February 14, 2025

Ready Report: Fighting for MPRP Eminent Domain Protections, Constituents in Annapolis & More…

First off let me wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and I hope you and loved ones have a good weekend. The sixth week of the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session has concluded. Here is an update on what happened this week in Annapolis, as well as information (in my weekly vide) about the developments in Carroll County with the county school budget and decisions they are faced with – and what I and our Carroll County Delegation are doing to try to help.

Click the picture below to watch my Weekly Video Update for Session Week 6:

Legislation Targeting MPRP Threat of Eminent Domain

On Tuesday, I presented SB 657 & 661 in the Senate JPR Committee which seek to provide additional financial and legal protections to property owners who face eminent domain proceedings and would establish a 350% valuation on top of land value for Agricultural land taken by eminent domain.

What we face with MPRP is the potential for land seizure by eminent domain for corporate gain. Because agricultural land and preserved properties are valued less by state assessments – a good thing for the preservation of open space and farmland – these properties have become an inviting target for utilities building power lines because it saves money. My hope is that we stop MPRP or at least get major changes made but if it moves forward in any form, these two bills will help landowners receive a more just compensation and include reimbursements for legal fees and expert testimony.

Ready in the Press

WMAR Channel 2 – This week I spoke with Jeff Morgan from Channel 2 about the Better Buildings Act which would require new buildings constructed in Maryland to be completely electric. This bill is crazy, considering the fiscal and energy situation in our state and our inability to keep up with electricity demand. You can read more/watch by clicking here.

Baltimore Sun – On Wednesday, SB 64 – a bill to create a felony charge for the distribution fentanyl which results in the death or serious bodily harm of another – was heard before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. This bill would carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Last year I sponsored this bill, however this year a Democrat agreed to be the lead sponsor for the bill on the Senate side (I’m co-sponsoring), while Carroll County’s own, Delegate Chris Tomlinson is sponsoring the House version. This is a truly nonpartisan issue as we must make sure that people who purposefully peddle poison in our community are held accountable. You can read more by clicking here.

Constituent Visits in Annapolis

This week was full of meetings and wonderful visits from Carroll County residents. Below are some pictures with those groups:

Senator Ready meeting with Leadership Carroll

Senator Ready meeting with students from Carroll Community College

Members of the Carroll County Delegation meeting with the ARC of Carroll County

(I arrived later due to a lengthy Senate floor debate)

BGE High Bill Resources

My office received an email from BGE this week explaining ways they are trying to help customers who are receiving higher-than-expected energy bills. BGE is offering the following steps to help customers:

  • Waiving late payment fees for January and February 2025.
  • Suspending disconnections for nonpayment in February 2025.
  • Offering payment arrangements to pay current charges over 12 months or longer and extending due dates on bills, if needed.
  • Streamlining their process to get any customers who were already disconnected back in service sooner.

You can visit https://www.bge.com/my-account/customer-support/bill-help for ways to manage your bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes:

  • BGE’s self-service Assistance Finder, which provides simple and personalized recommendations.
  • Financial assistance through state programs and the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
  • Pay your current high bill over 12 months or extend the due date to receive more time to pay by using the following self-service options: Payment arrangement and due-date extension. For extenuating circumstances needing payment arrangements beyond 12 months, please call us at 800.685.0123.
  • Budget billing information and online self-serve sign-up for customers who prefer a predictable monthly bill that spreads energy costs throughout the year.

In case you missed it, I sent out an email recently explaining how our state has gotten into this energy crisis, as well as some of the legislation that I am working on to get us back on track. You can read that email by clicking here.

Last Call – District 5 & Carroll County Night in Annapolis THIS Monday:

You are cordially invited to attend “An Evening in Annapolis with the Carroll County Delegation” on February 17th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will take place in the Miller Senate Office Building, in President’s Conference Center East (11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401).

All District 5 residents are invited to this event as is anyone else in Carroll County as Senator Chris West & Delegate Josh Stonko who represent the rest of Carroll County in District 42C will be joining us. This is a free event where refreshments will be served.

Following the event, guests are welcome to walk over to the Statehouse and watch either the House or Senate session at 8pm. Please bring a photo ID with you for entry into both the office building and Statehouse.

NOTE: Pocketknives are not permitted so leave those behind in your vehicle or at home.

RSVP: Senator Justin Ready at 410-841-3683 or email [email protected].

Senatorial Scholarships Available

If you are or know a high school senior or college student, please consider applying for a Senatorial Scholarship.  For more information or to request an application, email Emily Van Horn at [email protected] and include your full address.  Scholarships will be accepted up to April 15, 2025.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. My office can be reached by emailing [email protected], and my staff and I will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner.

Have a great week ahead!

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