Dear Friend:

What a busy and historic week it was! Whether you attended the Presidential Inauguration or one of the protests, I congratulate you for being active and engaged at this pivotal time in American politics. Please keep reading to find out about the political organizing and legislative initiatives that have kept me especially busy this past week.

My Successful “UnNaugural” Concert!
The morning after Election Day last November, I had a vision for a positive alternative to the official Inauguration that would bring people together to support the progressive causes most threatened by the new Administration. It was such a comfort to gather with over 500 thoughtful progressives at my sold-out “UnNaugural” Concert. We were all inspired by the music of five talented performers and thrilled by the outpouring of support for the vital work of five national advocacy organizations. We raised over $60,000, the proceeds from which will be divided among the ACLU, the Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence, the League of Conservation Voters, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and Planned Parenthood.

If you missed it, you can watch Montgomery Community Media’s story on the concert here!

During the #UnNaugural finale, Brother Sun, Josh White Jr., Emma’s Revolution, Tret Fure, and headliner Sweet Honey in the Rock reminded us that ‘This Land is Your Land,’ regardless of who’s in the White House:

“Taste of District 17” Night this Monday!
Mix and mingle with your District 17 legislators and neighbors! Join us in Annapolis on Monday, January 30th from 6:00 to 8:00pm. You’ll see our beautiful State House; meet your legislators and our hard-working staffers; and watch the Senate in session.

Please RSVP to Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us so that we can order enough delicious food from Dawson’s Market in Rockville.

Common Sense & User-Friendly
SB 74 (Standardization of Terminology for Nonprofits), my bill to standardize our laws relating to the nonprofit sector, passed unanimously by the Senate this morning. It consolidates variations like “non profit,” “non-profit,” and “not-for-profit,” which can make legal research unnecessarily difficult. Now the bill will be considered in the House of Delegates.

Improving Maryland’s Electoral System
With important races for Congress, Governor, and the General Assembly coming up in 2018, this year’s session is the last chance to make improvements to our electoral system. My three bills would make Maryland’s electoral system more transparent and accessible. Representatives from the ACLU, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, were among the witnesses who testified on behalf of SB 58, SB 64, and SB 91.

Partnering with Senate Colleagues
I am grateful to have had my longtime friend and colleague, Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Prince George’s County), as my co-sponsor on SB58: Election Observers. As a former U.S. Ambassador to Romania, he was exceptionally qualified to tell the Senate Committee about welcoming international election observers to Maryland. I partnered with Republican Sen. Steve Waugh (St. Mary’s/Calvert Counties) on another one of my election bills.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and updates throughout the session, as well as fun and interesting events in District 17. Check my website to learn about Senatorial Scholarships, internship opportunities, and more! Any questions or comments can be directed to me via email.

Best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
Rockville & Gaithersburg
Cheryl.Kagan@Senate.state.md.us
301/858-3134

P.S.: On Tuesday, SB186: The Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Ban will be heard in Committee. Montgomery and Prince George’s County (and DC) already ban the substance for its toxic impact on our environment and health. Nineteen of my Senate colleagues agreed to sign on as co-sponsors. We are working with Baltimore Del. Brooke Lierman and a large coalition of environmental groups to garner legislative support for this bill.