Veto Overrides, State of the State, and More - Week 5

The major excitement on the House floor last week was the successful override of five pieces of legislation the Governor vetoed from the 2019 legislative session.  You can watch that entire day's proceedings by clicking here.

The five bills were:

• Dream Act Expansion: Makes it easier for Dreamers to access in-state tuition.
• Oyster Protection: Strengthens our oyster stocks and improves water quality.
• Ban the Box: Allows those who have made mistakes to get through initial screenings for employment opportunities.
• Handgun Permit Review Board Repeal: Replaces the political process of appealing Maryland State Police decisions on hand gun permits in favor of a judicial process.
• State Employee Grievance Procedures: Simplifies and streamlines the procedures for state employees to bring grievances.  I actually spoke on behalf of the legislation, which went through the Subcommittee I chaired last year, and you can view my comments 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.

Administration News

Later this morning, the Governor will deliver the annual state of the state address.  You can watch the speech on the General Assembly's website and a copy will be posted here https://governor.maryland.gov/speeches-governor-larry-hogan/

Legislative News

Since my last newsletter, I have filed a few new pieces of legislation.  The County Tax Fairness Act (HB 621) will address the obligation of counties to repay the state for certain income tax refunds already received by taxpayers.  The Purple Line Marketing Act (HB 876) requires the Maryland Transit Administration to create a marketing plan to promote the use of the Purple Line once it opens.
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There are still many questions about the Public Private Partnership (P3) toll project to expand I-495 and I-270. But the changes put forth by the new Acting Secretary of Transportation are certainly an improvement. I firmly believe the state and Transportation Department must live up to these promises and I asked the Acting Secretary about them at a briefing yesterday, which you can view here.

You can also click here to read an article on the briefing 
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Speaker Adrienne Jones recently appointed me to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board. The TPB coordinates transportation planning and projects regionally in Maryland, Virginia, and DC.  My subcommittee Vice Chair, Carol Krimm, is the alternate member.
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Last year, the Montgomery County House Delegation began live video streaming of our Friday Delegation meetings on Facebook. The House Delegation now has a YouTube channel where the meeting videos will be available after the meetings.

Community News

Congratulations to Sharon Bland for her appointment to the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate & Violence. And congratulations to Wendy Pulliam on becoming an emeritus member of the Commission on Juvenile Justice.

Community Events

• The Bethesda Urban Partnership's Play In A Day event will be on Saturday, February 22 at 8pm at Imagination Stage.  More information is here: https://www.bethesda.org/arts/Play-In-A-Day/play-in-a-day.htm
• The Walter Johnson High School Used Book Sale will be on Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1st, starting at 9am both days.
• 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 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

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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].