[ [link removed] ][IMG]

Friend,

 

The 2024 Maryland General Assembly session may have started last
Wednesday, but everyone who knows anything about the legislature knows
that the real action starts this week.

 

As usual, it’s going to be a busy 90 (now 85) days, and we’ll be watching
it all! Here’s your guide to the 2024 legislative session:

 

1. Let’s get smart about safety! 

 

After a year of fearmongering news coverage led by local Fox News
affiliate, Fox45, a big topic this session will be youth crime bills.

 

The [ [link removed] ]Maryland Youth Justice Coalition is calling on the legislature to
follow facts, not fears, and protect the historic youth justice wins
from the last few years. The Juvenile Justice Reform and Child
Interrogation Act (both passed in 2022) are already under attack from
Republican legislators; we need our leaders to stand by our kids and
communities.

What’s best for public safety is also what’s best for kids. We must
ensure our juvenile justice system works, and that we invest in services
and supports that keep kids from becoming system involved in the first
place.

 

2. Maryland: it’s electric ⚡

 

We’ve also got our sights set on an energy efficient Maryland! The
EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2024 will update the EmPOWER
energy efficiency program and help us reduce our energy use, lower our
energy bills, and reduce pollution that harms our health and our planet.

 

3. Give a hoot, don’t pollute!

The Maryland Department of the Environment Permitting Authority bill
will allow MDE to use environmental justice assessments when they
consider permit applications. This will help reduce the pollution load
on underserved and overburdened communities, leading to healthier air
and water quality and improved public health.

 

4. Making sure Texas can’t sue us too

 

Last year, the General Assembly passed the Reproductive Health
Protection Act, which shields those seeking, providing, or assisting
with abortion care in Maryland from out of state litigation. Which is
great! But there’s one small problem: the bill left out gender-affirming
healthcare, which is under serious attack from states like Florida and
Texas. Leaving out gender-affirming care also leaves abortion providers
open to attacks, since many of them also provide gender-affirming care.

 

It’s a simple bill that will go a long way towards ensuring that
Maryland remains one of the safest places to be trans in the country.
🏳️‍⚧️

 

5. “All the single filers, now put your hands up!” - Beyoncé, probably

 

We’re proud to have worked with [ [link removed] ]Tax Credits for Maryland Families
last year to pass the Family Prosperity Act, which expanded the Child
and Earned Income Tax Credits! This year, we’re working to pass an
Earned Income Tax Credit expansion for single filers, like low income
young adults and non-custodial parents, too.

 

6. And so, so much more…

 

There’s plenty more to talk about (a personal favorite is the bill to
create a correctional ombudsman who would provide crucial outside
oversight to our correctional system)! Remember to follow us on
[ [link removed] ]Twitter, [ [link removed] ]Facebook, [ [link removed] ]Instagram, and Threads to keep up with all
the Annapolis action over the next three months.

 

You can find tons more information on the [ [link removed] ]MDGA Home Page, including
bills, calendars, and livesteams of floor sessions and committee
meetings.

 

As always, we’re so grateful to have you in the fight for a more
sustainable, just Maryland with us. Thank you for all you do.

 

- Alice, Advance Maryland Executive Director

 

Paid for by Advance Maryland

 

c/o Progress Now

614 Seymore Ave

Lansing, MI 48933

[ [link removed] ]CONTRIBUTE

[ Twitter ]Twitter [ Facebook ]Facebook [ Instagram ]Instagram [ Threads ]Threads




You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time:
[link removed]