Bill Hearings, Canvassing, and Staff Updates

Dear Friend:

The Maryland General Assembly is now two weeks into our 2022 legislative session. My colleagues and I are working–one bill at a time–to pass legislation that improves the lives of all Marylanders.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BILL

One such bill I have just drafted aims to ensure people who have filed for unemployment insurance receive adequate notice and due process protections when their cases are reviewed. I am dismayed to report Governor Hogan’s Department of Labor is out of compliance with both federal and state law and has been collecting funds from claimants without giving claimants notice of their re-determinations or a chance to appeal them. More information can be found here.

BILL HEARINGS

In the last two weeks, hearings have been held on the following bills I have sponsored:

• HB 138 requires the Maryland Department of Human Services to establish a process so all income qualified Marylanders can access utility assistance, regardless of immigration status. You can view the hearing here.

• HB 22 prohibits the declawing of cats. You can view the hearing here.

• HB 147 helps the local food system by strengthening local farms and reducing food insecurity. You can view the hearing here.

This week, the House of Delegates will hold hearings for several other bills I am sponsoring:

• HB 129 requires mobile crisis units to be designed to minimize interactions between law enforcement and people experiencing behavioral health crises. The hearing on the bill was held today, Wednesday, January 26th, at 2:30 p.m. in the Health and Government Operations Committee.

• HB 150 creates a grant program to reduce food waste in schools. The hearing on the bill will be held on Thursday, January 27th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Health and Government Operations Committee.

You can learn more about these bills and other legislation I am sponsoring on my website.

COMMUNITY CANVASSING

Despite the cold, I canvassed nearly 200 households in District 20 this past weekend. Join me for our next group door-knocking event on Saturday, February 5th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. We will be canvassing in the White Oak area and encouraging neighbors to get involved with the area’s redevelopment planning process. This is what democracy looks like! For more information or to sign up to join us, click here.

MEET MY LEGISLATIVE STAFF

I recently welcomed two new members to my legislative team. For the 2022 session, Rose Stultz is my interim chief of staff and Brittany Baker is my legislative aide. They can be reached by calling my Annapolis office: (410) 841-3423.

Rose Stutz Brittany Baker

CONGRATULATIONS, VICTORIA!

Congratulations to Victoria Tajzai, my chief of staff and campaign manager, who is on maternity leave after the birth of her twins, Kaleo and Aariz!

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, if you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or (410) 841-3423. We are here to serve you.

Onward,

Lorig Charkoudian