The 2015 Legislative Session that began in January is well underway. My colleagues and I have been working very hard considering the budget and legislation that affects our state and community. A top priority of the Democratic caucus has been to minimize the potential negative impact of proposed budget cuts on education, healthcare, vulnerable people and others.

For the new term I am continuing to serve on the Environment and Transportation Committee (formerly the Environmental Matters Committee). I also serve on the subcommittees for: 1) Land Use and Ethics and 2) Housing and Real Property.

Speaker Mike Busch named me House Chair of the Joint Committee on Federal Relations. Montgomery County Delegation Chair Shane Robinson appointed me as Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Committee (formerly the Bi-County committee) that vets bills mainly related to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

Thank you, Senator Mikulski
Sen. Barbara Mikulski campaigning in Bethesda, 2004
Mikulski meets Carrs 2004
Senator Barbara Mikulski recently announced her intention to not seek re-election in 2016. Elected to the United States Senate in 1986, she is the longest-serving woman in Congress. March is Women's History Month and March 8th is International Women's Day. On this occasion, we thank her for her distinguished service on behalf of our nation and for Maryland's families.

To the right is a photograph that appeared in the Washington Post in 2004 when my wife, son, friends and I met her while she was campaigning in Bethesda.


Legislation I am Sponsoring this year
So far in the 2015 legislative session, over 2,100 bills have been introduced in the General Assembly. The legislation I am personally sponsoring this session reflect priorities in the areas of election and ethics reform, environmental sustainability, pedestrian and bicycle safety, the humane treatment of animals, and policies that help senior citizens and their families. A few of the bills are:

Environmental Sustainability

  • HB336 - Procurement - Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Fixtures - Saves taxpayers money, saves energy and helps wildlife by requiring state-funded outdoor lighting fixtures to be properly shielded and energy efficient.

Transportation/Pedestrian Safety

  • HB450/SB371 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas - Requires the Maryland State Highway Administration to set policy guidelines for the design of roads in areas where high pedestrian and bike traffic is planned and expected. more information

  • HB539 - Speed Limits in Urban Areas - Requires the Maryland State Highway Administration to review and update speed limits on state roads as appropriate and when roads are re-paved to set a target speed that conforms to the statutory speed limit for the area.

click her for more information

TAKE ACTION: click here to ask your legislators to support the above 2 bills!

Election and Ethics Reform

  • HB185/SB667 - Real Time Transparency Act - requires disclosure within 48 hours of campaign contributions and loans equaling or exceeding $1,000.
     

     

  • HB518 - Public Ethics - Former Legislators Lobbying - prohibits former legislators from registering as lobbyists if using their campaign accounts to influence elections.

  • MC 22-15/HB176 - Montgomery County Board of Education Special Elections - Empowers the voters to choose a replacement when a school board member leaves office during the first three years of a four-year term.

Improving the Quality of Life for Seniors and their families

  • HB186/SB101 - TOD for Real Estate - Provides a less burdensome option for passing along real estate assets consistent with many states. (This bill was withdrawn after receiving an unfavorable report in the Senate)

Protecting our Animal friends

  • HB956 - Prohibits the chaining or tethering of pet dogs outdoors for long periods of time

I am also co-sponsoring over 100 additional bills on many topics including criminal justice reform, healthy school lunches, healthcare, education, school start times, utility oversight environmental protection and economic justice. You can view a list of all of the bills that I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring by visiting my page at the General Assembly web site.
Delegate Al Carr Scholarship Program - Deadline April 30
Scholarships ranging from $300 to $1,000 are available to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students who reside in District 18 and will attend a Maryland institution of higher learning (or out of state if a unique major can be demonstrated). You can verify whether you reside in District 18 by clicking here. For more information or to request an application, please email my office at alfred.carr@house.state.md.us or call us at 301 858-3638.
Predatory Towing
Business owners have a legitimate right to tow vehicles from private property when they are illegally parked or otherwise in violation of local rules. However the practice of "predatory towing" which is highly profitable and less related to legitimate parking concerns continues to spread to new commercial areas that we depend on. Both Montgomery County and the State of Maryland have laws to help protect consumers against this practice (The Town of Kensington is covered by the state towing law and is considering adopting the County towing law at its March 9th Council meeting). The State towing law was strengthened in 2012 and the practice of "spotting" was outlawed. G&G Towing has sued the State of Maryland to overturn parts of the state law. The case has been appealed and will be heard on March 11th before Maryland's high court. Please take a moment to send an email message to Attorney General Brian Frosh to ask him to protect consumers by vigorously defending our state towing law.
Roads and Infrastructure Update
The Maryland State Highway Administration continues to upgrade the traffic signals to LED (light emitting diode) and battery backup technology at intersections along state roads such as Connecticut Ave, Georgia Ave and Wisconsin Ave. This means that traffic signals will continue to function normally even when there is a power outage of up to eight hours. The County will also save money on utility bills due to the greater energy efficiency of LED.
  • An improvement study of Georgia Avenue south of Forest Glen Rd continues.
  • The intersection of Cedar Lane and MD Rte 355 continues to be under construction for planned widening related to the expansion of the National Naval Medical Center that occurred in 2011. Lane shifts on MD Rte 355 are planned for this week. Northbound Route 34 buses continue to be detoured.
  • After the winter weather subsides, Connecticut Avenue is scheduled to be repaved between the beltway and Warner St in Kensington. Pedestrian lighting and signals near the beltway will be improved and aesthetic upgrades will be made to medians and the bridge over the CSX railroad tracks. Sidewalks between Knowles and Washington St will be brought up to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
  • A new sidewalk along the east side of Wisconsin Avenue between Grafton Street and Bradley Blvd in Chevy Chase recently opened.
  • Montgomery County recently expanded Ride On Bus service along many routes: press release
Report Potholes and File a Claim

Our State and County highway services staff work hard to ensure our public roadways are safe for all. But, with the winter weather comes problems - specifically potholes. Below are ways to report a pothole and file a claim if your vehicle gets damaged:

State Maintained Roadways

(numbered roads)

County Maintained Roadways

Report a Pothole

The State has a 24-hour policy to repair a pothole; once it is reported.Call: 1-800-323-MSHA (6742)

Report Pothole Online

Call: 311

Outside of Montgomery County, call: 240-777-0311

Report Pothole Online

Filing a Claim

If your vehicle sustained damages follow instructions at Maryland State Treasurer  

Call: 410-260-7684

The Division of Risk Management

Call: 311


Please join us for our Annual District 18 Reception


 

Please join me and my District 18 teammates 

Senator Rich Madaleno, Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, and Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher at our annual constituent reception.

In years past we have held this event in Annapolis but this year we are trying something different and holding it locally.

We all hope you will be able to make it out to enjoy food and drink and to discuss the many bills and issues we are taking up this legislative session.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

5pm-7pm


Hollywood East Cafe

Westfield Wheaton

11160 Veirs Mill Rd,

Wheaton, MD 20902

We look forward to seeing you!


 

Please RSVP using this facebook event link (if you use facebook) or by calling my office at 301 858-3638 or email at alfred.carr@house.state.md.us
 

Keep in Touch and Make Your Voice Heard


 

My staff and I are always available to assist you. Navigating through the legislative process or just finding the right state or county office to address your concerns can seem overwhelming. If you need assistance at any level or want to weigh in on a legislative matter, please call my office at 301 858-3638 or email us at alfred.carr@house.state.md.us. Jennifer Smith is my legislative aide and Prudence Johnson is our session secretary. Rebecca Peele and Mike Prunty are our legislative interns. And please feel free to visit my Annapolis office or request a meeting with me closer to home.


 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.


 

Best Regards,


 

  Al

Delegate Al Carr
Maryland's 18th Legislative District
6 Bladen St
Room 222
Annapolis, MD 21401
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