Crossover and Vaccinations

Monday is the "crossover" deadline, the date by which legislation is supposed to pass from one chamber to the other for further consideration.  It will be a busy few days for the legislature, including weekend sessions, as committees move legislation.  The annual operating budget is also headed to the House floor.

As always, you can keep up with what I am doing by following me at @mkorman on Twitter or by clicking "Like" on Delegate Marc Korman on Facebook.

Vaccines

The big news is that the state of Maryland could be supporting a Montgomery County mass vaccination site in Montgomery County, located at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College.  The Governor and his staff have said the announcement of a site was premature but there could be more information next week.

Last week's email gave the mistaken impression that the Montgomery County Department of Health was not vaccinating those 65 and older.  In fact, the County Department of Health is currently working their way through those pre-registered 65 and older.  If you are 65 or older, make sure to pre-register with the County here.

If you are over 75 in Montgomery County and have not received an email to make a vaccination appointment, check your spam folder for an email.  Otherwise, email [email protected] or call 240-777-2982.  The County Department of Health's expectation is that they should be able to quickly book you for an appointment.

If you are over 65, you remain eligible at other vaccination outlets around the state. First, there is a new centralized registration system for the state's mass vaccination sites: https://onestop.md.gov/preregistration  Second, I continue to recommend using https://mdvax.info to find a vaccination site and appointment availability.

As a reminder, the state has launched a Vaccination Support Center that is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be reached at 1-855-634-6829.  I continue to recommend you read the vaccine-specific updates from my seat-mate, Delegate Ariana Kelly.

Legislative News

Here are some brief updates on some of the significant legislation for which we have received the most constituent communication:

• The Police Reform and Accountability Act (HB 670) passed the House of Delegates after several hours of debate.  The Senate has passed its own package of reforms and now the two chambers must reconcile their differences.
• The Plastic Bag Reduction Act (HB 314) has passed the House.  The bill prohibits establishments from using plastic bags starting in mid-2022.
• The Transit Safety and Investment Act (HB 114) is on the House floor this week.  The bill makes record investments in our state's transit administration.  I am the floor leader on the bill, meaning I present and explain it to the full House.  The legislation also includes funds for businesses along the Purple Line corridor that have been adversely affected by the years of construction.
• The Maryland Coal Community Transition Act of 2021 (HB 66) has been withdrawn.  The bill would have established a just transition for the remaining coal-fired power plants in the state.
• Legislation to remove the Governor from the process of granting parole to those sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole has passed the House.
• The Walter Lomax Act (HB 742) has passed the House.  The legislation establishes a process to compensate Marylanders wrongfully incarcerated.

Community News

• If you are having trouble with unemployment and live in District 16, you can fill out our District 16 constituent service Google form for assistance here.
• The County has announced some road disruptions around Massachusetts Avenue and Sangamore Road.  Read the details online.
• I joined a majority of Montgomery County state legislators on a letter to the Maryland Transit Administration rejecting changes to the Purple Line's planned infrastructure and operations.
• Montgomery County Park & Planning has announced that Little Falls Parkway between Arlington Road and River Road will reopen as a pedestrian and bike way on weekends again, starting on March 27th from 7am Saturday through 6pm Sunday.
• Congratulations to District 16's Merrick Garland, the newly confirmed Attorney General of the United States.
• Join the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club on Monday, April 5 at 7:30am to hear from Dr. Raymond Crowel, Director of Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services.  Email John Keller at [email protected] for more information.

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If you know of an upcoming District 16 event or a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email [email protected].