More than Halfway - Week 8

The 90 day legislative session hit the halfway point at the end of last week.  It was 45 days filled with bill introductions, co-sponsorship requests, bill hearings, and more.  But that was the easy half.  Over the next 45 days, our floor sessions will get longer, the decisions will get tougher, and we will deal with the state budget and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future on education policy and funding.

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.

Legislative News

Three of my bills were subject to hearings last week: The Maryland State Agency Transparency Act; the Electric Bus Transition Act; and the County Tax Fairness Act.  This week, four of my bills are being heard in legislative committees: The 21st Century Economy Sales Tax Act, which was the subject of a Baltimore Sun editorial endorsement; the Summer Meals Waiver Act; the Purple Line Marketing Act; and the Firearm Dealers Safety Act.
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As Chair of the Montgomery County House Delegation, I spend a lot of time working on local bills that only affect Montgomery County.  The Delegation completed its work on local bills last week and the bills that were passed through the 24 member Delegation are now in the standing committees.  You can read the local bills here.
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The Maryland Treasurer, Nancy Kopp, recently announced that the three major bond rating agencies have renewed Maryland's AAA bond rating.  The AAA bond rating is a favorable rating that allows Maryland to borrow money for construction programs at a relatively more affordable rate.  You can read the reports of the agencies here.

Community News

• Condolences to the family of Alison Gansler on her passing.  Alison was a long-serving District 16 Precinct Official and Democratic activist, as well as the mother of former Attorney General Doug Gansler.
• After 30 years, Bonnie Fogel is stepping down as Executive Director of Imagination Stage and transitioning to the role of Founder.  Bethesda Beat has the story.

Community Events

• The Walter Johnson High School Used Book Sale will be on Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1st, starting at 9am both days.
• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will meet on Thursday, March 5th at 7:30am at the Original Pancake House in Bethesda.  The guest speaker will be Comptroller Peter Franchot.
• The BCC High School Used Book Sale will take place on Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th starting at 10am both days.  More information is here: https://www.bccptsa.net/used-book-sale
• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Evening of Wine, Chocolate & Cheese on March 12, 2020 at the Woman's Club of Bethesda.  Go to http://bccedfoundation.org/ for further information.
• The Bethesda Urban Partnership Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards will take place on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club.  More information is available here: https://www.bethesda.org/arts-and-entertainment/bernard-ebb-songwriting-awards
• Adventure Theatre will hold its annual gala on March 19th at 7pm at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda.  More information is here: https://adventuretheatre-mtc.org/give/gala/

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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].