May 9, 2023

I am deeply proud of the bold decisions made by the General Assembly this Session on the most pressing and critical issues facing Marylanders. Last Wednesday, Speaker Jones and I joined Governor Moore in a ceremony in which 188 bills were signed into law, the fourth such event held since the historic 2023 Legislative Session ended a month ago.  The first pieces of legislation signed on Wednesday demonstrate that Maryland will fiercely and unwaveringly defend and protect a woman’s right to reproductive freedom, establishing Maryland as a safe harbor for abortion access in a post-Roe world. The bills protect healthcare providers from liability from legal action by states with restrictive abortion laws if they provide care for patients who travel to Maryland, strengthen relevant privacy protections, and ensure access at Maryland's public four year colleges and universities.   Governor Moore also signed legislation to establish the framework for Maryland’s recreational cannabis marketplace last week. I am hopeful that other states will use it as a model for future initiatives. Our goal was to ensure the licensing and taxation system prioritizes equity and economic opportunity for communities most affected by the war on drugs. A portion of the sales tax on cannabis will go directly to those communities, and the first round of new licenses will be awarded to business owners from areas disproportionately affected by the criminalization of marijuana.   A few of the other bills signed into law last week are highlighted below: A package of seven behavioral health bills will establish a network for community behavioral health clinics throughout the state, reform mental health reimbursement programs, preserve COVID-related telehealth policies, expand intensive in-home behavioral care for youth, and establish a forward-thinking behavioral health commission. The Trans Health Equity Act will expand the scope of gender-affirming health care and procedures covered by Medicaid. A new law will automatically enroll Marylanders who receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) into the Medicaid program. An estimated 65,000 uninsured Marylanders would gain health coverage under the new initiative.  Health boards will now be prohibited from requiring license applicants to prove their citizenship or immigration status, effectively allowing DREAMers and other undocumented graduates of health training programs to work in their field.   It is often tempting for the first year of a term to proceed slowly. We didn’t take that approach in 2023. We chose instead to be bold and it clearly paid off for the people of Maryland.

Senator Cardin Retiring with Indelible Legacy

Senator Ben Cardin has announced he will retire from the Senate in 2024, signaling the end of a remarkable political career that has spanned almost six decades. He will leave with an astounding legacy of accomplishments, including meaningful and forward-thinking measures to protect the environment – especially our treasured Chesapeake Bay. Senator Cardin has worked to strengthen human rights efforts around the world and at home, has advanced social justice issues, and has been a tireless advocate for small businesses and the needs of low-income Americans.  As Senator Cardin said in his announcement, he has put his heart and soul into his work. I remain inspired by his intellect, commitment, and willingness to work across the aisle to get things done. Maryland is a better place because of his service.

Lt. Governor Miller to Tackle Transportation

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller will chair a Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group to examine the factors that contributed to a horrific accident last month on 695. Six highway construction workers were killed when a speeding vehicle entered a work zone on the Baltimore Beltway. Before becoming Lt. Governor, she spent 25 years as a transportation engineer and planner for Montgomery County and will lend that expertise to ensure that such accidents are prevented in the future. Lt. Governor Miller will also explore ways to resurrect an East-West Baltimore transportation corridor that was originally envisioned through the Red Line project, but was abandoned by former Governor Hogan. Further, she will work to ensure the success of the Purple Line light rail project under construction in the Washington suburbs.

More News

I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of former Speaker of the House of Delegates Casper R. Taylor Jr. A tireless advocate for Western Maryland and his hometown of Cumberland, Speaker Taylor served in the House for almost 30 years and was a model presiding officer.  President Biden’s infrastructure bills have provided $2.6 billion to projects in Maryland over the last two years. Among those projects is the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project, which includes two high-capacity tunnels for electrified passenger trains that will improve the speed and capacity of our nationwide rail system.  The Maryland Cycling Classic will return this Labor Day weekend. Last year, the event drew 70,000 spectators to Maryland and was viewed by thousands in dozens of countries across the world. The event supports Maryland’s economy and provides a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful attributes of our City and State.   Baltimoreans can still dine outside on a warm summer night thanks to a decision to preserve restaurant parklets. The Department of Transportation issued a set of draft guidelines for the program last fall and received over 2,000 comments on the proposed rules. The new policy requires the parklets to be separated from the street by vertical blockades such as concrete barriers or water-filled Jersey walls, though the City’s Law Department is still conducting its review before the rules are finalized.

If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email, bill.ferguson@senate.state.md.us, or by phone, 410-841-3600.