March 29, 2024

Heartbreaking

When I woke up on Tuesday and learned about the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, my first thoughts were of the people on the bridge. Then I thought of the courageous First Responders, who worked throughout the night, trying to save lives. This disaster will have an incalculable impact on Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and the entire Mid-Atlantic region as we prepare to rebuild. My deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the diligent workers we lost.

Spotlight on Elections

I was honored to join Senate President Bill Ferguson last Friday to speak at his weekly press conference. I discussed the 11 election bills I’ve sponsored this session. Maryland is a leader in election administration; the Senate plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our democracy remains fair and transparent.

Wonder Women!

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, I want to encourage you to learn about four remarkable women who joined me on my podcast, “Kibbitzing with Kagan.”

First was the powerhouse Heather Booth. Among other topics, we discussed her role in the underground network of brave volunteers who helped pregnant women access abortions before they were legal.

I also had a conversation with the formidable Ann F. Lewis, who told me about her time as Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff for Sen. Barbara Mikulski; the first female Political Director of the Democratic National Committee; President Bill Clinton’s Communications Director; and Senior Campaign Advisor for Secretary Hillary Clinton.

It was a joy to speak with my friend and colleague Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Chair of the House Health & Government Operations Committee. We talked about her journey to elected office– and how her identity as a Black, Latina, first-generation American continues to shape her career.

And most recently I kibbitzed with former Secretary of Aging Gloria Lawlah. I asked her about her impressive titles– from D.C. public school teacher… to Delegate… to Senator… to Chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus… to Cabinet Secretary… to Presidential Elector… and more!

Shout-Outs

This week, I honored two inspirational people on the Senate floor.

As part of Women’s History Month in the Senate, I chose to showcase the extraordinary Dr. Martine Rothblatt, founder and CEO of United Therapeutics. Dr. Rothblatt developed Sirius Satellite Radio, led the project to develop the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, and is both an airplane and helicopter pilot. She came out as a proud transgender woman in 1994. After her daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, Dr. Rothblatt founded United Therapeutics to develop medication to manage her condition. Now a $2.3 billion company based in Silver Spring, they have roughly 1000 employees worldwide.

Sending holiday wishes to all of my “peeps!” 😃

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org

PS: Congratulations to the Orioles on their big Opening Day victory! Let’s go O’s!