Relief & Updates

Dear Friends,

We are in the thick of session where I zoom into committee hearings, participate in in-person committee voting sessions, and vote on bills from my desk on the Senate floor. In between, I’m on the phone with constituents, talking with colleagues, and trying to arrive at consensus among stakeholders on legislation.

For the last week or so, along with my colleagues on the Judicial Proceedings Committee, I’ve been immersed in the details of a package of police reform bills that will likely be considered by the full Senate next week. More on those bills soon.

Last week, the General Assembly passed the Recovery Now package that will provide direct aid to individuals, families, and businesses that are experiencing economic distress. In this newsletter, we’ll update you on: 1) how to find out if you’re eligible for economic relief; 2) veto overrides the General Assembly considered; 3) my legislative priorities; 4) vaccine distribution.

Along with so many of you, I’m quite disappointed with the state’s decentralized distribution process that requires a “Hunger Games”- style effort to obtain a vaccination appointment. The Senate Oversight Workgroup on Vaccines has been meeting each Monday at 4:00 to press the Department of Health on being more efficient, transparent and fair in this process. There doesn’t seem to be any magic bullet in obtaining an appointment, but please try to be patient and persistent, and keep trying! We’re hopeful that supply will increase soon.

Finally, if you know anyone who could use financial assistance to attend college or graduate school in Maryland, please encourage them to apply for my scholarship. Information is provided below.

As always, if I or my amazing staff – Maura, Janet, Molly, Rochelle or Lily – can assist you in any way, please let us know.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Stay safe & healthy,