Civil resistance depends on us—LOTS of us.

No Kings Rally:  October 18th 

Join me this Saturday in a day of national and global nonviolent protests against the outrageous and devastating actions of President Trump and his enablers.  I’ll be joined by members of Do the Most Good, Indivisible MoCoWoMen, Moms Rising, and lots of your neighbors.  

Bring your protest signs to Colesville Road from Hastings Drive to the 495 overpass from 10:00-11:30 am.  Sign up here to let us know you are coming and to get more details.

Why protest?  Will waving a protest sign at a Beltway overpass for a few hours really make a difference in changing the direction of our country?  

Yes, when enough people are motivated enough to take action and if this action is repeated across the country over and over again.  Movements to make meaningful change depend on people showing up and demanding it.  Listen here for more on the history of civil resistance and what we can do to make it happen.

Shutdown Help

Our federal employees and contractors—who serve our communities and advance the public good on a daily basis—continue to be under assault by Trump and the MAGA Republicans. Many have lost their jobs and many more are now furloughed or working without pay. We remain grateful for their service. 

If you or someone you know is affected by layoffs, furloughs, or work without pay, please share these resources available through the state.  As the Chair of the House Unemployment Insurance Subcommittee, I am particularly well-suited to help people navigate that system.  As always, though, my staff and I stand ready to help in any way we can.

Geothermal Projects Moving Forward 

While current climate action on the federal level is beyond disheartening, in Maryland we are continuing to move forward with innovative projects to deal with the climate crisis. 

My 2024 WARMTH Act to develop networked geothermal projects is in the process of being implemented across the state.  Networked geothermal is one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a whole neighborhood—while electrifying and weatherizing homes for health, safety, and comfort.

Here in Montgomery County, we are especially excited for the potential pilot at Northwest Park Apartments.  I stand in awe of the creative community organizing efforts of several nonprofit groups working with apartment residents to advocate for geothermal projects.  A recent Montgomery Banner article highlighted those efforts.

Organizing Regionally to Help Low-Income People Pay Their Energy Bills

I represent the Maryland House on the Southern States Energy Board, which convenes legislators from 18 Southern states and territories to advance energy efficiency, affordability, and reliability. At our most recent meeting, I successfully rallied my counterparts in other states to urge the federal government to prioritize funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding.  LIHEAP is crucial to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can keep their electricity and heat on, especially as we face more extreme weather.

I’m an Economic Justice Champion!

I am deeply honored to be one of six delegates to be named an “Economic Justice Champion” with a score of 100% on Economic Action Maryland’s 2025 Legislative Scorecard.  Economic Action Maryland advocates for health, housing, energy, and consumer justice, especially for low-income and working families.

Need Help on a State Issue?

If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.

Onward, 

Lorig Charkoudian