April 8, 2023

Ready Report: Week 13 Legislative Update & Happy Easter!

First, I want to wish you and your family a joyous and restful Easter this weekend. Even as the Session steams to the end, I am so thankful to be able to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with my family this weekend. It’s a time that can serve to remind us that God is in control even when we see sadness and difficulty around us.

Now, here’s an update on what’s happening in Annapolis at the end of the final full week of the 2023 Legislative Session. Monday is Sine Die, which translates to no definite date or period to resume. We will be on the floor for many hours Monday and will keep working until midnight. Any legislation that does not pass by midnight on Sine Die will not pass during the 2023 Session.

Weekly Video Update from Annapolis – Week 13

You can watch my weekly video update by clicking the picture below.

Large Brush Fire in Western Baltimore County affecting Eastern Carroll

Earlier this week, Western Baltimore County experienced a large brush fire in the Liberty Reservoir area, which impacted parts of Eastern Carroll County. I wanted to take a minute to thank the first responders, and everyone involved in battling this fire. About 200 firefighters from departments across Central Maryland rushed our community to battle the fire, and many crews remained on the scene overnight. Several National Guard helicopters responded to drop water on the blaze. Additionally, the American Red Cross and Baltimore County Department of Emergency Management have ensured that displaced residents will have shelter, food, and water. Those in need of support can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries thanks to all the people and organizations listed above.

Still No Action from General Assembly on Crime Bills

Last week I appeared on Fox 45’s State House Spotlight to discuss the status of several bills targeting violent crime. It is disappointing to see the Democrat majority targeting law-abiding citizens instead of cracking down on crime, but Republicans are demanding action. You can watch the State House Spotlight by clicking here.

Additionally, on Thursday, Republican House and Senate leadership issued a joint statement calling for movement on several crime-targeting bills that have been virtually ignored by the Democrat majority throughout the 2023 Session. The following bills were mentioned in the statement, and we are hopeful that they will pass before midnight on Sine Die.

I issued the following statement regarding these pieces of legislation:

“The Maryland General Assembly suffers from an extreme case of misplaced priorities. Democratic leadership is completely unwilling to move bills to address violent crime but can pass high-cost legislation to keep birds from flying into buildings. It is unacceptable to value the lives of birds over the lives of people living in violent communities.”

You can read the full press release by clicking here.

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, 2023.

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