'Addressing the consequences of the pandemic'

Greetings from your State Delegate! I hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season. As I head back to Annapolis on January 12, it will mark the start of my third session with the Maryland General Assembly. This session will be very different, and it will present many challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There will be less opportunity for interaction amongst my colleagues, as well as with the public. Access to the House office building is limited, and our committee work will be entirely virtual.

Since last session, I have served on the House Ways and Means Committee. For this committee, input from the public is critical in defeating irresponsible bills, as well as with helping us get bills passed that are important and consistent with our shore way of life. The Ways and Means Committee hears bills involving education, gambling, taxation, and election laws. Last year in committee, we were able to defeat the largest proposed tax increase for Mary- land ever; it was the proposed tax on all services that would have generated over $2 billion annually in additional tax revenue. This would have significantly impacted every Maryland family.

This year when we return to session, a top priority of mine will be addressing the consequences of the pandemic. Coordinating the state efforts in conjunction with federal aid to make sure our Maryland businesses survive these unprecedented times, as well as make sure our families’ needs are being met as well. Another topic that will be very much an issue is the desire for police reform. Fortunately, we live in an area where law enforcement is appreciated and we need to make sure that our law enforcement officers have the backing they need in order to do their jobs, as well as have the resources and funding necessary to protect themselves and the citizens they serve.

As the only Delegate representing Maryland’s coast, I have introduced again this year the bill to ban the release of helium balloons. This is to protect marine life and wildlife, such as the animals you see on Assateague. Our local farmers are also aided by this bill because their equipment becomes entangled by balloons and their ribbons in the crops. In addition, I am working on other pieces of legislation. To name a few, I will introduce bills to increase Sunday hunting, add first responders as a protected class under the current hate crime legislation, and a bill that would aid those in certain high-risk occupations in obtaining a concealed carry permit.

In closing, I want to remind each of you that my office is available to you as a resource if needed. As your Dele- gate, my staff members and I can help you navigate challenges you may be facing with any of the state agencies. I can truly say that the job is most gratifying when I am helping a resident of my district bring closure to an issue. I am honored to serve as your Delegate. At this time, it is best to contact my office via email due to the reduced occupancy in the State House office building. Feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected]. md.us.

Stay safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone after the 2021 session.