Less Than A Week To Go: Weekly Update

There is less than a week to go in the 2018 legislative session and still a lot of activity related to taxes, criminal law, and more.  Read more information below and keep an eye out for next week's email wrapping up the 2018 legislative session.

​Don't forget, if you would like a District 16 Teams sign please email [email protected].

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

Legislative News

Senator Lee, Delegate Kelly, and I will have two post-session town halls.
On Monday, April 30 at 7pm, a town hall will be held at Potomac Elementary School (10311 River Road).
On Tuesday, May 1st at 7pm, a town hall will be held at Bethesda Elementary School (7600 Arlington Road in Bethesda).
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The final days of the legislative session always involve long floor sessions as we finalize numerous bills across a broad array of issues.  Conference Committees are regularly meeting as House and Senate bill differences are negotiated.  And Committees conduct last minute bill hearings and consider whether to concur with amendments made in the other chamber.  We always work right up until midnight on the last day of the session,April 9th.  If you want to listen to the House proceedings live, click here.
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According to the Maryland Constitution, bills presented to the Governor while the General Assembly is in session become law without his signature if not vetoed within six days.  I have two pieces of legislation currently sitting on the Governor's desk awaiting action by him.  The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Extension Act (HB 230) would prohibit Maryland from withdrawing from the regional cap and trade program for power plants without the legislatures consent.  HB 1017 would ensure that our state employees' union has access to new state employees and their contact information, as the union is required to represent everyone in the bargaining unit whether or not they are members of the union.  Other legislation pending with the Governor and subject to potential veto include a change to the state's school construction process, legislation maintaining our state's involvement in the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bill to de-link Maryland's estate tax exemption from the federal exemption, and the Secure and Accessible Registration Act to provide for automatic voter registration.
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There have been a number of news stories about the status of Metro funding and reform legislation that I have sponsored.  You can read some of the recent stories by clicking on the links here, here, and here.  The Senate amended the House version of the legislation to increase the amount of funding provided and to adopt some other reforms.  It is expected that the House will concur in the Senate amendments, perhaps by the time you read this update.

Campaign

I am often asked what people can do to support my campaign for re-election besides knock on voters' doors.  We are looking for volunteers to help with a large mailing we are doing.  If you are interested in helping to address, fold, seal, and/or stamp a large mailing please email [email protected].
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Casa in Action has endorsed my campaign for reelection!

Community News

• The Montgomery County Planning Board has launched a tool to allow interested residents to track development in downtown Bethesda under the new "sector plan" currently being implemented.  Visit http://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/communities/area-1/bethesda-downtown-plan/bethesda-downtown-development-tracking/
• Congratulations to two local winners of Montgomery Serves awards:
  • Attorney General Brian Frosh, winner of the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award;
  • Jane Callen, Volunteer of the Year
• ​District 16's Connie Lierman is being honored at the Community of Hope Marie Reed Health Center Re-Opening.
• The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is honoring District 16's Bobie and Herb Mintz with the Humanitarian Award this year.
• John Darvish is being honored at Jubilee's Ruby Gala this year.
• Congratulations to Kathy Krause on her appointment to the board of Bethesda Transportation Solutions, the Transportation Management District Advisory Committee for downtown Bethesda.
• My deepest condolences to the family of Sue Byrnes.  Sue Byrne was an active Democrat and Area Coordinator for the Montgomery County Democratic Party.  She was also a close friend and supporter and I will miss her and her commitment to electing and advancing Democrats.
• Scholarships are available through my office.  For more information please visit http://www.marckorman.com/scholarship.

Community Events

• The Bethesda Urban Partnership (BUP) will host the annual Bethesda Film Festival on April 6 and April 7 from 6pm to 8:30pm at Imagination Stage.  More information is available at BUP's website.
• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will begin hearing from Montgomery County Council At Large candidates on Thursday, April 12.  The meetings begin at 7:30am at the Original Pancake House in downtown Bethesda.
• The Bethesda Library will re-open on Saturday, April 14 at 10am.  County Executive Leggett will be on hand to dedicate the library in the name of Congresswoman Connie Morella.
• On April 19 at 6:30pm, a public meeting will be held regarding the I-495 & I-270 P3 Program proposed by the Governor.  The meeting will be held at BCC High School and more information can be found here: http://495-270-p3.com/your-participation/.
• Save the Date for the Woman's Democratic Club Tribute to County Executive Ike Leggett.  The event will be held on Thursday, September 13 at 6:30pm at the Pooks Hill Marriott.  More details will be available closer to the date.

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