The Legislative Session Begins

Last week, the 435th session of the Maryland General Assembly convened.  I was proud to be sworn in as the new Delegate from District 16.  As I previously mentioned, I have been appointed to the House Appropriations Committee.  I will be serving on the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee and the Oversight Subcommittee on Personnel.  Montgomery County's 24 Delegates also have their own committees and I am serving on the Land Use, Transportation, and Public Safety Committee.

My new office in Annapolis has been set up.  The office phone number is 301-858-3649 and my email address is [email protected] (or just reply to this email to reach me).  If you are in Annapolis, you can visit me in Room 210 of the House Office Building.  I share an office suite with my District 16 colleague, Delegate Ariana Kelly.

District 16 Night in Annapolis is coming up next week on Monday, January 26th.  Please call 301-858-3124 to RSVP or for more details.  A bus will be departing from District 16 at approximately 5pm and returning at 9pm.  Again, please call 301-858-3124 for more details.

Legislative News
The Maryland Constitution establishes a 90-day regular session for the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland State Senate (together, known as the Maryland General Assembly).  This year's session runs from January 14th through April 13th.  To keep up with the events of the session, please visit the Maryland General Assembly's website.  The site allows you to track legislation, see what hearings are taking place, and much more.

Agency News
A new Governor means a time of great transition at the state's agencies and departments.  With a few exceptions such as the State Superintendent of Schools, Governor-elect Hogan may appoint the leadership of most state offices.  Agency and Department heads must be confirmed by the Maryland Senate.  At the bottom of this article is a list of the Governor-elect's nominees and other staff members.

Although not directly a state issue, something many District 16 residents have expressed concerns about is the early start time for high school students in Montgomery County Public Schools.  The Bell Times Workgroup recently issued a report and information about this effort and how to provide feedback is available here.

Community News

• On Monday, January 26th the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board will host an operating budget forum with County Executive Ike Leggett.  The event will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (4805 Edgemoor Lane) at 7pm.
• ​On Thursday, January 29th the Montgomery County Planning staff is hosting a public meeting on the downtown Bethesda plan.  The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (4805 Edgemoor Lane).
• ​On Thursday, February 5th the Woman's Democratic Club of Montgomery County will be hosting a program on Campaign Finance Reform from 7pm to 9pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center (One Veterans Place in Silver Spring).  Speakers will include Congressman  Chris Van Hollen, Congressman John Sarbanes, and State Senator Jamie Raskin.
• On Sunday, February 22nd the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee will be hosting their annual brunch.  Please click here for more information.

If you know of a District 16 event that should be advertised, please email[email protected].

District 16 Notes

• Condolences to the family of Walter Behr.  Mr. Behr was the mayor of the Town of Somerset for nearly 30 years.
• Condolences to District 16 resident Eileen Lavine on the death of her husband, Richard Lavine on November 22. Dick, a retired attorney, had been an active leader at Sumner Village, where he put on annual concerts of the American Song Book. A memorial/celebration was held there on December 28 commemorating his life and that of Eileen, who turned 90 that day.
• Congratulations to District 16 precinct official Judith Hallet, the 2015 LCC Activism Award in recognition of her work promoting the rights and well-being of sexual minorities.

If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email [email protected].