Dear Friend:
As the Maryland General Assembly passes the midpoint of our 2022 legislative session, I am optimistic about the progress we are making towards a more just and inclusive Maryland in the form of several recently filed legislative packages:
Rebuilding Maryland’s childcare capacity by increasing enrollment in childcare facilities and providing financial support to childcare providers;
Creating an equitable path to legal cannabis; and
Expanding and protecting women’s reproductive health care access.
In the next few weeks, I will be closely tracking and providing updates on these bills as they move through the legislative process, in addition to a significant climate package.
MAKING SAFE ROADS A PRIORITY Since my election three years ago, I have been in regular—often daily—contact with the State Highway Administration (SHA) addressing safety issues on our state roadways. My SAFE Roads Act of 2022, HB 656, requires the SHA to invest more in pedestrian and bike safety improvements and to implement timely safety improvements. It’s heartbreaking to know improved traffic engineering could prevent many of these deaths and injuries, and yet we have not done enough to prioritize vulnerable road users’ safety. You can view the February 17th hearing for the bill here.
“DEAR REPRESENTATIVE COMPOSTING GOOD” That’s how one elementary school student addressed their postcard asking state legislators to support expanded composting efforts in schools. Last week, students from Frederick County and Montgomery County came to Annapolis and delivered over 6,000 such postcards as part of their advocacy for HB 150, my bill creating a grant program for schools to reduce food waste through composting. It’s a food fight I endorse 100%!
#KEEP WINTER COLD I love jumping into the icy Potomac with friends and fellow activists as part of the annual #Keep Winter Cold Polar Bear Plunge. This year we celebrated Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s 20 years of activism and advocacy to address climate change and, in the process, raised over $200,000.
While I am delighted to raise awareness and funds through events like the Plunge, I am even more heartened to be involved with substantive efforts to pass a package of ambitious climate legislation before the end of this legislative session. Stay tuned for updates!
ENDORSED BY EDUCATORS I am deeply honored to have been endorsed by Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) and Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). The tireless efforts educators give to our students every day—but especially throughout the pandemic—inspire me. I look forward to continuing to work with these groups to craft and promote important education policies that benefit our entire community.
YARD SIGNS Looking to support my campaign? “Re-elect Lorig Charkoudian” yard signs have arrived! Fill out this form to receive a free yard sign delivered to your house (adorable small child not included).
LISTENING TO CONSTITUENTS Every weekend (and some week nights!) I am canvassing District 20 and listening to the concerns of community members. You can help my campaign by signing up here to help canvass with me any weekend in February and March.
Our next group canvass is Saturday, March 12th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. We will be canvassing with other members of the District 20 delegation, including State Senator Will Smith. Please sign up here if you would like to join us.
STAY IN TOUCH Are there issues you want to become positively engaged in during this session? Let me know. Send a postcard (or 6,000!) to Lowe House Office Building, Room 226, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401; email lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us; or call (410) 841-3423. My staff and I are here to serve.
Onward,
Lorig Charkoudian Delegate Maryland General Assembly (District 20)
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