The Maryland General Assembly will be in session from Jan. 8 to April 10. We thought our readers would want to know what their representatives will be working on, so Streetcar Suburbs Publishing asked state senators and delegates the following questions:
- What are your top priorities for this legislative session?
- In what areas will you be seeking more transparency, accountability or budget cuts?
- What are some district-specific issues you plan to take on?
- With tightening budgets, how do you see public school funding being affected?
Their answers are below.
District 21 (includes College Park and Laurel)
Senator Jim Rosapepe
Top priorities
- Protecting state investment in public safety, local schools, roads (particularly Route 1 and city and county streets in Laurel and College Park), and transit, health care, local businesses and fighting climate change
- Boosting state investment in expanding apprenticeship job opportunities for young people to enter good career paths and for local employers to get the skilled workers they need
- Improving public safety by requiring state, county and city agencies to boost cooperation and to reduce recidivism by creating robust pathways for prisoners to get skills they need to go right to work in honest jobs when they’re released
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
Primarily in the use of state investment in public safety and education
District-specific issues
- Oversight of Route 1 and Purple Line light rail line construction through College Park
- Seeking a major state grant for the Laurel Multipurpose Center, which will expand help for the homeless, as well as for recreation facilities for the whole community
Public school funding
We’ll do all we can to protect it. The issue is that, several years from now, the state and the county will need to invest more to make the major improvements in pre-K, mental health, reading and math, college prep, early college and apprenticeships starting in high school, which is required by the Blueprint school reform law already passed. Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman and I are focused on how to do this in a way which protects other important public services and is fair for working and retired families.
Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk
Top priorities
As chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, my top legislative priorities for this session revolve around critical areas such as public health, insurance, pharmaceuticals, health occupations, long-term care, behavioral health and government operations. One primary focus is on expanding the authority of the prescription drug affordability board to address the escalating costs of medications. Additionally, the committee aims to enhance health benefits and reduce the number of uninsured Marylanders through targeted legislative measures. Notable priorities within this context include Assisted Outpatient Therapy, Access to Care, and Death with Dignity, reflecting a commitment to improving mental health services and health care accessibility.
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
Given the tight budgetary constraints this year, a concerted effort will be made to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent financial management. There will be a cautious approach towards any unnecessary spending, and the creation of new programs requiring substantial state fiscal investment will be limited. This aligns with the necessity to navigate the challenges of a constrained budget while still addressing vital legislative responsibilities.
District-specific issues
In terms of district-specific issues, collaboration with fellow district representatives is key. Together, we plan to prioritize funding for essential projects like the replacement of air conditioning and heating units for Village Commons in Gambrills and the installation of elevators at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department to enhance ADA accessibility. By addressing these and other local needs, we aim to directly contribute to the well-being and infrastructure improvement of our community.
Public school funding
Despite budgetary constraints, the commitment to public education remains steadfast. The implementation of the 10-year Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan will continue, with a focus on expanding early childhood education, hiring and retaining high-quality teachers, preparing students for various career paths, and providing additional resources for students in need. This ensures that educational priorities are maintained, even in the face of tightening budgets.
Delegates Ben Barnes and Mary Lehman had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.
District 22 (includes most of Hyattsville)
Delegate Anne Healey
Top priorities
Because of our budget situation, we will have to work hard throughout this session to make sure our top priorities are adequately funded. This includes, but is not limited to, the Blueprint for our public education system, as well as environmental goals that we must reach to address climate change, and serious issues in our health care delivery. Add to this statewide concern about violent crime and juvenile justice reform, and you can see we have our work cut out for us in the 90-day session.
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
The upcoming 2024 legislative session presents serious fiscal constraints that we have not had to address in recent years. This is mainly because of the influx of federal dollars to help the state and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that those federal streams of money are drying up, we need to deal with a shortfall of more than $700 million in the General Fund and another very severe shortage in the Transportation Trust Fund.
District-specific issues
I have pre-filed several bills. Perhaps the most urgent is a local Prince George’s County bill to allow our local governments, both county and municipalities, to adopt camera enforcement of stop signs and other traffic controls, such as one-way, do not enter, and the like. There was no appetite for this statewide when I introduced it last year, but it is very much wanted and needed in our county. It will help address unsafe situations, such as what resulted in the death of two children hit by a large vehicle in the crosswalk on their way to school in Riverdale Park.
I will also be involved in many other issues on the Environment and Transportation Committee, including housing issues, continuing to protect the Chesapeake Bay, agriculture, natural resources and more. As always, I look forward to working with our constituents and our communities as other issues arise.
Public school funding
I wholeheartedly support increasing funds for public school construction. The children who live in our county need more and better school buildings.
Delegate Ashanti Martinez
Top priorities
During the 2024 legislative session, I have several bills aimed at providing solutions to issues facing working families in Maryland. From prohibiting discrimination in credit lending and insurance to establishing a grant program to help fund youth soccer leagues, my legislative agenda is comprehensive. My top priority area will be addressing the mental health crisis in Maryland. Serving on the Health and Government Operations Committee, I have a front row view of the crisis and how it’s impacting Prince George’s County.
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
I will always support more transparency and accountability in state government. At the time of this publishing, I’m still consulting with appropriators in Annapolis to better understand what budget cuts are potentially up for discussion and the impact that would have on Prince George’s County as we navigate the budget deficit.
District-specific issues
Road safety is top of mind. We have a responsibility to make our roadways more equitable and ultimately safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. I’ll be supporting a number of bills that aim to make our state highways safer and our communities prioritized when it comes to pedestrian and cyclist improvement investments.
Public school funding
We have a responsibility to ensure the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is done without delay; our students in Prince George’s County Public School can’t afford us to balance our books on their backs. I will fight against any attacks on education funding and work with all stakeholders to think through how we move our school system forward through this period of budget shortfalls.
Delegate Nicole Williams
Top priorities
My top priorities for this upcoming legislative session are about increasing opportunities for individuals. The first piece of legislation that I am introducing was last introduced by then-Delegate [Erek L.] Barron, who is now the U.S. Attorney for Maryland. The legislation is to remove a barrier to expungements called the Unit Rule, which prevents expungeable charges that were also linked with charges that are not expungeable under the code from being expunged. Removal of this barrier will provide an opportunity for many Marylanders who have paid their debt to society to be able to restart their lives. The second piece of legislation that I am introducing for the fourth session in a row is to establish curbside voting in Maryland, which would be helpful for those with mobility issues who would like to go vote in person instead of using mail-in voting. Several other states across the country have curbside voting, like Wisconsin, North Carolina and Virginia.
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
I serve on the Judiciary Committee. There will be legislation that will be reintroduced in my committee to create a correctional ombudsman unit in the Office of the Attorney General to oversee the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections. We are facing a budget deficit so we will see budget cuts in several different areas. The governor announced a few weeks ago massive cuts to the Department of Transportation, which will have an impact on road repairs, the frequency of mass transit services, and other services.
District-specific issues
There are several bond initiatives that we as a district will be introducing on behalf of the City of Hyattsville and other municipalities in our district. I was recently elected as chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, and I know we are going to proceed forward with county legislation regarding stop sign cameras to help capture individuals who run stop signs and commit various traffic violations within our community. Unfortunately, we did not have this technology available at the time of the fatal collision that occurred last month in Riverdale Park. But, hopefully, we can pass this bill so that no one else will have to die because of a driver failing to stop at the intersection.
Public school funding
There have not been any talks from the democratic leadership about cutting public school funding. There is a strong commitment to keep our promises for public education.
Senator Alonzo T. Washington had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.
District 47 (includes Hyattsville west of Adelphi between East-West Highway and Calverton; also near the West Hyattsville Metro stop west of Ager Road)
Senator Malcolm Augustine
Top priorities
My primary focuses for my 2024 legislative agenda include developing a comprehensive strategy for mental health, enhancing accessibility to energy assistance for underserved and low-income populations, championing environmental sustainability, advancing education and ensuring equitable health care. I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering a resilient, equitable community for all.
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
As independent analysis predicts budget shortfalls, it is incumbent on the legislature to scrutinize every proposed budget item to ensure that the state is producing maximum benefit for all Marylanders.
District-specific issues
Many constituents, civic associations and various leaders reach out regarding amendments to SB696 [Senate Bill 696], specifically targeting the Prince George’s County Gateway Development Authority and increasing civil/criminal fines imposed by charter counties to enforce certain local laws enacted by the county. Additionally, transportation sustainability is essential to the growth of District 47. I am working on a piece of legislation securing funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Public school funding
We are committed to a world-class education for all Maryland children. At these early stages of our demonstrated commitment through the Blueprint, I will remain vigilant in addressing any challenges to ensure sustained and equitable funding for Maryland’s public schools.
Delegates Diana Fennell, Julian Ivey and Deni Taveras had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.
District 23 (includes South Laurel)
Delegate Marvin E. Holmes Jr.
Top priorities
In 2024, I am looking forward to working with my fellow legislators to pass key housing and land access initiatives.
- Creating the State Board of Common Ownership Community Managers in the Maryland Department of Labor to oversee the licensing of community managers who provide management services for common ownership communities
- Authorizing counties and municipalities to establish a local trust fund or other appropriate fund for the purpose of repairing or rehabilitating infrastructure within communities that are subject to the Maryland Condominium Act or the Maryland
Homeowners Association Act
- Establish a task force on common ownership communities, staffed by the Office of the Attorney General, to study numerous issues related to the operation of common ownership communities
- Increase funding for homeownership and reduce barriers for new housing construction
Transparency, accountability or budget cuts
I am actively reviewing the pathway for obtaining licensure as a real estate appraiser and certification as a residential or general real estate appraiser. This includes providing a substitute for the existing statutory requirement that an applicant for licensure or certification complete at least 1,000 or 1,500 hours, respectively, by allowing real estate appraiser services as a trainee under the supervision of a certified appraiser, for an educational requirement towards licensure.
District-specific issues
- Authorizing the City of Bowie to exercise the powers of the Prince George’s County Planning Board, the Zoning Hearing Examiner for Prince George’s County, or the District Council for Prince George’s County to make land-use decisions
- Permitting Bowie State University to take control over approximately 190 acres of adjacent land to expand campus housing
Public school funding
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future increases annual education funding to over $3.8 billion and changes the way local education agencies budget, allocate and spend their resources to better support all students. My mission is to ascertain that Prince George’s County is getting our fair share of the $3.8 billion.
Senator Ron Watson and Delegates Adrian Boafo and Kym Taylor had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.
