Thank You And The Fate of Legislation: June Update

Thank you to so many of you who supported my recent campaign event.  The Democratic Primary is a little more than a year from now and if you were unable to attend the event but would like to ensure I have the resources to continue as your state Delegate, please contribute if you are able: http://www.marckorman.com/contribute

The Governor has now taken final action on legislation from the 2021 session.  I am proud that five of the bills I was the primary author of are now law.  These bills relate to government reform and transparency; environmental sustainability; and special needs teachers.  Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed legislation I authored related to budget transparency but I will discuss the possibility of overriding the veto with my colleagues.  Of course, there were many important bills this legislative session and you can see a complete list of bills the Governor recently vetoed here and a list of bills he recently allowed to become law here.

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

For the past three years I have chaired the Montgomery County House Delegation.  I was honored to be re-elected by my peers to that position a few weeks ago.  Maryland Matters covered my re-election, along with Vice Chair Al Carr, Caucus Chair Lesley Lopez, and Caucus Vice Chair Julie Palakovich Carr.

Administration News

Governor Hogan recently announced that he would end the state's participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program months before its conclusion.  This change means that starting on July 3rd, unemployment assistance will no longer have a supplemental weekly $300 payment and gig workers and independent contractors will no longer qualify for unemployment.  My own view is that there is no reason for the Governor to cut off these benefits early, but it is unclear if the legislature can override the action.
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The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) extended expiration dates of driver's licenses during COVID-19.  As we come out of COVID-19, the MVA has announced the following new deadlines:

• All driver’s licenses – both non-commercial and commercial (CDLs) – as well as learner’s permits and identification (ID) cards that expired during the state of emergency must be renewed by August 15, 2021.
• All other expired documents issued by MDOT MVA, including vehicle registrations and handicap placards, must be renewed by June 30, 2021.  
• Medical Certifications for CDL holders which expired on or after December 1, 2020, will remain valid until May 31, 2021, as designated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

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The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA), which oversees the state's toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, has released materials and announced hearing dates for the toll range setting for the proposed Beltway and I-270 toll lanes.  You can learn more here: https://mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting

Community News

• Congratulations to District 1 Councilmember Andrew Friedson on being named Legislator of the Year by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
• The Committee for Montgomery recently elected new officers, including District 16's Bonnie Casper as Chair; Andy Stern as Treasurer; and Ellen Coren as an at-large member.
• District 16's Jeneva Stone was recently published in the Washington Post with an op-ed about home health workers: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/04/maryland-home-care-worker-shortage-american-jobs-plan/?fbclid=IwAR0UVmyQKpQT95W-hAthksqVs5Ay36uIp36ZaAy6Z5eFVFnNJu9kXP4Txgw
• Congratulations to Jack Orrick, winner of the James J. Hanks, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to the Practice of Business Law, awarded by the Maryland State Bar Association.
• The Town of Somerset recently held council elections.  After years of service, Councilmembers Marnie Shaul, Barbara Zeughauser, and Franny Peale have concluded their service.  Congratulations to Kabir Kumar, Debbie Heller, and Jack Frink on their elections to the council.
• Congratulations to Cathy Bernard, the recipient of the Sunflower Bakery Making Dreams Happen award.
• Several District 16 residents were appointed to Montgomery County Boards and Commissions over the past month including:
  • Galia Steinbeck, reappointed to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
  • Tami Mark, reappointed to the Mental Health Advisory Committee.
  • Jan Molino, reappointed to the Commission for Women
  • Betty Romero, reappointed to the Commission for Women.
• District 16's Rose Li was recently appointed by Governor Hogan to the Accountability and Implementation Board Nominating Committee.
• Congratulations to District 16's Heidi Brodsky on concluding her service as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.

Upcoming Events

• On Tuesday, June 22nd at 7pm, a virtual public meeting will be held regarding a dual bikeway along a portion of Bradley Boulevard.  Learn more here: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte/projects/bradley/index.html
• Councilman Andrew Friedson will be hosting a virtual community conversation on Wednesday, June 23 at 7pm.  Register for the event here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtcemvrzMjHNBzwiFkn2y3tm2myhnckTmV
• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will hear from County Executive Marc Elrich on Tuesday, July 13 at 7:30am.  Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for further information.

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If you know of an upcoming District 16 event or a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email marc@marckorman.com.