June 26, 2025

Senate emails have changed. My new address is Cheryl.Kagan@senate.maryland.gov. Please make a note so you can stay in touch!

Spread the Word!

One of my priority bills this past session was creating a Nonprofit Navigator position in the Department of Commerce– and the job posting is now live.

The Navigator is our “GPS for Nonprofits.” I am so proud that Maryland is the first state in the nation to create this kind of role in order to:

• Publicize nonprofit grant opportunities;
• Troubleshoot problems nonprofits are experiencing; and,
• Represent the interests of nonprofits within State government.

It’s exciting that our nonprofit organizations will have a new, dedicated partner to help them meet Marylanders’ needs.

Condemning Hate

In the midst of Pride Month, the Trump Administration once again demonstrated its cruelty by defunding LGBTQ youth services on the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In recent weeks, we have experienced a rash of disturbing, hate-fueled violence, from antisemitic attacks like the firebombing of a peaceful protest in Colorado and the murders of two Israeli Embassy employees in D.C. to the tragic assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.

Having just passed the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the right to an abortion, we’re reminded that hate is escalating in many forms– against women, Jews, LGBTQ+ people, public servants, and more. Now, more than ever, we must care for one another, reject all forms of bigotry, and stand united in the face of rising extremism.

Traveling This Summer?

If you or your visitors need to get to or from BWI Airport, you should definitely check out the ICC Commuter Bus. The buses are clean, safe, and have reliable Wi-Fi… all for just $5! You can choose from three convenient locations, including the Shady Grove Metro station.

Challenging our Primary Election System

Nearly one million Marylanders choose to register as Unaffiliated, rather than with one of the two major political parties. It is currently up to the parties to decide whether these voters can participate in primaries. Plaintiffs in a recent court case argue that Maryland’s Constitution guarantees that all elections should be open to all registered voters. As a longtime champion of election reform and voting rights, I’ve sponsored legislation to expand “Ballot Access.” I will continue advocating for more fair, inclusive, and accessible elections.

Supporting Our Students

My Scholarship Selection Committee and I just completed interviews with our top-ranked applicants. These students were even more impressive in person! I am grateful to the community leaders who volunteer their time to guide the allocations. Another opportunity for students to apply for Spring 2026 scholarships comes this Fall.

Catching Up with District 17

Delegates Julie Palakovich Carr, Joe Vogel, and Ryan Spiegel, and I hosted a community Town Hall at the Rockville Science Center. If you missed it, you can catch it on my YouTube channel!

See You Around?

Consider marking your calendar for these fun events:

• Gaithersburg’s SummerFest is this Saturday, June 28, from 6-11pm at Bohrer Park. This free, family gathering is a great way to kick off the holiday week!
• The 26th annual Heritage Days will be this weekend, June 28 & 29. Showcasing more than 30 historic and cultural sites throughout the County, it offers free admission, family-friendly programs, music, and more.
• Rockville’s Independence Day celebration on July 4th (including fireworks!) will be back at King Farm from 7-10pm. Bring a picnic and the whole family!

Road to Recovery

Thank you to everyone who wished me well after I broke my elbow at the Memorial Day ceremony. I had a 3.5 hour surgery, have started physical therapy, and am on the mend. My Chief of Staff is so dedicated– he decided we had to match! We are both fortunate to have access to excellent health care.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

Vice Chair, Education, Energy, & the Environment Committee

www.CherylKagan.org