr. King’s message through his words and deeds is more important than ever.
Overriding Two Hogan Vetoes
Maryland families will benefit from Democratic Senators’ override of the Governor’s veto of Earned Sick Leave. We overrode another veto to ‘Ban the Box’ in order to encourage more people to apply to college.
 Spotlight: Speaking Out Against Intolerance in the White HouseAfter the President’s “S***hole” comment comment about Haitian and African immigrants, I rose to speak on the Senate floor. As I told my colleagues, Montgomery County (and our State!) is strong because of our remarkable diversity. I also encouraged everyone to condemn his disrespectful attitude. You can watch the video of my remarks by clicking below:
 My speech was covered by WTOP, Maryland Matters, The Washington Post — and even the Kansas City Star!
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Guaranteeing Funds for MetroThe latest Metro derailment underscores the urgent need for a reliable funding source. Metrobus and Metrorail must be safe, dependable, and affordable. I co-sponsored Sen. Brian Feldman’s proposal to permanently raise Maryland’s annual Metro funding if Virginia and D.C. make the same commitment. There are resources in the State’s Transportation Trust Fund; few other priorities would more strongly support Maryland’s economy.
You can still buy tickets for the second “UnNaugural Concert” this Saturday, January 20th at 7:30pm at
Montgomery College in Rockville!
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The evening will feature inspiring music by five singer/songwriters. Proceeds will benefit these five local organizations: CASA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Health Care For All, Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Maryland Hunger Solutions.
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Protecting Maryland Elections
With increasing evidence of Russian meddling in our 2016 presidential election, I introduced a bill to ensure that all international election observers are vetted by the U.S. State Department through our Maryland Board of Elections. Sen. Jim Rosapepe, former Ambassador to Romania, is my partner on this election security legislation.
Maryland Democrats Respond to Federal Tax Legislation
General Assembly Democrats will soon introduce a $1 billion Taxpayer Protection Planto address the results of the disastrous new Republican federal tax law. Our proposal would incorporate personal exemptions on State tax returns; lower the amount exempted from Maryland’s estate tax; and allow residents to count charitable contributions to support public education as a State tax credit. Marylanders should not foot the bill for Donald Trump and Washington Republicans’ tax giveaway to corporations and the wealthiest one-percent.
I hope you will watch for these weekly blast emails throughout the legislative session. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and posts. Check my website
for information about internships, Senatorial Scholarships, and more. And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Rockville & Gaithersburg)
P.S. Delegate Andrew Platt recently announced that he will not seek reelection in 2018. We should thank him for his service to the residents of Gaithersburg & Rockville!
(301) 858-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us