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.
Administration News As mentioned last week, the Governor recently introduced his budget. The budget is actually three separate pieces of legislation: the operating budget; the capital budget; and the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, a set of legal changes required to balance the budget (as we must do each year). Upon an initial review, the package is similar to the Governor's submission last year and does not propose much that is different. Some of what it does propose, however, is concerning and was rejected last year. For example, the Governor has once again proposed reversing a deal for how we pay those who work with the disabilities community that was tied to the last state minimum wage increase. Although the Governor's budget is similar on the surface to last year, we will still spend the next few months going through it line by line as we try to ensure tax dollars are being spent wisely and effectively. For a preview of this work, please take a look at the fiscal briefing prepared by our non-partisan Department of Legislative Services. Legislative News Two local bills have generated a lot of interest and brought an influx of emails over the past week. Local bills are those that only affect a single county and go through a different process than further reaching legislation. Such bills have an earlier introduction deadline so that they can be subject to a local bill hearing in Rockville. You can see this year's local bills here. A bill not filed by the early deadline can still be submitted, but the Montgomery County Delegates must vote on whether to accept it and only if the bill obtains a 2/3 vote (16 of 24 Delegates) can it be accepted. If the legislation does obtain the requisite vote, a bill hearing must be held although that hearing will typically be in Annapolis and not Rockville. Following the hearing, the bill will be assigned to a County Committee for further work. Local legislation eventually goes back to the County Delegation for a vote and if the vote is favorable, it then begins the typical legislative process through the full General Assembly. This past week, the County briefly asked the Montgomery County Delegation to considera late filed bill related to the County's quick take authority. Those concerned about the bill quickly mobilized and contacted county and state elected officials. The County then decided to withdraw the bill instead of attempting to proceed through the late file process. Incidentally, in 2015 the Delegation voted to accept a late filed bill regarding a new Transportation Authority, held a special local bill hearing in Rockville because the issue was of such interest, and then the County still withdrew the bill. Many other less consequential pieces of legislation have also been through the late filed process. The other local bill about which I am hearing quite a bit from constituents is MC 11-18, local legislation to repeal the special property tax rate country clubs receive. Country clubs in the state of Maryland are assessed at a flat rate of $1,000 per acre. If passed, the proposed legislation would actually be put on the 2018 ballot. ---- I continue to introduce the bills that make up my own legislative agenda. You can always review what legislation I have sponsored or co-sponsored by clicking here. Since my last update, I have introduced the Graduate Assistant Collective Bargaining Fairness Act, 4-Second Act, State Legislature Local Public Campaign Financing Act, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Extension Act. Campaign News My campaign for reelection has been endorsed by our state and county teachers. I am pleased to have their support. ---- The District 16 Team (Senator Susan Lee, Delegate Ariana Kelly, and me) are pleased to announce a schedule of meet and greets around District 16. Please join us at one of these meet and greets to discuss the issues that matter to you as we look towards the 2018 election. Email [email protected] for further information. JANUARY 27—81st Street (Cabin John) hosted by Peter Bross and Vicky Gray Bross FEBRUARY 24—Old Stage Road (North Bethesda, Farmland, Luxmanor) hosted by Susan Weinmann FEBRUARY 25—Ridge Road (Bethesda) hosted by Jennifer Martin MARCH 4—Parkston Road (Westbard) hosted by Mike Beland APRIL 23—Glenbrook Road (Edgemoor, Battery Park) hosted by Nancy Greenspan APRIL 24—New London Drive (Potomac) hosted by Tazeen Ahmad APRIL 25—Somerset House (Friendship Heights) hosted by Margie Sonnenfeldt Community News As many of you have heard by now, Montgomery County is one of the 20 finalists for Amazon's second headquarters. Just reaching this round is exciting for our state and county. You can read more about the County's proposal and the next steps here andhere. The Governor has also announced his intention to support a tax and infrastructure incentive package. A summary of the tax proposal can be reviewed here. Community Events
If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences or an upcoming event, please email [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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April 2025
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