The Ready Report

Yesterday, our Maryland Senate Republican Caucus sent a united letter from all of us to the State Board of Elections opposing Senate Democratic proposal for a “hybrid” mail-in election. We believe there should be in person voting for this vitally important general election with the full availability of absentee balloting (as there always is in Maryland) if anyone wants to...

May 26, 2020 Governor Larry Hogan100 State CircleAnnapolis, MD 21401 Dear Governor Hogan,             We are writing with a number of concerns brought to us by constituents, businesses and community organizations. While the four of us have supported a faster reopening, we recognize that you are receiving a lot of opposition to the steps you...

In the midst of all we are going through, today is such a special day - we join to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by heroes in every generation of our United States to ensure our freedoms. On Memorial Day. The famous quote is appropriate - "All gave some, some gave all." God bless them and God bless America. My...

Good afternoon - A lot of news broke late this week regarding reopening Maryland's economy. In this email I've enclosed the details from Governor Hogan's announcement earlier this week along with links to the official Executive Order and guidance associated with it. While I believe this first step will help get our economy moving again in a safe, common sense...

{{recipient.first_name_or_friend}} -- I hope you and your family are doing well – as well as possible considering the difficult circumstances we are operating in. This weekend is Mother’s Day and – before getting into all the news in this email I want to take a moment to thank and honor all the moms out there who love and sacrifice each...

I know so many are going through a very difficult time as our economy struggles dealing with the COVID 19 fallout. My staff and I are working every day to help get answers for people who are trying to get unemployment benefits or small business relief. I hope to have more concrete updates for everyone soon on those items. Last...

As we head into the sixth week of COVID 19 quarantine, I and my staff have been interacting with hundreds of individual residents, business owners and families fighting to avoid major financial problems, get questions answered and process unemployment claims – among other issues. I know that this is a frustrating and worrying time for everyone – even as we...

Tonight: Carroll County Commuity Leaders Address COVID-19 Questions in Virtual Town Hall Board of County Commissioners and Carroll County Health Department will host a Virtual Town Hall this evening, Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.   Carroll County Commissioner Stephen Wantz invites residents to join him as he hosts a Virtual Town Hall with Carroll County Health...

I hope that you, your family, and friends are staying safe during the ongoing crisis. Below, please find links to resources for individuals, organizations, and businesses. My staff continues to work remotely and can be reached at Justin.Ready@senate.state.md.us or by calling 410-841-3683. Both email and voicemail will be checked regularly. My team and I will do our best...

In an effort to keep you informed on the latest news surrounding COVID19 and the response in Maryland, I wanted to pass along the following information about the Governor’s latest executive order: Governor Hogan issued the attached Coronavirus Executive Order yesterday expanding restrictions and requiring people to stay at home beginning 8:00 p.m. on March 30th. The full text of the...

The Maryland General Assembly adjourned Sine Die on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, earlier than the scheduled date of April 6, 2020.  Maryland legislators returned to their districts following the direction of the Governor to avoid large gatherings. While we don’t know how long the crisis will last, we can all do are part by staying informed and following the directions...

Annapolis: Prior to adjournment on Wednesday, the Maryland General Assembly voted to enact Governor Hogan’s FY2021 Capital Budget. The Carroll County Delegation worked closely with Governor Hogan and in a bi-partisan fashion in the General Assembly to secure key funding for a series of projects. Below are some highlights of what projects will receive Capital funds: -$1,000,000 – Carroll County...

Good afternoon, Greetings from Annapolis.  The Maryland General Assembly was scheduled to end on April 6, 2020.  As a result of the current health crisis, the historic decision was made to adjourn this, Wednesday, March 18.  Legislators have remained in Annapolis all weekend to ensure that necessary legislation is passed - however, as my video below shows, we are doing...

Certainly the tone and tenor of the 2020 Legislative Session has changed dramatically with the events of the last 48 hours regarding COVID19. It's possible we will be adjourning here early, or that we will go for a little while longer. It now seems very unlikely that we'll be in Session through the April 6th normal end date. The focus...

We are one week away from "crossover", the date that each chamber (House and Senate) sends the other chamber the bills that they plan to pass favorably. There will be a lot of long days up until crossover as legislators work to get their bills through. As always, your thoughts and opinions are welcome at SenatorReady@gmail.com. I have two pieces...

SB 672 Makes Theft of a Handgun a Felony    Annapolis- On Tuesday, Senator Justin Ready (R-Carroll) presented SB 672  before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, legislation that would reclassify the theft of a handgun as a felony offense from its current level of simple misdemeanor theft. “Senate Bill 672 is bipartisan legislation that strikes at the heart of gun violence – illegal...

We’ve passed the halfway point in the 2020 Session. It’s been an extremely busy year as we try to sort out the Kirwan education plan, sanctuary for illegal aliens, crime in Baltimore City, and as of last week, a proposed massive tax increase. As always, your thoughts and opinions are welcome at SenatorReady@gmail.com. Ready OpEd in Carroll County Times: General...

We have reached the halfway point of the 2020 General Assembly Session in Annapolis. In my view, one of our main priorities should be stemming the violent crime plaguing Baltimore and accountability for those who are perpetrating these acts – or refusing to take action to stop it. Instead, the General Assembly has spent an inordinate amount of time on...

We’re now at the half way point in the 2020 Session. This past week, Governor Hogan submitted 124 “Green Bag” appointments (appointments to leadership positions) to Maryland State Senate. Dating back to 17th-century England, the term “Green Bag” refers to the green satchel that is used once every year to bring the gubernatorial nominations to the Senate. Many of these...

We’re now the fifth week of the 2020 Session. The Senate has had over 1,000 bills introduced and in the House of Delegates, more than 1,500. In Maryland, every bill receives a hearing, so all legislators are busy hearing and vetting bills in their respective committees. As always, your thoughts and opinions are welcome at SenatorReady@gmail.com. Weekly Video Update: General...

I hope you and your family are doing well. We’re into the fourth full week of the 2020 Session. We’ve just passed the date to allow bills to be introduced in the Senate. Senators are still able to introduce bills but the bill will go to the Rules Committee and the sponsoring Senator will need to explain why the bill...

Annapolis- Today, Senator Justin Ready (R-Carroll) praised Governor Hogan’s sixth State of the State address – in particular for its focus on real solutions the out-of-control crime in Baltimore and delivering tax relief for Maryland retirees. “The Governor’s speech was a clarion call to the General Assembly to get serious about stopping violent crime and illegal gun trafficking as well as...

  Senator Ready Introduces Legislation Requiring Local Authorities to Abide by DHS Detainers    Annapolis- Today, Senator Justin Ready (R-Carroll) presented SB 332 before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The legislation seeks to address a major public safety problem that has developed in Maryland because of the application of “Sanctuary County” policies to convicted or suspected criminals being held by local law enforcement...

I hope you and your family are doing well. We are into our third full week of the 2020 Legislative Session. Below are some things that I’m working on and an event I want to be sure you know about with our District 5 Team. As always, your thoughts and opinions are welcome at SenatorReady@gmail.com. Stopping “Sanctuary City/County” Practices in...

  Governor Hogan Proposes Over $1 Billion in Tax Relief for Retirees –Senator Ready Co-Sponsoring! Late last week, Governor Hogan took the next step toward eliminating all retirement taxes in Maryland. The Retirement Reduction Act of 2020 will eliminate all state tax on the first $50,000 of income for retirees making up to $100,000 in federally adjusted gross income. Retirees...

On Wednesday, January 8th at noon, Maryland’s 441st Legislative Session began. Over the next 88 days I will do my best to keep you updated on what is happening in Annapolis and how it can affect...

Community Voices (Ready): Education, crime, transportation key issues facing 2020 General Assembly session By Justin Ready Carroll County Times

Read more