February 14, 2025

Dear Friend:

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are planning to spend time with those who bring you joy. Check in on your loved ones, and take care of your own mental health– we need you well in these crazy times!

I have heard from many constituents about proposed changes in the State’s tax structure, delayed funding for public education, and cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The Senate Budget & Taxation Committee held the first of many hearings to review Gov. Moore’s draft budget, with input from the developmental disability community. Hearings and negotiations on the State budget, which must be balanced, will continue until no later than March 31– the deadline for both chambers to pass a final budget. While the budget does not fall under my committee’s jurisdiction in the Senate, I will continue to keep you updated.

SB365 was heard in the Senate Finance Committee yesterday. This bill proposes to create a ‘Nonprofit Navigator’– a one-stop resource to share grant information, resolve funding delays, and represent nonprofit interests across State agencies. The Department of Commerce already houses a small business liaison; the Navigator would be a parallel position. Now more than ever, nonprofits need a dedicated partner in Maryland’s government to help them serve our communities.

Learn more about this important bill from my video here!

As the “Senator for the Nonprofit Sector,” I am enraged by the “Trump/Musk” Administration’s destructive Executive Orders that aim to cut funding to nonprofits that don’t align with their radical agenda. As National Council of Nonprofits President and CEO Diane Yentel so aptly said, “the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people that the [Administration] expresses concern about are enhanced by the work of nonprofits.”

“Indirect costs”– or “overhead”– include budget items such as rent, phones, and computers. These are required for any nonprofit (or business!) to operate, yet they have been insufficiently supported in government grants. After I proposed a bill (SB127) to align Maryland with the federal rate, the White House issued a directive that will severely jeopardize nonprofits’ financial stability. Although 22 states’ Attorneys General are suing to stop this backwards policy, I have proposed amendments to my bill to address this crisis. We cannot undermine our nonprofits precisely when we need them most.

Did you know that high school seniors can be part of our legislative process? The Student Page Program allows young people to spend two weeks in Annapolis helping both chambers run smoothly. They learn firsthand from State officials, Department experts, and each other– providing them an insider perspective on the General Assembly. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with these pages, answering questions about nonprofits, 9-1-1, gun control, and even Scrabble!

Learn more and encourage policy-oriented high school juniors to apply next year.

Do you know someone attending college or graduate school this fall? If they live in District 17, encourage them to apply for my Senatorial Scholarship! This wonderful opportunity helps eligible students in my district offset the cost of tuition. Apply here!

The 2025 application for the Maryland Service Year Option is now LIVE! Governor Wes Moore’s first-in-the-nation public service program offers high school graduates the opportunity to develop meaningful skills, earn at least $15 per hour, and receive a $6,000 completion award to help them meet their future goals. Learn more about Maryland Corps here. Spread the word– the deadline is March 1st, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply soon for this wonderful opportunity to help your community with fellow Marylanders!

Josh Kurtz, a true Annapolis fixture, is retiring today. As a supremely well-respected journalist and co-founder of Maryland Matters, Josh has been a prominent voice in Maryland politics who has provided in-depth reporting and insightful analysis for decades. His deep knowledge and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism have made him a favorite among policymakers, advocates, and readers. He will be sorely missed as a friend and journalist– especially amidst the disinformation of the Trump/Musk Administration.

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

Vice Chair, Education, Energy, & the Environment Committee

www.CherylKagan.org

NOTE: My Annapolis phone number is now 410/841-3134.