Setbacks and Slow, Steady Progress
- jfeasley9
- May 27
- 3 min read
Governor’s Vetoes
I am disappointed that Governor Moore has vetoed several important bills passed by the General Assembly:
✓ The Maryland Reparations Commission bill passed by an overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate and would have brought together affected residents, experts, and elected leaders to study and make recommendations on reparations for enslavement, state sanctioned discrimination, redlining, and all of the long-term harm caused by government policy of racial discrimination over the history of this state.
✓ The Governor also vetoed several essential environmental bills, including the RENEW Act, which would assess the total cost of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. It puts us in a position to hold polluters accountable to pay for the damage they created.
✓ Also vetoed is the creation of an energy planning office for technical planning and coordination among agencies and companies to ensure a sufficient, affordable, and clean energy future.
✓ The Governor also vetoed my farm to school bill, which would have made it easier for local school systems to buy more local food for school meals.
I fully support overriding these vetoes and I am engaging with my colleagues and Leadership to identify the path forward. I will continue to work with the Moore Administration and my colleagues to ensure we continue to make progress in this state on racial justice, climate justice, and a sustainable food system.
Bill Signings
Happily, many good bills have also been signed into law. I am proud of the work my colleagues have done during a challenging legislative Session. Here is my summary from the session.
On Tuesday, we celebrated the integration of my battery storage fast track procurement, many consumer protections, and environmental justice progress that were incorporated into the Next Generation Energy Act. Our celebratory cake was decorated with an infographic explaining how battery storage works. Yum.
Power in the Park: Thursday, June 12, 6:00-8:00 pm
Good laws and services don’t help if people don’t know about them. That’s one of the reasons I organize “Power in the Park”: a celebratory event to let people know about weatherization, community solar, and other ways to save energy and money. We bring in agencies and outside groups to help residents learn what’s available—all while having a fun time!
Stop by New Hampshire Estates Park, 8825 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Community Canvassing
This summer I plan to go out canvassing in the community with the help of paid interns and volunteers. We will be checking in on our neighbors, making sure people have access to needed resources, and educating folks about how to electrify and weatherize their homes or apartments.
Might you like to join me canvassing? Our first canvass will be this Saturday, May 31st, from 10:00 am - 12:00.
Sign up here to get more information on all this summer’s canvassing opportunities.
Fundraiser
Join me as I kick off my re-election campaign with a fundraiser on Wednesday, June 11th. We will gather in the “Barrel Room” of Silver Branch Brewing Company in downtown Silver Spring from 6:00-7:30 pm. Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones will be my special guest.
Get full details and R.S.V.P. here.
Older Americans Celebration in White Oak:
May 30th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
May is Older Americans Month. Join in the celebration at White Oak Senior Center, 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring. More details here.
Juneteenth Celebration
I am a proud sponsor of Maple Community Association and Takoma Park’s Juneteenth Celebration. It will be held at Lee Jordan Field (T.P. Middle School Field) on Thursday, June 19th, from noon-6 pm.
Stay Informed and Take Action!
Here are just some of the many groups listing ways you can do exactly that:
• Indivisible (national)
Need Help on a State Issue?
If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig
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