Making a Change Without Passing a Bill (Redux)

Almost exactly a year ago, I was able to send a weekly update entitled "Making a Change Without Passing a Bill."  I am pleased to be able to do so again.  The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Health Care Quality has agreed to institute the requirements of the Assisted Living Transparency Act (HB 387) by regulation.  The new regulation will require assisted living facilities to post their disclosure statements on their websites.  These disclosure statements, which they are already required by the state to fill out, include basic information about their services, accepted payments sources, and so on.

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

The major debate on the House floor last week was the Maryland Defense Act of 2017. The resolution authorizes the Attorney General to file suit against the federal government without seeking additional permission of the Governor or General Assembly, putting the Maryland Attorney General on par with about 40 other state Attorneys General.  This is important because the Ninth Circuit decision halting the President's immigration Executive Order was in response to a suit filed by the Washington state Attorney General.  Moreover, Maryland may have interests against the federal government that other states do not share, such as protecting federal programs to clean the Chesapeake Bay.  Indeed, the new Environmental Protection Administrator brought suit against federal Chesapeake Bay programs when he was Attorney General of Oklahoma.  I was pleased to vote for this legislation.
-----
Since my last update, several pieces of legislation I authored have continued to move through the legislative process.  Most significantly, the Smoke-Free Multifamily Housing Promotion Act was heard by the Environment and Transportation Committee.  The bill would use a small portion of our state's tobacco settlement funds to incentive apartment, condo, and co-op buildings to go smoke-free.

Administration News

I joined with several other legislators to seek a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust for the C&O Canal Trust.  The grant would support the Trust's efforts to improve the C&O National Historical Park, a great resource in our state stretching from District 16 to western Maryland.  You can read the letter here.

Metro

The new federally mandated Metrorail Safety Commission has received increased attention lately.  It is still expected that Maryland, Virginia, and DC will all have passed identical legislation during the next few weeks to establish the Commission.  My companion bill regarding how Maryland's commissioners will be selected was heard by the House Environment and Transportation Committee last week.
-----
Congressman John Delaney has recently introduced legislation regarding Metro reform.  I do not necessarily share Congressman Delaney's precise views on all of the issues related to Metro, but I am pleased to see our federal leaders engaging on these issues.  You can read about Congressman Delaney's proposal here.

Community News

• The Cabin John Trunk Relief sewer project will begin this month and may continue for up to two years.  There will be occasional disruptions on River Road during the course of the infrastructure improvement.  More details are available here.

• The Governor recently submitted his so-called "Green Bag" appointments to the General Assembly.  Among the appointees are many District 16 residents:
  • Grant Shmelzer, Apprenticeship and Training Council
  • Raymond Briscuso, Jr., Economic Development Commission
  • Michael Brintnall, Montgomery College Board of Trustees
  • Peter Bruns, St. Mary's College Board of Trustees
  • Bonnie Glick, St. Mary's College Board of Trustees
  • Jennifer C. Baldwin. Governor's  Wellmobile Program Advisory Board

Thank you to these individuals for serving our community in this capacity.
​
If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email [email protected].

Community Events

• The Flying V Theater, which performs at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, is premiering a new show, Brother Mario, on Saturday, February 25 and running until Sunday, March 12.​  In this existential mashup of the worlds of Anton Chekhov and The Super Mario Brothers, Mario begins to wonder if there is more to life than jumping, go-karts, and princesses in other castles. Come visit the Mushroom Kingdom to battle Bowser and mid-life ennui in equal measure.  Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online athttp://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or at the door.

• The Bernard Ebb Songwriting Awards, presented by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, will occur on March 3 at 7:30pm at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club.  More information is available on the Bethesda Urban Partnership website.

• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will host Councilwoman Nancy Floreen on Monday, March 6 at 7:30am at the Original Pancake House in Bethesda.

• The Fifth Annual Bethesda Film Fest, hosted by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, will take place on March 17 and 18 at Imagination Stage.  Visithere for more information.

• On Sunday, March 26, from 1pm to 5pm, the All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp and Oyster Feast Fundraiser will take place at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Tickets cost $50 per person ($45 if purchased in advance) for all-you-can-eat oysters and clams on the half shell, spiced shrimp, fried oyster, sliced ham, potato salad, baked beans, apple sauce, rolls, beer, and soda.  For tickets or further information, call 301-442-4136.  The Rescue Squad is located at 5020 Battery Lane (at Old Georgetown Road), Bethesda, Maryland 20814.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is a community-supportednonprofit organization that provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area, as well as Upper Northwest Washington, D.C.  With 150 active volunteers and a daytime staff, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has evolved into one of the nation's most advanced rescue squads, providing compassionate, life-saving services to the community.  For more information, visit www.bccrs.org

• Adventure Theatre is holding its 65th season gala on Thursday, April 20.  More information is available at http://www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org/givetoatmtc/gala.html.

​If you know of an upcoming community event, please email [email protected].