Maryland has relatively strong firearm safety laws, although more can certainly be done to expand regulation to shot guns, crack down on illegal transfers, ensure gun dealer security is up to standards, and so on. But as long as our borders are porous, we need other states or, preferably, the federal government to step up as well. It is true that there will probably never be zero deaths from firearms, just as there will never be zero auto-related deaths. But that does not mean we do not license drivers, require sober driving, mandate seat belts and airbags, enforce speed limits, and take numerous other actions to limit the number of auto-related fatalities. That same approach should be taken with firearms. There is no single, practical solution to gun violence. But there are, in fact, many actions we can take to reduce such violence.
Remember, you can always keep up with what I am doing by following me at @mkorman on Twitter, clicking "Like" on Delegate Marc Korman on Facebook, or visitingwww.marckorman.com. And remember, if you would like to support my reelection financially, you can do so at www.marckorman.com/contribute. Legislative News I was honored to receive a 100% score on the Maryland PIRG scorecard. The scored votes include issues related to the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals, free credit ratings, savings on college textbooks, prescription price gouging, and much more. Maryland has a regimented budget process and one part of that is the Spending Affordability Committee, which issues annual guidelines regarding spending, borrowing, and hiring to be considered as part of the legislative budget process. Last month, the Spending Affordability Committee met and was briefed by the Department of Legislative Services on the health of Maryland's economy and current budget projections. The projected budget deficit for next year is a relatively low $250 million dollars. You can read the full briefing here: Administration News Each year, the Maryland Department of Transportation leadership visits Montgomery County for a formal discussion of our priorities and the Consolidated Transportation Program. You can watch my comments to the Department here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AdgLzB2uew ----------- The Purple Line is moving forward. At the recent Consolidated Transportation Program meeting, I made two suggestions to the Maryland Transit Administration regarding improved public outreach during construction. I followed up with a letter as well, which you can read here: https://www.scribd.com/document/363783941/Letter-to-MTA-Re-Purple-Line-Outreach The two suggestions are to better publicize the existing Community Action Team meetings and to hold annual or biannual meetings in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties to discuss the state of the project. ----------- The number one topic at the Consolidated Transportation Plan meeting with the state was the proposed I-495/I-270 Public Private Partnership. Many statements have been made by both proponents and opponents of the plan. You can read the only meaningful information available about the proposal so far, the Request for Information (RFI). It confirms that there is no real "plan" or "proposal." There is an idea that we have all shared for decades: we want to reduce congestion. The RFI leaves it to the private partners to come up with solutions to that problem. Let's see what they come up with and what it costs. Read it here:https://www.roads.maryland.gov/OC/I495_I270_RFI_P3.pdf ----------- The Maryland Public Service Commission just approved part of Pepco's requested rate increase. Average monthly bills will rise by $4.01 (less than the $7.50 Pepco requested). Unfortunately, these rate cases involve a bit of gamesmanship as utilities know they will not get everything they ask for. If you want to get into the weeds, you can read the decision here: http://www.psc.state.md.us/wp-content/uploads/Order-No.-88432-Case-No.-9443-Pepco-Rate-Case.pdf ----------- According to the 2016 Maryland Statewide Waste Characterization Study an astonishing 2/3 of our municipal solid waste could be diverted to existing recycling programs or composting. That means 2/3 of what we are putting in land fills does not need to be there. What can we do to improve it? How about establishing composting the same way we have curbside recycling and increasing local recycling goals (which are basically met under current metrics)? You can see the full report here: http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/AnalyticsReports/2016%20Maryland%20Statewide%20WCS%20Study.pdf Campaign I am proud to be endorsed for re-election by the Maryland Sierra Club. ----------- Saturday, November 18, 11:00am: Come knock on the doors of voters in District 16 and let them know some of the work I have been doing. Even if you have never canvassed before, this is a great way to meet nice people and get some exercise. If you would like to assist with canvassing, please email r.c.stryer@gmail.com. Community News
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If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences or an upcoming event, please email marc@marckorman.com. Comments are closed.
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