Category: Monthly Update

July Update: Heavy Lifting

7/13/2020

I was recently recommended the book Heavy Lifting: The Job of the American Legislature by Alan Rosenthal. The book is a deep dive into how state legislatures operate and includes Maryland as a case study. The book references a brochure the Ohio legislature circulates which explains that "as your employees, [legislators] seek your input on pending legislation and want to help you with personal matters involving state agencies," which is a succinct statement of why I am here. According to the book, in a survey of legislators in five states, the respondents overwhelmingly believed that "it was very important for them to educate their constituents about issues in the legislature." I share that view, which is why I send out this newsletter each month even when the legislature is not in session. Even if you are one who does not always agree with my votes and positions on every issue, I hope you still find these informative and useful.

June Update: Our Modern Six Crises

6/15/2020

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I am an avid reader. I recently read Six Crises by Richard Nixon, a book he wrote between his unsuccessful 1960 presidential campaign and unsuccessful campaign for California Governor in 1962. Nixon is certainly not my favorite president--although like many disappointing presidents he has risen in estimation in the past few years--but his book title overlaps with our state and country's current condition. In my view, we are concurrently facing six acute crises:

May Update: COVID-19, Vetoes, and More

5/13/2020

I hope you and your family are remaining safe and healthy. As much of the media and national conversation has shifted to reopening--and with Governor Hogan announcing a partial reopening in parts of Maryland as soon as today--it is important to keep in mind that the purpose of the shutdowns was to slow the spread of COVID-19 so that hospitals and medical professionals would be more able to deal with the volume of cases that will be with us for some time. That means that even as some of the restrictions are loosened, we cannot expect to immediately revert back to old habits and patterns. It is frustrating for many and deeply impactful on the economic well-being of many more, but it is our current reality until therapeutic or preventative treatments for COVID-19 are developed.

COVID-19 Maryland Update

4/12/2020

I hope you are staying safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the ongoing public health crisis, the legislative session was adjourned early for the first time since the Civil War. Despite the early adjournment, my office is working full-time to serve you during this pandemic. We have been responding to constituent questions regarding the various shutdown orders; helping individuals navigate the unemployment system; ensuring that school resources are delivered equitably for distance learning; and assisting with many of the usual constituent service questions regarding Motor Vehicle Administration and property tax issues.

Happy Holidays: December Update

1/6/2020

Next month, the 2020 legislative session will begin and these emails will be coming out weekly. If you have any questions during the session or views you would like to share, just clicking reply to this email will deliver a message directly to me. If you would like to see dates of interest during the legislative session, click here.

Gearing Up: November Update

11/14/2019

Things are really gearing up towards the end of the year as we head into the 2020 legislative session. Around this time each year, state legislators meet with various groups to discuss their 2020 legislative agendas; the Montgomery County House and Senate Delegations have a series of meetings in Rockville; and my office finalizes our legislative package. Recently, for example, the District 16 Team met with Jews United for Justice.

Fall Legislative Activities: October Update

10/13/2019

The Montgomery County Delegation--the 24 Delegates from the county that I chair--is kicking off its fall legislative activities in Rockville. These annual meetings include a public presentation from the Maryland Department of Transportation, an "open mic" night where any county resident can testify about their priorities, and hearings on local legislation.

New Assignment: September Update

9/13/2019

The new Speaker of the House recently asked me to become chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Environment. As someone who has spent so much time on transportation and environmental issues, I am humbled and excited to take on the assignment.

Upcoming Breakfast Club Meeting: August Update Inbox

8/14/2019

I chair the 24-member Montgomery County House Delegation to Annapolis. In that capacity, and along with my colleague Craig Zucker who chairs the Senate Delegation, we will be speaking with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club on Thursday, September 5th at 7:30am. the Club meets at the Original Pancake House in Bethesda and I hope to see you there.

Summer News: July Update

7/14/2019

The Maryland General Assembly is officially part-time as we are only "in session" for 90 days a year (plus any special sessions). But work really goes on year round with meetings with constituents and advocates, research for future bills, constituent service, and participation in various work groups and task forces. Twice a week, my aide Joseph and I have a conference to go through each pending constituent case and office task we are currently addressing. Right now we have 20 separate constituent cases related to the State Highway Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, the Comptroller, Pepco, and more. I also have two terrific high school interns that attend meetings and events I cannot get to and assist with research for future legislative initiatives. Even though the legislative session is only 90 days, my team and I are working for District 16 year-round.

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