Announcement

Summer 2026 updates

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

The following appeared in the summer 2026 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters

Worcester County Veterans Memorial
This year’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial was especially memorable with the addition of the United States Space Force flag and the beautification of the Memorial grounds.

The addition of the United States Space Force flag reflects both the evolution of military service and the Eastern Shore's unique connection to America's space enterprise. NASA's Wallops Flight Facility has supported aerospace innovation, scientific research, and national security missions for decades, and many Eastern Shore residents have contributed to these efforts to advance our nation's capabilities in space.

As the daughter of a Marine, I have found the Memorial and grounds to be a peaceful place for prayer and reflection, and I have especially enjoyed my time as a volunteer at the memorial to share the stories of our local veterans with our Worcester fifth-grade students during their annual field trip.

Bill Signings and Legislative Accomplishments
As an Eastern Shore Delegation, we worked hard during the 2026 Legislative Session on local priorities to support our Shore way of life. I was proud to sponsor Senate Bill 709, which expands Maryland's Purple Star Program, which recognizes high schools that provide strong support systems for military families, veterans, and their dependents, to include institutions of higher education. Locally, this legislation will benefit Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

I also supported legislation that makes it easier for military spouses to transfer professional licenses and certifications when relocating to Maryland. Too often, military families encounter unnecessary barriers when moving between duty stations. This legislation helps qualified professionals enter the workforce more quickly while supporting military family stability and economic opportunity.

The Eastern Shore's farm and poultry industry remains a cornerstone of our regional economy, and I will always be a fierce advocate for measures that strengthen Maryland agriculture, protect family farms, and support the thousands of jobs connected to poultry production and processing. I sponsored emergency legislation (SB 371) in response to the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit expiring in July 2025 without a new permit in place, leading to an estimated $30 million in stalled construction.

In addition, I was the Senate Floor leader in passage of the Charles J. Otto Agricultural Education Promise Act, which establishes a dedicated non-lapsing fund to support agricultural education. Senate Bill 371 and House Bill 972 both passed the Maryland General Assembly and have been signed into law by the Governor.

Also, our Delegation pushed for assistance for our watermen and their families who have experienced one of the worst oyster seasons due to challenging markets and weather conditions. We were successful in securing $5 million in a Governor’s supplemental budget to support the new Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund. Also, I have been actively participating in Maryland's Seafood Marketing Workgroup.

Opposing Industrialization of Maryland’s Coast
As I speak with residents throughout my district, it remains clear that the overwhelming majority of our community opposes the offshore wind industrialization project. Constituents continue to express concerns regarding potential impacts on our coastal economy, tourism industry, commercial and recreational fishing interests, marine ecosystems, and the character of our coastline.

I remain firmly opposed to this project. The Stop Offshore Wind movement continues to grow across the State of Maryland and nearby states. As additional projects are proposed by outside companies like Globalinx’s cable landing station project, I will continue to push for transparency and full public participation to ensure that we protect our coastal communities.

Senatorial Scholarship Presentations
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving in the Maryland Senate is helping students pursue their educational goals through the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship Program. This scholarship is awarded to Maryland students who have been accepted at a Maryland university or college, public or private. This year, I had the privilege of presenting scholarships to outstanding high school seniors and current college students from across District 38. These young men and women have demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to serving our communities.

Stephen Decatur High School Graduation Speaker
As a proud Decatur graduate, I was humbled to deliver the commencement address to the Stephen Decatur High School Class of 2026 during the 250th Year of America’s Independence.

There has been a “Decatur Way” going back to our school’s very namesake – Naval Commander Stephen Decatur himself, born in Worcester County two years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and who became one of America’s most courageous Naval heroes.

I encouraged the new Decatur graduates to live the “Decatur Way” – pride, achievement, respect, responsibility, and service to others. Their accomplishments reflect the support of families, educators, coaches, and mentors who helped guide them along the way. I am confident that the Class of 2026 will continue to make our region proud and encourage them to share their talents here on the Shore.

As always, it remains an honor to represent the residents of Ocean Pines, Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties in the Maryland State Senate. I look forward to seeing you out and about in our home community. God Bless!

Announcement

Summer 2026 updates

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