Community Update from Speaker Adrienne A. Jones
RELIEF ACT TO HELP WORKING MARYLANDERS
This week, the House of Delegates took a historic step with the bipartisan passage of the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act, which provides over $1.5 billion in pandemic relief. The RELIEF Act will infuse the State's economy with $509 million in spending and provide over $1 billion in tax relief and credits.
VETO OVERRIDES IN THE HOUSE
This past week the House was able to override vetoes that Governor Hogan has placed on very important and key legislation from last session. Here are a few of the pieces of legislation the House was able to pass:
Blueprint for Maryland's Future
The Blueprint is valuable legislation that secures a world class education for every child, regardless of zip code. On top of reinforcing the education of Maryland's youth, this legislation also gives better support to educators and students who need it most and is a key investment in Maryland's economic future as well.
Background Check for Long Gun Sales
This legislation closes a harmful loophole and creates critical gun safety measures that requires background checks on all long gun transfers. Also, all rifle and shotgun transfers must be done above board in Maryland. These gun safety measures will help protect Marylanders and help reduce gun related incidents.
Prescription Drug and Affordability Board
In times like these, it is important now more than ever that Marylanders are receiving their medication with no hassle and with no boosted costs. With the veto override of HB 1095, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board can now be fully funded to help lower the cost of prescription drugs.
Tobacco & Digital Advertising Tax
To help promote a tobacco free Maryland, the House passed HB 732 which would increase taxes on tobacco products and electronic smoking devices. Also, tech giants like Facebook and Google will be hit with larger taxes to ensure they are paying their fair share.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
POLICE REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2021
This week, I had the opportunity to testify for the Police Reform and Accountability Act. This legislation repeals the law enforcement Bill of Rights, establishes a use of force policy, and requires independent investigations for police involved shootings and deaths. Every Marylander deserves to feel safe in the communities in which they reside. This legislation is a step toward that goal.
TRANSPARENCY IN POLICE RECORDS
I also had the opportunity to testify for the Public Information Act this week. This legislation provides greater transparency between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect. The Public Information Act ensures that police records are more publicly available, police misconduct is disclosed to the public, and that personnel records are open to inspection. With transparency brings trust so with this legislation, we hope that trust is restored in policing by the communities they serve.
COMMITTEE HEARING SCHEDULE
See the committee hearing schedule for the week of February 14 HERE. Follow @mdgahearings on Twitter account to stay up to date on the MGA committee hearing schedule.
NOTABLE DOCUMENTS
DISTRICT 10 LEGISLATIVE SCHOLARSHIP
The District 10 Legislative Scholarship is currently available to students living in District 10. Eligible high school, undergraduate and graduate students can receive at least $200 to use to help further their education. Correction from last weeks newsletter, unofficial transcripts will NOT be accepted this year. Applications need to be returned by mail only. For questions about the scholarship or application process, email Essence.Cropper@mlis.state.md.us. Students living outside of District 10 should contact their State Delegate about scholarship awards. Click HERE to download the application.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
