Week Eight Legislative Update

Students and President Edgar Schick from Baltimore International College visiting the Annapolis office

Dear Friends,
 
Marriage Equality: This past Friday, after extensive floor debate, the House of Delegates voted to recommit the Civil Marriage Protection Act (SB 116) to the House Judiciary Committee. While the bill did not fail on the House floor, “recommitting” the bill to the Judiciary Committee most likely means that the House will not vote on the bill this session. While we undoubtedly have our work cut out for us in the coming months, we should be extremely proud of our efforts in furthering the overarching cause of equality this legislative session.
 
If you would like to listen to my testimony from Friday’s debate on the House floor, you can go to the following link: http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/listen.asp. My remarks begin at 2:18:55.
 
Bond Bill Saturday: The House Appropriations Committee held daylong hearings on bond bills this past Saturday. Along with representatives from the National Aquarium, The Children’s Guild, and the Star-Spangled Banner Museum and Flag House, I was able to introduce the three bond bills on which I am a lead sponsor. Representatives from the aforementioned organizations gave testimony on what the bond bill money would be used for in their respective organizations. To represent a bench made of whoopee cushions in the “What Makes Us Smile” exhibit at the American Visionary Arts Museum (another one of the bond bill recipients in our District), the museum presented a whoopee cushion to Delegate Norm Conway, a member from Wicomico and Worcester Counties and the chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

March Madness: NCAA tournament time means only one thing: bracket-picking contests. This year, I have decided to challenge the scrawny, 5’7, 27-year old scrapper from Canton: Senator Bill Ferguson. As a more than brawny, 6’3, 38-year old Poly-grad from Riverside Park, I’m prepared to lay down the gauntlet. The loser will be buying the winner his ticket to the 46th District Night game at Camden Yards and will also be providing him with two hot dogs and a Natty Boh (newly on tap at the stadium).
 
It is always an honor to represent and serve the residents of South and Southeast Baltimore in Annapolis. Please don’t hesitate to contact me about any issue.
 
Sincerely,
Luke