Maryland Priorities

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Strengthening Maryland Education

 

I have worked hard to support and strengthen one of the best public-school systems in the nation because every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. A strong public education system is the foundation of a strong society. I remain committed to improving our schools, removing barriers to learning, supporting our educators, and making higher education more affordable.

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As your Maryland State Delegate, I am a strong advocate for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—a historic investment in education that is delivering real benefits to students, teachers, and families across our state. The Blueprint will:

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• Expand access to high-quality pre-K for Maryland families. 

• Increase teacher salaries to attract and retain top talent. 

• Use a weighted, student-centered funding formula that directs resources based on enrollment and student needs. 

• Ensure every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.

 

Now in its fifth year, I fully expect the Blueprint to continue evolving through ongoing evaluation—building on what works and refining what does not—to maximize its impact for Maryland students.

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Affordability

The cost of living has rarely been as high as it is today. I have taken several steps to help residents:
 

• Utility RELIEF Act – Delivering both short- and long-term rate relief for ratepayers facing skyrocketing utility costs.

• Housing – Made 300 acres of state-owned land available to support the creation of affordable housing. 

• Child Care – Expanded access to quality, affordable childcare by adding 3,700 families to the state’s Child Care Scholarship Program—helping more parents stay in the workforce. 

• Health Insurance – Provided premium subsidies through the state health exchange and passed legislation to ensure parity for mental health and addiction treatment.

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Flooding and Storm Water Management

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Since taking office, I am proud to have secured more than $70 million for the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan—funding critical flood mitigation projects designed to protect our community from increasingly intense storms.

 

These investments are already making a difference. The plan will significantly reduce flood risk by strengthening infrastructure, managing stream debris, and expanding green space to better absorb stormwater. Three dry flood mitigation facilities are now complete, and the game-changing Extended North Tunnel is on track for completion in 2027.

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By advancing these projects, Howard County is protecting lives, preserving the historic and cultural character of Ellicott City’s Main Street, and supporting long-term economic vitality.​​​

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Public Safety & Healthcare

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Improving healthcare and public safety in Maryland has been one of my top priorities since taking office in 2019. As the only Howard County member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was instrumental in securing $1.5 million to support a new behavioral health unit at Howard County General Hospital.
 

Additional key accomplishments include:
 

• Gun Safety Act of 2023 – Enacted common-sense measures placing restrictions on the wearing, carrying, and transporting of firearms in sensitive areas. 

• Maryland State Police Gun Center – Established a centralized unit to manage firearms surrendered under final protective orders 

• Behavioral Health Investment – Secured $12 million in funding to strengthen Maryland’s 988 crisis response system.

• Ghost Gun Crackdown – criminalized the sale and transfer of unserialized firearms. 

• Machine Gun Conversion Switch Ban – prohibits sale and transfer of handguns that can easily be converted into fully automatic weapons.

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Transportation & Environment 

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I have had the privilege of serving on the House Appropriations Committee as Chair of the Transportation & Environment Subcommittee. In this role, I oversee the budget process for key state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Energy Administration, and the Department of Planning, among others.
 

My work focuses on advancing critical transportation priorities such as rebuilding the Key Bridge, moving forward with Baltimore’s Red Line transit system, supporting Howard County’s new Rapid Transit Bus system, and ensuring counties receive vital Highway User Revenues for road maintenance and improvements.
 

On the environmental side, I have worked to protect and expand open space and parkland, accelerate clean energy development, and support low- and moderate-income families with rising energy costs. This year I was able to save Maryland’s Native Plant program that had been cut from the budget. The Native Plant program is essential to the long-term sustainability of our native ecosystems.
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Jobs & Economy

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Building a strong, resilient economy that creates opportunity for all Marylanders has been a top priority of mine. We have taken meaningful steps to support workers, grow businesses, and ensure our state remains competitive in a changing economy.
 

Key accomplishments include:
 

• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI Act) – Established a statewide program to ensure workers can take time off for family or medical needs without sacrificing their financial security. 

• Small Business Support – Expanded access to grants, loans, and technical assistance programs to help small businesses grow and recover, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Economic Development Investments – Strengthened programs to attract and retain businesses, including support for key industries like life sciences, cybersecurity, and clean energy. 

• Workforce Development – Increased funding for job training, apprenticeship programs, and partnerships with community colleges to prepare workers for in-demand careers.

• Tax Relief for Working Families – Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit and other targeted tax relief to support low- and moderate-income households. 

• Infrastructure Investments – Funded major transportation and broadband projects to support economic growth and improve access to jobs across the state. 

 

These efforts reflect a commitment to growing Maryland’s economy in a way that is inclusive, forward-looking, and supportive of both workers and businesses.