Friend,
We’re only a month into 2022, and already so much has happened! Here’s your update on what the Strong Future Maryland team has been up to so far, and how to get involved in the work we’re doing around important bills in the Maryland General Assembly. For a quick look at all the bills we're following, check out our bill tracker.
- SFM Team
We have two priority issues that we need you to take action on. Alongside our partners, we’re working hard to pass paid family & medical leave and critical youth justice reform this year. We’ve created public comment forms for both, which you can use to tell the General Assembly why you support these important bills. Fill out the forms and make your voice heard! ⬇️ Join us and Renters United Maryland at the second annual Protect Our Homes Day on February 8th at 7pm to talk to your state legislators about housing justice in Maryland! We need a big (virtual) crowd to join us and show your support for important legislation that would help renters across the state. Learn more about MD housing justice here and register for Protect Our Homes Day here! It’s only been a few weeks, but the 2022 Maryland General Assembly legislative session is moving quickly. Already we’ve seen movement on redistricting, a long day of youth justice bill hearings, lots of talk about paid family & medical leave, the budget and a whole lot more. Here are a few highlights and updates:
1. CLIMATE: The 2022 Climate Solutions Now Act (SB5258) was introduced in the Senate, and will be the biggest climate bill of the session, alongside the Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Act (SB135/HB171) and a few other environmental bills we’re still waiting for.
2. SMOB VOTING RIGHTS: We’re following HB192 closely, which would expand voting rights for the student member of the board (SMOB) on the Baltimore County Board of Education.
3. BUDGET: The budget is an often under-utilized advocacy tool. We’ll be posting about important budget hearings every monday on our Twitter. Catch up here!
We’re rapidly approaching the deadline to introduce new bills in both the House and Senate, and the shape of the session is starting to become more clear. We’re finalizing our priority legislation list, but in the meantime you can keep up with the bills we’re following with our 2022 Bill Tracker. Be on the lookout for more ways to get involved!
If you want to hear more from us throughout session, sign up for our Session Insider list and if you’re on Twitter or Instagram, follow us there! We have an incredible group of interns and policy fellows this session! They power our work and we’re so grateful to have them on our team.
Special shoutout to all of our former interns and fellows – Ruth, Rachelle, Cyrus, and David. We miss you!
(Psssst…Instagram met them first. Follow our new account @strongfuturemd!) We can’t do this work without your support. If you’re able, consider pitching in and joining the Strong Future Maryland team >>>
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