This column shares contact info, calls for action and excellent resources needed to defend our values.
We are in the middle of the 2019 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. There are many important bills being considered by that body this year. While we are represented by members of the other party, they are still our representatives.
Here is information about their committee membership, and how to contact them:
Senator Steve Hershey, Senate Finance Committee:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=hershey&stab=01
Delegate Steve Arentz, House Economic Matters Committee. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=arentz01&stab=01
Delegate Jeff Ghrist, House Appropriations Committee. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=ghrist01&stab=01
Delegate Jay Jacobs, House Environment & Transportation Committee. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=jacobs%20j&stab=01
DCKC has partnered with a number of other local progressive groups to share information and calls for action on bills before the General Assembly this year, and we will be contacting you periodically about some of them. Please consider contacting your elected Senator and/or Delegates about any of the following bills, and/or writing a letter to the editor of our local media in support. A lot of information about the MD General Assembly, and links to all of these bills and their progress, can be found at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frm1st.aspx?tab=home.
The Minimum Wage: House Bill 166 (Economic Matters Committee) and Senate Bill 280 (Finance Committee) would raise the minimum wage in MD to $15 per hour by 2023. Note that Delegate Arentz is on the Economic Matters Committee, and Senator Hershey is on the Finance Committee!
Death With Dignity: SB 311 (Judicial Proceedings Committee) and HB 399 (Health & Govt. Operation Committee) would enable folks of sound mind nearing the end of their life to request aid in dying,
The Clean Energy Jobs Bill: SB 516 (Finance Committee) and HB 1158 (Economic Matters Committee) will create jobs in the clean energy field, and help to combat climate change. Again, Hershey & Arentz are on the committees.
Redistricting: HB 43 (Rules Committee) and SB 90 (Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee) would create an independent commission to eliminate Gerrymandering.
Voting: SB 411 (Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee) makes all MD Continuing Care Retirement Communities polling places, making it easier for seniors to vote (this includes Heron Point).
Recognizing All Families: SB 697 (Judicial Proceedings Committee) and HB 519 (Judiciary Committee) strengthen parental protections for same-sex couples.