Ready Report: Happy Thanksgiving & Update from Sheriff DeWees
Good evening - Thanksgiving begins with the simple yet important idea that we take time to count our blessings. We thank God for what He has given us, even as we experience an incredibly difficult year. I know I am incredibly thankful for my wife Ruth, children Brookly and Caleb, family and friends - as well as the opportunity to...
Ready Report: Legislative Action Alert – Digital Ad Tax & Funding for Important Carroll County Needs
I hope you have had a very good week in spite of all the things happening in our community and around the country. As we head into Thanksgiving week, we have more to be thankful for than we realize sometimes, so many are going through difficult times. If I can be helpful to you or your family, please do not...
Ready Report: Celebrating Veteran’s Day, More Federal "Cares Act" Funding Announced, Stormwater Money Approved, & County Hazard Survey
As the debated continues over the Presidential election, my staff and I are beginning to prepare for the 2021 Legislative Session. Many bills come from our constituents who share ideas and issues which need to be fixed through legislation. We enjoy hearing from you and welcome your thoughts all issues. 
Ready Report: Important Voting Information & Opportunities to Volunteer
Early voting in Maryland began last week and runs through Monday, November 2nd with Election Day to follow November 3rd. This is a change from the usual schedule in previous elections where early voting stops on the Thursday before the election. The polls are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM and that includes Saturday and Sunday. In Carroll County there are...
Ready Report: Voting Information, Opportunities to Volunteer & Program Open Space Funding
Early voting in Maryland starts THIS Monday, October 26th and runs through Monday, November 2nd with Election Day to follow November 3rd. This is a change from the usual schedule in previous elections where early voting stops on the Thursday before the election. The polls are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM and that includes Saturday and Sunday. In Carroll County...
Ready Report: Carroll County Schools to Open October 19, Fall Family Event Next Week, Rural Legacy Fund Grant, & Voting Information
Carroll County School Board Committed to October 19th Reopening I continue to advocate to return students to in-person instruction. Carroll County Board of Education leaders reiterated Wednesday night that they are committed to reopening under a hybrid model on October 19th. The current model has students returning to in-person learning two days a week with students continuing to receive virtual...
Ready Report: Important Election Info, Child Care Gets Full Capacity Go-ahead, Family Event
We have a bunch of news to get into but first, with the first big round of absentee ballots coming out, I wanted to be sure to share some important info about what's on the ballot besides the Presidential and Congressional races in Maryland. First, I'd like to ask you to join me in supporting Richard Titus for continuance as our Carroll...
Ready Report: Defending Law Enforcement, Approval of Funds for Carroll County & Voting Information
Defending Law Enforcement I wanted to update you on the bill hearings held this week that will seek to further restrict law enforcement and their ability to engage in proactive policing. Again, only Democrats were permitted to have bills presented this week. These hearings were a major departure from the Senate’s usual practice of dedicating summer hearings to bi-partisan studies...
Ready Report: State Senate Progressives Attacking Police, Letter on Reinstating High School Sports, & Voting Information
Maryland Senate Progressives Assault on Police Shootings and violence in Baltimore continue, we have a dire shortage of police officers, but next week Maryland Senate Progressives are putting forth a group of bills that will seek to further restrict law enforcement and their ability to engage in proactive policing under the guise of "reform". Maryland already passed significant police reform...
Ready Report: Remembering 9-11 and Voting Information
It is hard to believe it was 19 years ago that we saw vicious evil and hatred and then uncommon heroism and valor demonstrated right in front of our eyes. September 11th, 2001 must never - ever - be forgotten. Our country and the world changed forever. Let us always remember those brave men and women who ran toward the...
Ready Report: Phase III, Whittaker Chambers Memorial Request & Funding for Carroll County
This week’s news includes the Governor’s long-awaited announcement to move to Stage Three reopenings, my recommendation for a Whittaker Chambers memorial, and the announcement of some recently approved funding for Carroll County. Governor Hogan Announces Stage Three Reopenings This week, Governor Hogan announced that effective Friday, September 4th at 5 PM, Maryland will begin the initial entry into Stage Three. ...
OpEd: Senators Hough & Ready Urge Creation of Whittaker Chambers Memorial – Anti-Communist Hero and Carroll Countian
Senators Hough & Ready Urge Creation of Whittaker Chambers Memorial – Anti-Communist Hero and Carroll Countian Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order, the Interagency Task Force for Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes has asked state and local leaders to make recommendations on historical figures who should be honored with a monument, statue or featured in...
Ready Report: Voting Issues, Opioid Grants for Carroll & More...
I wanted to share a letter sent to the Board of Elections last week outlining concerns about inhibiting the rights of in-person voters. I’ve also provided information about how to obtain a mail-in ballot if that is your choice, and how to apply to be an election judge. Senate Republican Caucus Letter to the State Board of Elections Recently, my...
Ready Report: Ready: OpEd on Police and Violence, Carroll Re-Zoning News & More...
I hope you are doing well as we reach mid-August. As crazy as this year has been for all of us, I'm sorry that summer is in it's later phases now. I wanted to share my OpEd from the Carroll County Times this past weekend. Also, please take note of the need for election judges to support in-person voting in...
OpEd: Ready: To improve dialogue, concede most police have good intentions, crime is a problem in many cities
We’ve been through a lot in 2020 – that’s an understatement. In the last two months there have been both peaceful protests and unacceptably violent riots following the indefensible death of George Floyd. There have been some good discussions about how all of us can work together better to make sure everyone feel safe and valued in our society. Sheriff...
Ready Report: Violence in Baltimore, Schools, & Hurricane Isaias
I hope you made it through the storm safely. I wanted to update you on press release sent out by the Senate Republican Caucus last week, also below, I wanted to pass along information on Carroll County Schools decision to begin with virtual learning this fall and tips if you have storm damage. Maryland Senate GOP Statement on in Baltimore...
Ready Report: Common Sense and Reality
With the constant news cycle on COVID and protests, I thought I would give you my take on these topics. Thankfully Governor Hogan did not move backwards with more restrictions this week. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime you have thoughts or comments on these or other subjects. Letter to Governor Hogan: No More Restrictions Below is...
Ready Report: Columbus Statue, In-Person Voting, & More
Coming off the Independence Day time frame and with all of the turmoil in our country, I wanted to be sure to share with you how I'm engaged in pushing back against false narratives My concern over what is happening in Baltimore City continues to grow. I resist and will continue to resist the idea to defund the police. Instead,...
Ready Report: Call for In-Person Voting, County Rezoning, and Census Info
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...
Letter to Governor on the Reopening
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...
Ready Report: Memorial Day
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...
Ready Report: Reopening Beginning, Constituent Help
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...
Ready Report: Hogan Vetoes, Reopening Maryland & More
{{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...
2020 Primary Election Update - Important Race on Ballot
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...
Ready Report: Next Steps in Maryland
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...
Ready Report: Carroll County Town Hall
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...
Ready Report: Latest News on COVID19 & Local Response
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...
Ready Report: Governor's Stay at Home Order
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...
Guidance on Governor's New Executive Order
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...
Carroll County Delegation Secures Funding for Key Local Priorities in the State’s Capital Budget
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...