We are here to pass bills.

My work starts long before the 90-day session begins.

A constituent comes to me with a problem.

I read about how another state is dealing with an issue.

I meet with an advocacy group to learn what they want to accomplish.

I make a bill drafting request.

Then I begin to strategize.

Who will support the bill? How do you mobilize them?

Who will oppose the bill? How do you address their concerns without compromising away your policy goals?

Yesterday was my first bill hearing of the session.

House Bill 246 would extend our hate crimes law to include a threat to commit a hate crime.

That was the case with the bomb threats to the two Jewish Community Centers in Baltimore last year.

There was a phone call that prompted the evacuation and closure of buildings, but not what our criminal law considers an attempt to commit a crime.

The hearing went well.

The bottom line: we need to answer the question that every bill sponsor must answer.

Why do we need this bill?

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The bill hearing ended at 7:00.

I was late to my committee’s dinner, which was sponsored by a health care provider.

No one’s views on legislation are swayed by the lobbying that takes place at these events.

In reality, it’s an opportunity to get to know your fellow committee members better and to lobby them on your bills.

Since I was late, the open seat was not among my colleagues but our hosts.

One is a young professional. During the course of our conversation, he told me that his parents emigrated from the former Soviet Union.

His mother was pregnant and gave birth to him in Rome.

He grew up in Baltimore County. His 95-year old grandmother lives alone in the Glen neighborhood.

She’s a constituent.