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...
Ready Report: COVID19 and Session Ending
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...
Ready Report: Important COVID-19 Update
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...
Ready Report: Some Good News on Crime & Taxes, Plus Weekly Video
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...
Press Release: Senator Justin Ready Presents Legislation to 'Strike at the Heart of Gun Violence'
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...
Ready Report, February 28, 2020
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...
Ready OpED in Carroll County Times: General Assembly Focus Misplaced
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...
Ready Report: Largest Tax Increase in MD History
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...
Ready Report, February 13, 2020
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...