For eight years I had the honor of serving as a Delegate for District 46 - and although I’m no longer a legislative policy maker, I know that there are some policies that affect the finances of this state profoundly, and so I occasionally weigh in on those matters. This year, I’ve offered substantive testimony on a few items, including legislation on: 

• eliminating 287(g) agreements between ICE and local law enforcement

• strengthening workplace fraud protections with Sec. Wu and Attorney General Brown, and

• the cost of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland

Each of these bills gives Maryland the opportunity to improve our long-term financial outlook, but in different ways. 

Immigrants are essential to our state’s economy - as we detailed in our report on immigration and the economy. Doing what we can to push back against the egregious actions of ICE and ensure our local law enforcement is not entangled in their work is one meaningful step we can take. In addition, workplace fraud continues to be a huge challenge in Maryland - it means that workers are not provided what they are entitled to and the state is defrauded of tax dollars. Likewise, greenhouse gas emissions will continue to cost our state an enormous amount and we must look for avenues to address the issue that do not leave taxpayers on the hook for the wrongs of others. 

I was proud to stand with lawmakers and advocates in support of these measures, and I will continue working to modernize state government and strengthen Maryland’s economic future for all.

My best, 

(She, Her, Hers)