Fall Legislative Preview

Dear Friend:

Thanks to many of you for joining Senator Will Smith, Delegates David Moon and Jheanelle Wilkins, and me as we kicked off the 2022 campaign for the D20 Team. It has been an honor to work with these three extraordinary public servants and I look forward to campaigning and serving another 4 years with them. Together we are taking steps—large and small—to create a more just and inclusive Maryland!

Legislative Preview: Several important pieces of legislation will be taken up in the 2022 Session. To hit the ground running, I am finalizing drafts of legislation I plan to introduce encompassing topics such as:

• electric grid decarbonization and resilience;

• weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades to low income housing;

• farm to food security;

• pedestrian and bike safety;

• protection against wage theft and retaliation;

• improved behavioral health crisis response; and more!

Want to Learn What People Really Care About? There’s no better way to find out what is happening in our community than going door to door and talking to people. Such canvassing allows me to hear community priorities, have important policy conversations, and respond to constituent needs. So many people in our community are still struggling and we can often help. Consider joining us! Our next group canvass is Sunday, Nov. 7th.

“Power in the Park” Radiates Throughout the State: Power in the Park is a joyous community event I envisioned to bring together all the agencies helping people save on utility bills, by using less electricity and cleaner energy. At these events, with free music and food, neighbors can sign up for energy audits, weatherization, community solar, solar co-ops, utility assistance; get energy savings kits; and learn how to file complaints on utility issues. In the past few months, I have supported successful Power in the Park events in Long Branch, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel County and hope to have more events statewide.

Clifton Park Flu Vaccines: Many thanks to Adventist Healthcare who responded to my request to provide free flu vaccines during Clifton Park Baptist Church’s food distribution on Wednesday mornings throughout October. In partnership with the Church, CHEER, and Impact Silver Spring, so far Adventist has vaccinated 172 community members against the flu.

Improving Our Food System: The Maryland Food System Resiliency Council—created by my legislation last Session and on which I serve—is finalizing our first report to the General Assembly. The report outlines a number of strategies to address food insecurity and build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system. I will be introducing legislation to move several of the recommendations forward. In the coming year, the Council will continue meeting and developing holistic strategies for a food system that nourishes us all.

Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade: Join me and the entire D20 team as we celebrate and march in the Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, November 20th. Hope to see you there!

Onward,

Lorig Charkoudian