“We need to make the commitment and have the persistence to make it happen.” That could be said about any number of programs. Brit Kirwan said it today about the proposals for making Maryland’s public schools, pre-k-12, world class. The persistence he spoke of will be needed to vote for the significant funding increase necessary …more >
“This is cannabis. I don’t do anything without talking with the Attorney General’s Office.” Will Tilburg, the executive director of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, offered that response to a question at our committee briefing today. The Commission has been sued over its award of licenses, the lead sponsor of legislation regarding medical marijuana pled …more >
Nothing concentrates the mind like a hanging, declared an 18th Century British writer. In Annapolis, or any legislative body, nothing concentrates the mind like a bill hearing. It may be unlikely, but the bill could pass. It brings everybody involved to the witness table – after they’ve met with the sponsor. At a reception last …more >
My last bill drafting request dealt with one of the most important issues of the session – public safety. Individuals who are striving to lead a productive life after incarceration should be assisted. Serious parole violators should return to prison or be subject to more rigorous oversight. The Baltimore Metropolitan Region has the most staff …more >
Nathan Lewin has argued 28 cases before the Supreme Court of the United States and drafted and filed more than 235 briefs in that Court. I was on a conference call with him today about get legislation. Our draft bill seeks to address the problem of Orthodox Jewish women whose husbands are denying them a …more >
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost’s verse may be a bit profound for my two chance meetings today, but it comes to mind nonetheless. I try to swim at least twice each week …more >
A lot of legislators spend a lot of time asking their colleagues to co-sponsor their bills. It’s the biggest waste of time in Annapolis. Except when it isn’t. Lots of co-sponsors won’t influence the committee that’s considering your legislation. A handful of prominent members of the committee might help – especially those who will be …more >
I have been accused of making too many bill requests after reading the New York Times. Today I plead guilty. The Trump Administration has crippled the environmental review of construction projects funded with federal dollars. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/09/climate/trump-nepa-environment.html I asked that a bill be drafted to create such a review process in Maryland. Earlier this year, I …more >
I’ve introduced my first bill. House Bill 79 would broaden participation in the Maryland Technology Internship Program. UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski wrote about the Massachusetts program in a Baltimore Sun op-ed six years ago. The state provides a grant to an intern with a technology-based business or the government. We passed the bill the year …more >
I was honored to be asked again to give the opening prayer on the first day of the session. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. When we last met on sine die, we mourned the …more >
