Thank You and September Update

Thank you to those who attended my annual fundraising event. We had a great turnout at a supporter's home in District 16. You can still support my re-election here.

ELECTION UPDATE
​There are three ballot questions you will have an opportunity to vote on this fall which would amend the state's constitution. Ballot question 3 is about redistricting and clarifying the rules by which the Maryland General Assembly can redistrict Congressional lines. The ballot question itself does not create a new map but ensures the state can fight back if the White House continues the partisan, mid-decade redistricting wars. I think most of us would prefer a less partisan system, but we cannot play by a different set of rules than other states. I ask that you join me in voting yes on ballot question 3.
And if you want to learn more about ballot question 3 and the other issues on your ballot this fall, the District 16 Team is holding a virtual town hall to discuss them on October 6th at 7pm. Click here to RSVP.

POTOMAC INTERCEPTOR UPDATEA provision of the state budget requires regular reports on the Potomac Interceptor. The latest report is here.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
The state’s draft consolidated transportation program (CTP) was released at the beginning of the month. This shows the state’s planned capital (construction) transportation projects. Because the state has to pay operating costs (and debt service) before capital, this is an incomplete picture of the transportation budget but still interesting. This is a mostly status quo CTP because of cost growth putting continued pressure on the overall transportation budget.
Read the details here.
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The summer's Red Line partial shutdown has come to an end and so have the temporary bus lanes on MD-355 that facilitated the bus shuttles. Although there was some consideration of continuing the bus lanes outside of the beltway, the data did not support doing so. I briefly describe the situation here. And here is some further information.

HEALTHCARE UPDATE
Because of the chaotic changes at the federal level to public health guidance, Maryland passed the Vax Act and the state's Department of Health has released its own vaccine guidelines:
“Vaccine guidelines under the Vax Act are anchored to recommendations from leading, independent expert medical organizations—including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The Department’s recommendations are intended to be a public education tool, easily accessed and understood by the public. They are available online and as printable PDFs.”
Read the guidelines here.

ENERGY UPDATE
The Environment & Transportation Committee recently held an oversight briefing on energy issues with the Public Service Commission, Office of People's Counsel, and Maryland Energy Administration. You can watch the briefing here.

BUDGET UPDATE
The Comptroller's office recently issued the annual close-out report for the prior fiscal year. Although Maryland continues to face economic headwinds and future year budget shortfalls, the report was relatively positive. Most major revenue sources were higher than forecasted. Under our revenue volatility cap, the state did not obligate certain funds in case they did not materialize. Now that they have, $196 million is placed in the Rainy Day Fund and $196 million in the Fiscal Responsibility Fund (reserved for education-related construction). There is still an unassigned balance of over $500 million. These positive numbers do not solve the state’s problems, but do help. Read the full report here.

DELEGATION UPDATE
Each fall, the Montgomery County Delegation to the General Assembly holds a series of pre-session meetings. This year’s schedule is here and available at www.montgomerycountydelegation.com.

COMMUNITY NEWSThe Maryland State Library Agency has a new quarterly newsletter. Subscribe here to keep up with all of the library news.
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Congratulations to District 16 resident Katey Boerner of the Glen Echo Park Partnership on being named a Woman Who Inspires by Bethesda Magazine. Read about the honor here.
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Congratulations to Carol Stern and Anita Lampel on their Heschel Vision Awards from Jews United for Justice.
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Several District 16 residents are winners of awards from Potomac Community Resources:
Karen Leggett, Outstanding Adult Volunteer
Mary Sullivan, Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Joseph Pauley, Founder Award
Cecilia Ann Pauley, Flynn Thomas Memorial Award
Congratulations to all!
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Two District 16 residents were appointed to county boards this past month. Congratulations to Jennifer Reyna on joining the Children’s Opportunity Alliance Board of Directors and congratulations to Michelle Neumann on joining the Commission on Child Care.
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Join the Glen Echo Fire Department for their annual open house on Saturday, October 3rd from 11am to 2pm.