Sneak Peek: My 2022 Legislative Agenda

January 10, 2022
Dear Friend:
At noon on Wednesday, the Senate will reconvene for its 90-day session. This year, Senators are only allowed to sponsor up to 30 bills– so, of course, I will be introducing 30 bills! They include a wide array of issues, from upgrading our 9-1-1 systems to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Read on to learn more about my agenda.
Upgrading 9-1-1 to Save Lives
Inspired by the death of Rockville activist Carl Henn when 9-1-1 failed, I have chaired Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission for the past four years. I am introducing six bills endorsed by the Commission that build on the laws we have already enacted. Upgrades include increasing penalties for interfering with 9-1-1; creating a statewide 3-1-1 system; streamlining access to mental health services for 9-1-1 Specialists; enhancing diverse hiring practices; and much more.
Improving our Election Process
The anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol reminded us of the importance of confidence in our elections. In partnership with the Maryland Association of Counties, Common Cause, League of Women Voters, and other respected organizations, we will be presenting several legislative initiatives. I hope to outlaw fake ballot drop-off boxes; allow voters to fix (“cure”) unsigned mail-in ballot envelopes; clarify funding and procurement laws; and establish election recount procedures.
Safeguarding Our Environment 
As Vice Chair of the Education, Health, & Environmental Affairs Committee, I’m proud to be sponsoring four environmental bills:
  • Shifting authority for pesticide regulations;
  • Reporting the lifecycle of synthetic turf;
  • Banning carcinogenic driveway sealants; and
  • Requiring “Smart Salt” certification for those who service roadways.
Advocating for Nonprofits and Consumers
I fancy myself to be the Senator for the nonprofit sector. This year’s initiatives are fiscally-oriented and would create a renewable fund for “green” energy; mandate prompt payment of state grants and contracts; and increase availability of critically needed NIMBL loans.
A journalist once described me as “the voice for the one special interest group that isn’t represented by a highly-paid lobbyist — the consumer.” My consumer protection legislation would prevent gas price gouging; ban unnecessary collection and storage of driver’s license data; require disclosure of whether a rental car includes a spare tire; and remove the easily-hacked “What is your mother’s maiden name?” security question from future online accounts.
But Wait, There’s More!
In addition to those listed above, my agenda includes several other vitally important issues, including:
  • Creating a Resilience Fund for survivors of domestic violence;
  • Making single-occupancy public bathrooms gender-neutral;
  • Banning cat declawing (de facto de-knuckling);
  • Increasing State government transparency;
  • Filling critical labor shortages by expanding access to occupational licenses;
  • Protecting Marylanders from those driving under the influence of drugs; and
  • Mandating proper geographic distribution of legislative scholarships.
If you’re interested in testifying for any of my bills, please contact my office. Hearings will be held online for (at least) the first 30 days, so you can skip the drive to Annapolis!
Staying Healthy and Preventing Outbreak
Stay up-to-date on COVID guidelines from the CDC and the State. Rapid test kits will be available for free to county residents starting TODAY at all 19 branches of the Montgomery County Public Library system. You must bring proof of residency. My website has comprehensive information about COVID restrictions and resources.
SAVE THE DATE!
The District 17 Legislators will host a Virtual Town Hall on Sunday, January 23, at 7:00 pm. Please RSVP now and indicate any particular issues of interest to you that you would like us to cover. We look forward to seeing you!
Please follow me on Facebook (@CherylCKagan), Twitter (@CherylKagan), and Instagram (@CherylCKagan) for photos and posts. My website has information about COVID; Unemployment Insurance assistance; internships; scholarships; and more. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified of new episodes of “Kibbitzing with Kagan.” And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Gaithersburg & Rockville)
PS: This is an election year, and I’ll need to contact my constituents to inform them about my record over the past four years. Can you donate $200, $125, $75, or even $30 today? We can’t accept funds once we reconvene, so time is short. Thanks!!
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Senator Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator
Rockville & Gaithersburg
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