Partisan Republican power grabs and Democratic accomplishments in the General Assembly
RSVP for our monthly meeting on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. by emailing secretary@harforddemocrats.org
Democrats in Harford County and the General Assembly are continuing to make progress for Marylanders locally and around the state. Continue reading for the latest updates.
The partisan Republican power grab for the Harford County Board of Education
Harford County Republicans are shifting the goalposts to ensure they maintain control of the Harford County Board of Education. This partisan Republican power grab is being orchestrated through HB 283 and SB 382. The bills focus on changing the terms of the appointed board members and who gets to select them.
HB 283 was the original bill proposed by Del. Teresa Reilly at the request of a board member appointed by Gov. Hogan. The bill would have extended the terms of Hogan’s appointed members by an additional two years into the next governor’s term as well as stagger the four-year terms of elected and appointed members.
HB 283 had no opportunity for local input from the public, Harford County Delegation or Board of Education before its House hearing. Bipartisan amendments for the bill slowed down the process to consider more public input and other alternatives.
Harford County’s Republican Senators introduced SB 382 as another way to consolidate partisan power on the nonpartisan Board of Education. Sen. Jason Gallion said during the Harford County Delegation meeting on Feb. 18 the bill empowers the County Executive, instead of the governor, to appoint board members with County Council’s approval as well as stagger the four-year terms of elected and appointed members.
Amendments about the County Executive appointing board members with the approval of the County Council are not available to read yet. This is an obvious attempt to shift power and approve an amendment without public input before it goes to a committee hearing.
The proposed amendment for SB 382 is a major conflict of interest because the County Executive decides on approving operating budgets created by the Board of Education, but one-third of board members could be beholden to the County Executive.
There will be a hearing about SB 382 on March 3 at 1 p.m. during the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Matters Committee. Contact Sens. Bob Cassilly, Jason Gallion and J.B. Jennings to let them know:
You do not want to see any changes to the Harford County Board of Education
The public needs to provide more input on legislation during the General Assembly’s recess
Crafting legislation needs to be a more collaborative process with all stakeholders involved
Harford County residents can also submit testimony to the Senate Committee in opposition to SB 382.
RSVP for February virtual monthly meeting
RSVP for the Committee’s virtual monthly meeting on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Email secretary@harforddemocrats.org to receive the meeting link.
Investing in Maryland’s future
Democrats in the General Assembly overrode several of Gov. Hogan’s vetoes and implemented the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission. This is a once-in-a-generation investment that will support early childhood education, increase teacher salaries, build career readiness and aid struggling schools.
Some of the ambitious bills made law were:
HB1300/SB1000 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Invests in education and our children’s futures
HB1488/SB0985 - Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program - Supports local farmers
HB0498 - Grants for Aging-in-Place Programs - Assists elder Marylanders
HB0514/SB0398 - Maryland Small Business Innovation Research Program - Promotes small businesses and job creation
HB1236 - MARC Expansion of Service - Expands MARC transportation service
HB1095/SB0669 - Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Fund - Lowers drug prices for Marylanders
That’s the end of the updates for this edition. Either way, Democrats will continue working for the common in Harford County and across the state. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @HarfordDemocrats for more updates with the Committee.