Here’s an update on what’s happening in Annapolis at the end of the seventh week of the 2023 Legislative Session.
Weekly Video Update from Annapolis - Week 7
You can watch my weekly video update by clicking the picture below.
Successful District Night in Annapolis
On Monday, it was a pleasure to have about 75 constituents in Annapolis for District Night. Delegates Bouchat, Rose & Tomlinson and I – as well as Senator West & Delegate Stonko from District 42C – are thankful for those who came down and for the great conversations. If you missed it, we will be doing it again next year, hopefully also on President’s Day, and all are welcome to attend.
Floor Speech Opposing Nomination of Juvenile Services Secretary
On Tuesday, the Senate of Maryland confirmed the nomination of Governor Moore’s nominee for Secretary of the state Juvenile Services Department. I explained my opposition in my previous weekly update, which you can read by clicking here.
Young people who have engaged in criminal behavior need discipline and accountability to be restored to the community. The current approach is all carrot and no stick in Maryland. To make a difference, we must change that mindset. You can watch my full floor speech by clicking here.
Fighting to Fully Fund BOOST Program
On Wednesday, members of the Maryland House Republican Caucus and Senate Republican Caucus held a joint press conference to provide education choices to Maryland’s vulnerable students.
Republicans in Annapolis want the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students (BOOST) Program fully funded in the Governor’s FY24 Budget. This program provides scholarships to low-income and at-risk youth to attend a non-public school.
The $10 million program is just 0.11% the size of Maryland’s $8.8 BILLION public school’s budget – and the funds come from a totally different pot of money than the regular education budget. Currently, the Governor is set to cut the program by 20% ($2 million) which is extremely upsetting. Republicans will continue to fight for this funding.
All Maryland students deserve a world-class education and parents should be able to choose the best education opportunity for their children.
You can read the complete press release by clicking here.
Visit with the ARC of Carroll County
It was wonderful for our District 5 team (Delegates Rose, Bouchat, Tomlinson and myself) and Delegate Stonko from District 42C to have clients and staff from the ARC of Carroll County down in Annapolis on Wednesday for Developmental Disabilities Day. We spoke about their needs in the state budget but more so about the exciting things these fantastic men and women are accomplishing as they enrich our communities. It was truly a great visit and a great day.
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.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. My office email is [email protected] and phone number is 410-841-3683. My team and I always do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. Have a great weekend!