Speaker Adrienne Jones has written Governor Larry Hogan, urging him to “increase funding for the state’s rental assistance program and commit funding for a tenant legal assistance program through the end of the year.” Throughout my career, enabling tenants to remain in decent, safe, and sanitary housing has been one of my priorities. The Speaker’s letter …more >
We heard so many stories about Joe Biden taking time to talk and listen to people. Quite a few had lost a child or family member. One stuttered. What does this tell us about the campaign ahead? More importantly, what does it say about how Biden would govern and lead as President? There was empathy …more >
The devastation was profound. I’m referring to the rubble of the three houses that were destroyed by the explosion on Monday morning. The response from neighbors on Labyrinth Road and elsewhere has also been profound. From running to the site to save those who might be trapped to donating food, clothes, and money. The first …more >
“When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.” Those are among the last …more >
The greatest tribute that could be paid to Congressman John Lewis: Pass the Voting Rights bill. H.R.4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, passed the House of Representatives on December 6, 2019. Why do we need this bill? The Supreme Court gutted the enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which …more >
Perhaps you read the Baltimore Sun article about Governor Hogan’s memoir: In the book, Hogan writes of hearing from Baltimore residents about what he refers to as “grievances”: a lack of jobs, poor schools and closed community centers. Hogan writes that he told people he would “keep working on the things you’re talking about that …more >
One of the many things Pete Rawlings taught me when he was chair of the Appropriations Committee: “You have to learn how to say ‘no’ to people.” No doesn’t always mean nothing. In the give and take of the fiscal limits of the budget, of the differing views on an issue, compromise is needed. What …more >
What will the General Assembly do about police accountability? That’s the issue that’s receiving the most attention and justifiably so. Speaker Adrienne Jones has appointed a work group to study the issue and make recommendations for legislation. Senator Will Smith chairs the committee that will hear such legislation and has written a letter outlining the …more >
I stepped foot in the Ambassador Theatre for the first time yesterday. Barry Levinson did so before me. He went to the movies here.. . LL Cool J performed here when it was a roller rink. We’ve taken the first steps to make this a creative arts space. Bond money and slots revenue from the …more >
TTo pass a bill, you need the right policy and you need the votes. Your bill must require, fund, or prohibit what’s in the public interest. It must improve the situation it addresses. And a majority of your colleagues must agree. That’s the case if your bill speaks to a neighborhood problem. That’s the case …more >
