October 1, 2021

Dear Friend:

Did you know that most new Maryland laws take effect on October 1st? I’m writing to let you know about some of my successful legislation that affects you.

“What’s Your Mother’s Maiden Name?”

It’s unbelievably easy to find someone’s mother’s maiden name with a simple online search. So why has this been allowed as a security question for our bank accounts??!

My new law (SB185) will protect consumers by requiring banks to offer more options in order to secure your life savings. (You should consider updating your online privacy settings!)

Banning Deadly Pesticides

Honey bees pollinate our crops and are a vital part of our ecosystem. Unfortunately, the easy availability of neonicotinoid pesticides has had catastrophic consequences on our bee colonies. In 2015 alone, a scary 61% were killed due to these pesticides. SB375 closed a loophole in the law to make these dangerous chemicals less accessible to the average gardener and help to #SaveTheBees!

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is on the front lines when handling crises. It was time for this Agency to have the access, resources, and support that it needs.

MEMA is now a Cabinet Agency– the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). And, my bill also (SB658) moved the 9-1-1 Board into MDEM as an autonomous agency– providing better partnerships as we transition to Next Generation 9-1-1.

Creating a Recycling Market

Though many of us recycle, we likely don’t know where the products go after collection. Most recycled material sits in warehouses across the country, because there is no “market” for product reuse.

My new law (SB116, in partnership with Del. Dana Stein) tasks the Department of the Environment with creating a recycling market in Maryland to increase the use of these materials and create jobs.

As we watch the dynamic campaign to become our next Governor unfold, I invited each of the 9 experienced, passionate, and thoughtful Democratic candidates to join me for a “kibbitz” (brief conversation) over the course of several weeks.

I have been releasing one episode per day (in alphabetical order), so you can learn more about our 2022 Gubernatorial Candidates. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Apple Podcast. I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy my 30-minute chats!

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: The Gaithersburg Election is on November 2nd. The Mayor and two Councilmembers will be elected. To learn more about how you can vote in person or by mail, visit the City’s Website.