Governor Wes Moore visited Progress Place in Silver Spring as part of his MLK Day of Service.
Last week’s historic inauguration of Wes Moore as Governor and Aruna Miller as Lieutenant Governor completed a huge changeover in state leadership. They now join newly sworn-in State Attorney General Anthony Brown and State Comptroller Brooke Lierman. Maryland has not seen such sweeping and simultaneous changes at these key positions in a very long time.
I am heartened not only by Governor Moore’s words—especially about seeing the General Assembly as his partner and state workers as his colleagues—but by his actions. In the days before his inauguration, he toured communities around the state, including here in District 20, to ground his efforts in service. On his second day in office, he delivered on his promises to protect reproductive rights and address climate change by releasing $69 million approved by the General Assembly but withheld by former Governor Hogan. He then followed up the next day by presenting a $63 billion budget. My colleagues and I look forward to working on it with our newest legislative partner.
Bill Hearings Yesterday, the first of many hearings on my bills began with HB56, to support the expansion of bi-lingual education. This bill came about following a conversation I had with Sandra (pictured at left, second from right). Last summer, I knocked on her door while canvassing. She is a bi-lingual educator and let me know about the need for both better guidelines for dual language programs in our public schools and creating a certification program for dual language teachers. Yesterday she and her colleagues testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of the legislation we crafted together after our conversation.
MD General Assembly 101 Interested in what’s happening during the current session of the Maryland General Assembly (MDGA)? The MDGA website contains many useful resources, including: - MDGA Calendar - Committee Schedule - Legislation Tracker for all bills introduced in the House and Senate, including fiscal and policy notes.
White Oak Walk-About: February 4th
Please join me for a walk in the woods in White Oak. It’s a great chance to experience a nearby natural treasure, hear about General Assembly goings-on and policy updates, and chat about what’s on your mind. We plan to meet up on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00 a.m. near the Paint Branch Trailhead. Snacks and drinks (maybe even some snow?) will be provided. R.S.V.P. here to get exact details.
My Staff Is Ready to Serve You During the Session, my staff and I are ready to help you track legislation, sign up to testify at hearings, and much more. Rose Stutz continues as my Chief of Staff and Brittany Baker as my Legislative Aide. This year’s interns are Tierney Acosta and Phillip Manzon.
Be in Touch As always, if you or anyone you know needs assistance with a state issue, please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or call us at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig Charkoudian Delegate Maryland General Assembly (District 20)