Dear Constituents,
We have completed Week 12 of the 2023 legislative session, and only nine days remain until Sine Die, the session’s final day. This week, my top priority as a Health and Government Operations Committee member has been collaborating with my colleagues to review and advance Senate bills under our committee’s jurisdiction. In addition, I am working hard to ensure my bills make it through the Senate and are enacted into law by Governor Moore.
Health and Government Operations Committee Advances Crucial Senate Bills
The Health and Government Operations committee worked diligently on several Senate bills this week, with daily discussions and voting. On Tuesday, March 28th, the committee focused on bills related to mental health directives, youth services, and animal testing. Wednesday, March 29th, saw the committee hear testimony and vote on bills pertaining to healthcare costs, transportation improvements, and other important issues. Finally, on Thursday, March 30th, the committee discussed bills related to assisted living programs, young adult health insurance subsidies, and long-term care and dementia care navigation programs. Notable bills discussed and voted on throughout the week on Mental Health, Healthcare Costs, and more included SB0154, SB0581, SB0255, SB0299, SB0460, SB0608, SB0511, SB0622, SB0626, SB0644, SB0558, SB0584, SB0732, SB0187, SB0346, SB0216, SB0510, SB0223, SB0649, SB0801, SB0782, SB0786, SB0358, SB0773, SB0665, SB0601, and SB0228.
Maryland General Assembly Set to Approve $62.5 Billion Budget
Last week, the Maryland General Assembly passed the proposed budget in both chambers. This week, the Assembly began discussions with their Senate counterparts in the conference committee to resolve any differences between the two bill versions.
On Friday, the two budget committees met and agreed on changes to the proposed operating budget. The final recommended budget is now $62.5 billion and is set to be passed by the Maryland General Assembly soon.
The approved budget includes $900 million in funding for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a comprehensive plan to enhance education in the state. Additionally, it allocates $100 million for potential grants and environmental studies related to transportation projects such as Baltimore’s Red Line. The budget, which includes significant funding for education and transportation, will play a crucial role in financing vital programs and initiatives that will benefit residents of Maryland in various ways.
AFL-CIO Rally in Annapolis: Uniting Labor Leaders for a Stronger Future
Earlier this week, the AFL-CIO organized a rally in Annapolis that brought together hundreds of labor leaders. I was honored to address the event and introduce our good friends and supporters representing the AFL-CIO on the House floor. Multiple associations and unions worked together to create a stronger Maryland, and I want to express my gratitude to all those who made this possible.
I would like to thank the following members and organizations for their contributions specifically: President Kenya Campbell and members of the AFT-Maryland, President John Ripley and members of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees, the Baltimore Teachers Union with President Diamonte Brown, Teacher Chapter Chair Christina Duncan Evans, and PSRP Chair Sandra Davis, the City Union of Baltimore with President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson, the Maryland Professional Employees Council – State employees in unit G with President Jerry Smith, the Maryland School for the Deaf with Executive Board Members Edna Johnston, Deb Hill, and KC Russell, the Montgomery College Faculty Union AAUP with President Tito Baca, the AFT-Maryland Healthcare – Our state nurses and healthcare workers with President Yvonne Dowell, and the Baltimore County Federation of Public Health Nurses with Beverly Grace.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended and to all the organizations that play a vital role in ensuring the financial and physical safety of countless Marylanders and their families. Your hard work and dedication to the workers of Maryland are truly commendable.
Maryland Leads the Way
Maryland has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the country’s first state to reimburse fraud victims for stolen SNAP benefits. The state will utilize federal funds to provide over $2.5 million to almost 4,000 affected individuals in Maryland. I am delighted to share that this achievement was possible because of the unwavering leadership of Governor Moore, his staff, the Maryland State Legislature, and the Maryland Department of Human Services. Their collective effort exemplifies the state’s commitment to supporting needy Maryland families. In addition, this groundbreaking program serves as a model for other states to follow, demonstrating how leaders can inspire change by leading from the front.
Clean Harbors Decides to Process Wastewater from Ohio Train Derailment Elsewhere
I recently participated in an emergency call with Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, EPA Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz, and representatives from MDE’s Land and Materials Administration and Water and Science Administration to discuss the transfer of water from sites adjacent to the East Palestine derailment incident in Ohio to a hazardous material treatment facility in Baltimore. My top priority is the safety and well-being of our communities.
I share the concerns of Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott regarding the potential discharge of treated wastewater from Ohio into Baltimore’s sewer system and the Back River treatment plant. We urged Clean Harbors to take all necessary precautions to protect public health and the environment or find an alternative solution. Finally, Clean Harbors has announced that the wastewater from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, originally scheduled to arrive in Baltimore, will be processed elsewhere. This decision was made following Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s denial of the Southwest Baltimore facility’s ability to dump the treated wastewater from Ohio into the city’s sewer system and wastewater plant. I welcome this decision and am committed to prioritizing the safety and protection of our communities and environment. Thank you to all our constituents for your calls and emails regarding this issue.
Pink, Power, and Progress: Celebrating Women’s History Month
I enjoyed attending the Women’s History Month Gala last weekend, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health, Continuum Health network, Asian American Centers of Fredrick, and the Maryland Department of Health.
It was such an honor to be among so many inspiring women who have contributed to the history of our community. The event was filled with pink and floral decorations, and everyone wore pink or added a pink accent to show support. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Women’s History Month awardees.
Your contributions to society and the progress of women’s rights have not gone unnoticed. You are trailblazers and role models for future generations of women. March is Women’s History Month, and it was wonderful to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in all facets of life.
Thank you, LIA Brings Community Together with Joyful Easter Egg Hunt
Big shoutout to the Linover Improvement Association for organizing a fantastic Easter Egg hunt this morning! Meeting so many of my neighbors and seeing the children’s smiling faces as they searched for colorful eggs was a pleasure.
Thank you, LIA president Caitlin Klimm-Kellner, Chuck Kropfelder, and all officers and members for bringing our community together and creating a fun and memorable event. I am looking forward to next year’s hunt already.
Preserving the Beauty of Double Rock Park: A Community Clean-Up Effort
We enjoyed participating in a clean-up event at Double Rock Park last weekend alongside the Cub Scout Pack 183. This park is a true gem within our district, and it was great to see so many people, especially the youth, taking an active role in maintaining its beauty. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Barrett for organizing this event and to Krystal for bringing it to our attention. Witnessing the community coming together to care for our parks was heartwarming. Let us continue to take pride in our community by keeping our parks clean and green. Together, we can preserve these natural spaces for future generations to enjoy. 🌳🌱
How to follow Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session
To follow the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session, you can visit the Maryland General Assembly’s website. The website provides the following resources:
- The Schedule for the 2023 Session
- The Committee Schedule (which will be updated regularly to reflect any changes)
- The Legislation Charts allow you to look up and track proposed bills.
It’s important to note that every bill introduced before the deadline will be granted a hearing. In addition, before the hearing takes place, a fiscal and policy note will be published regarding the bill. By utilizing these resources, you can stay up-to-date with the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session and track the progress of proposed bills.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
As the new year begins and everything appears to be back to normal, it is important to remember that we are not out of the woods yet.
With the emergence of the new Omicron variant XBB.1.5, it’s crucial to continue taking precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones. However, we have tools to prevent severe infection and maintain a sense of normalcy. So please, make sure to get vaccinated and stay safe.
Opportunity for Excellence: Apply Now for Delegate Scholarship Program
My office now accepts applications for the District 8 Delegate Scholarship in collaboration with district 8. This scholarship aims to assist as many local students as possible, as we have done in previous years. Therefore, we encourage interested students to submit their applications early. To apply, please visit the following link: https://forms.gle/UvbvxSe8wgVsBqz9A.
Your Voice Matters
Thank everyone, for reaching out. Your advocacy is heard and greatly appreciated. Our government operates at a higher level with an informed and active constituency, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, concerns, or requests for help. My staff and I are here to help, and I can be reached via email at harry.bhandari@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3524.