This column shares contact info, calls for action and excellent resources needed to defend our values.
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
Current bills / topics we are following.
Education: The State’s “Kirwan Commission” has released its report on funding for local school systems — more information is available here: strongschoolsmaryland.org/copy-of-interim-report-analysis. Contact your representatives to urge them to support funding for the Kent County Public Schools.
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. Sen. Hershey & Del. Arentz are on these committees.
Mental Health: SB 815 (Judicial Proceedings) and HB 1210 (Judiciary): Crisis Intervention Team Technical Assistance Center. Improved training of first responders and law enforcement in crisis intervention can avert tragedies such as the death of Anton Black.
Gun Safety: SB 441 (Judicial Proceedings) and HB 468 (Judiciary) will strengthen existing safe-storage requirements for firearms, and help to reduce accidental shootings (especially kids), homicides, and suicides.
Redistricting: SB 110 (Education, Health and Environmental Affairs) calls for a constitutional amendment to establish standards for Congressional districts i.e. districts that are compact, contiguous, and give due regard to natural boundaries and political subdivisions (like county lines).