Read the Full Digest Here: Digest #4 Feb. 10, 2025
One day after the deadline to file bills, UULM-MD held its 19th Annual Legislative Kickoff at the UU Church of Annapolis. Even with the snow, 70 members attended, with many more attending remotely.
A highlight was presenting our Lawmaker of the Year Award to former State Senator Sarah Elfreth of Annapolis. Now the Member of Congress for Maryland’s 3rd District, the Representative provided some insights into the chaotic events in Washington and urged attendees to contact their Senators and Representatives and express their opinions on what is happening under the new Administration.
We then heard from our Keynote Speaker, Delegate Bonnie Cullison, Vice-Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. Del. Cullison is a long-time ally on all of our priority issues, including being the lead sponsor of the Prescription Drug Affordability Bill this year. She reaffirmed the importance of contacting lawmakers on all of the priority bills we support and helped to clarify how the budget deficit is impacting new legislation.
Attendees then heard presentations on the priority bills supported by each Issue Team, followed by breakout sessions to gain more detailed information in order to be effective advocates.
Priority Bills Filed and More Hearings Scheduled
With a third of the session completed, and the bill filing deadlines passed for both chambers, the UULM-MD priority bills have now all been filed, and almost half have had committee hearings.
Here is the status of each Issue Area:
Civil Rights – 1 measure (opposed) – 2 bills – 1 heard in committee* and
1 scheduled – the anti-trans bill that we opposed has been given an
unfavorable report” (i.e. voted down)!
Climate Change – 7 measures – 13 bills: 4 heard – 9 scheduled
Criminal Justice – 7 measures – 13 bills: 5 heard – 5 scheduled
Gun Violence – 4 measures – 5 bills: 2 heard – 3 schedule
Healthcare – 2 measures – 4 bills: all 4 heard in committee
Immigration – 3 measures – 6 bills: 2 heard – 2 scheduled
MAID – 1 measure – 2 bills: 1 scheduled for hearing
Homework Assignment: Know Your Rights Cards
Thank you to the IMMIGRANT LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER (ILRC) for creating this cards. You can print your own using white ink on red cardstock or you can order directly from ILRC. These cards are free, but you can make a donation to help off-set costs.
From ILRC- All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
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