Dear Ariana,

Happy Independence Day! 247 years since the first Independence Day, today represents an opportunity for us to reflect on the promises of our nation, one that prizes equality and justice for all. However you celebrate, I hope you’re able to spend time with family and friends in the beautiful summer weather.

Over the summer, my office has been busy meeting advocates, hearing from constituents, and considering legislation for the 2024 session. We may be out of session, but it’s never too early to start looking toward next year! If you have an idea for a bill you’d love to see introduced next session, please reach out to my office at ariana.kelly@senate.state.md.us. No bill makes it through the general assembly without passionate constituent advocates, and some of my most exciting pieces of legislation have started as a constituent proposal.

Best,

Ariana

White House State Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights

On June 15, I joined 33 legislators from 16 abortion access states to discuss how state legislatures across the country can lead the way on protecting access to reproductive health care. I joined legislators from Washington, Michigan, and Minnesota on the Building a Powerful Policy Agenda panel to share Maryland’s legislative victories and hear from other states about the cutting-edge policies they are implementing.

It was a great opportunity to connect with other state leaders and learn from the unique political hurdles they’ve each faced in defending reproductive freedom. We even received a surprise visit from Vice President Kamala Harris, who offered inspiring words about the stakes of our pro-choice fight. Read more about the convening at The Hill.

Vice President Kamala Harris dropped by to share a few words and encourage our work defending reproductive rights!

Beaming at the White House! It's always an honor to visit and represent the great state of Maryland at our nation's capitol.

Representative Joanna McClinton, the first female Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania, sharing her opening remarks.

﻿The Anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson 

June 24th marked the one year anniversary since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson to overturn Roe v. Wade and strip millions of Americans of their fundamental reproductive freedoms. This anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on how Dobbs changed the pro-choice priorities, but also how it mobilized Marylanders to pass a historic four-bill reproductive rights package. Read my full thread on Dobb's impacts here.

Jews United for Justice Meeting

One of my favorite parts of being a legislator is meeting passionate constituents with ideas for change in their community! That’s why it’s always a joy to receive a visit from Jews United for Justice and hear their priority issues for the year. We met on June 28 to discuss the YES Act, a bill that would end the practice of automatically charging youth as adults for certain offenses. Check out this Baltimore Sun article describing the need for this legislation here.

We're Hiring!

My office is hiring for a full-time legislative aide or legislative director! If you're smart, hardworking, and experienced with legislative advocacy, please consider applying. This is a great opportunity for the right person. You must be available to work in Annapolis five days a week during legislative session and work virtually but attend community events in D-16 during the interim.

View the Job Posting on Indeed

Constituent Scholarships

Congrats to the recipients of the 2023-2024 Senatorial Scholarship! I’m so honored to be able to support the education of hardworking students in D-16 and grateful that my new role as Senator has enabled me to offer more funds than ever before. We awarded 38 students across the district four-year scholarships to support their degrees. Learn more about two of our recipients below!

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight

Shani Kamberi is an MD/MPH student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is interested in the intersections of medicine, research, and health policy, especially as it relates to organ donation and transplantation. In medical school, she is involved with both the Maryland State Medical Society and the American Medical Association to change policy on both the state and national level. She hopes to pursue a career in transplant surgery while maintaining involvement in health policy.

Rose Pagano is a rising second year medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is currently serving as Co-President of the Maryland Medical Society's Medical Student Section and interning at the Maryland Department of Health. She hopes to participate in health advocacy in her future work as a clinician.

Upcoming Community Events

Mental Health Community Fair
The American Psychiatric Association will be hosting their MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Fair on July 8th from 10 am - 2pm in Baltimore. The event will feature local mental health resources from partner organizations as well as free music and food! 

SHA Public Meeting

The State Highway Administration will be holding a virtual public meeting about Georgia Avenue (MD 97) construction plans on July 12 from 6:30 - 8 pm. The goal of design plans is to create safe and ADA compliant lanes for cyclists and pedestrians along the highway. 

Meeting Link Here

Montgomery Youth Town Hall
Calling young people in Montgomery County! The Maryland Youth Advisory Council will be hosting a Youth Town Hall with MoCo delegation members (including me!) on July 13 from 5-7 pm at the Gaithersburg Library. 

Summer Meals Program

Do you know anyone who needs summer food assistance? Montgomery County Public Schools’ Summer Meals Program offers free breakfast and lunch to children under 18 Monday-Friday with no appointment necessary. Check out the full list of 120 participating sites here.

Where to see fireworks tonight!

The Nation’s Capital is always the center of an exciting Fourth of July celebration! If you’re willing to brave the crowds in the District, The National Independence Day Parade will start at 11:45 am on Constitution Avenue. Fireworks on the National Mall will start at 9:09 pm and you’ll have a great view at any of the memorials. 

If you prefer to stay local, Montgomery County Parks will be hosting their own fireworks displays. Head to South Germantown Recreational Park for live music at 7 pm and fireworks at 9:15 pm as part of the Germantown Glory series. If you’re closer to Rockville, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm will also have live music and a fireworks display. 

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By Authority - Friends of Ariana Kelly. Rosalyn Levy Jonas, Chair. Jennifer R. Kefer, Treasurer.