Crossing Over

“Nonstop” is the best way to describe the work happening in the state legislature right now. Thousands of good ideas for new laws have been heard. Now committees are refining the bills. Members are reaching out to sponsors and stakeholders. We are doing deep policy dives into complex bills to make sure issues around cost, possible legal challenges, and implementability are addressed. 

Next Monday, March 23rd, is Crossover Day:  when bills must be passed by either the House or Senate if they will be fully considered this year. Then it’s a sprint until we finish on Sine Die, April 13th.

State Legislatures Disrupting Authoritarianism

I am pleased to share a conversation I recently taped with Maryland Senate President Pro Tempore Malcom Augustine and Hardy Merriman, an expert in civil resistance to counter authoritarian rule. This podcast shines a light on what is happening right now in our society and shows a path forward. 

Child Care Bills Pass the House

Last week a package of child care bills passed out of the House. Maryland provides low- and moderate-income families child care scholarships. This support allows parents to work, pursue job training, or attend school while their children receive safe, quality care.  

Demand for the program has increased greatly in recent years—last year more than 48,000 children received scholarships—which caused the state to start a waitlist for the program.

The three bills help ensure the most needy families are not turned away, allow for a progressive sliding scale for scholarships, and fund professional development activities for child care workers.

Geothermal Rising

Did you know Maryland is considered a trailblazer in developing thermal energy networks? Last week the Geothermal Rising Conference on Thermal Energy Networks, an industry group, came to Baltimore. They picked Maryland because of my WARMTH Act, passed in 2024 that authorized several geothermal pilot projects. 

Thermal energy networks are a leading solution for reducing energy bills and carbon output while providing efficient, reliable heating and cooling.  

One conference panel allowed many of the community activists from Interfaith Power and Light and Interfaith Power and Light-DMV who have been advocating for network geothermal to discuss their experiences implementing one of the pilot projects here in Silver Spring. It has been so gratifying to have helped this good idea turn into successful legislation. I will continue to shepherd this project and can’t wait for everything to come online!

Fed Up with Trump and His Enablers?

Every day provides yet more reasons to rise up and rally against the corrupt and illegal actions of the Trump administration. Pick your own reason and put it on a sign. Public protest makes a difference.  

Join the nationwide “No Kings” protests being held on Saturday, March 28th. I am sponsoring a rally at the 495 overpass on Colesville Road from 10:00 - 11:30 am. Afterwards, we will gather for a potluck meal (location provided with RSVP). Because building community also makes a difference!

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