2022 WDC Legislative Accomplishments

During the 2022 legislative session, members of the WDC Advocacy Committee worked tirelessly to advocate for a total of 44 bills. Of those bills, 14 passed. Although we were pleased with our accomplishments, there is still much work to be done on important bills that did not survive. The fact that there is a new legislature starting in January 2023, makes our work even harder since many of the bills will have to be introduced anew.

On May 27th Governor Hogan vetoed another 18 bills (He vetoed 11 bills on April 8th). This action is particularly devastating since being an election year, the new legislature starting January 2023 cannot override vetoes of legislation passed by previous lawmakers. Two bills WDC directly advocated for were vetoed by the Governor. “The Time to Care Act” veto was immediately overridden by the legislature before sine die on April 9th. The “Act” establishes the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. The “Stay of Eviction Proceeding for Rental Assistance Determination” bill was vetoed on May 27th. Although the traditional date for enacted bills to go into effect is October 1st, the earliest date for 2022 enacted bills to take effect can be as early as June 1st.  In fact, the “Time to Care Act’ was a bill that went into effect on June 1st. Our families thank you!

WDC supported the following bills that ultimately passed:

WDC 2021 Legislative Priorities

The Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club (WDC) is one of the largest and most active Democratic clubs in the County with hundreds of politically active women and men, including many elected officials. WDC members work together to elect Democrats, keep voters informed, advocate for state and local issues of importance to women and their families, and educate our community on critical issues. For the 2021 Maryland State legislative session, the WDC Advocacy Committee will advocate for the following priorities to champion issues that disproportionately affect women and their families. In 2021 we will continue our support for a countywide approach to view legislation through a racial and social equity lens. The theme of equity and justice is not only woven into our approach to the upcoming legislative session but has been a strong focus of the club’s off-cycle and local advocacy activities. Finally, the burden on women and their families in Montgomery County resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is of urgent concern. Therefore, in addition to advocating for the key issue areas outlined, WDC will prioritize legislation that provides programs and funding to alleviate the impact of the pandemic.

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WDC President Diana Conway To Address Senate Police Reform Hearing

Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings (JPR) Committee Chair Sen. Will Smith (D20) has announced three days of virtual hearings on September 22, 23 and 24 from 1-5 pm to address 15 police reform bills that Sens. Jill Carter (D41), Charles Sydnor (D44) and Chairman Smith have introduced. WDC President Conway will speak for two minutes between 4:30-5 pm on Tuesday, September 22, regarding JPR 1—Use of Force Standards, sponsored by Sen. Carter.

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Update from WDC’s Task Force on Racial Equity in Public Safety (REPS).

On August 12, REPS Task Force Chair, Lisa Henderson, and member, Beth Tomasello, met via Zoom with Councilmember-At-Large Will Jawando and his Chief of Staff, Cecily Thorne. Councilmember Jawando reviewed the provisions of County Council Bill 27-20E (which he sponsored) to discuss how the provisions addressed the #8CANTWAIT use-of-force policing reforms which the REPS Task Force has endorsed as first steps in reinventing County policing. Councilmember Jawando also discussed future legislation needed to address transparency, training, and accountability in County policing, including the need for comprehensive data collection on racial disparities in policing. The County only collects information on traffic stops; however, that data clearly show a great disparity in the number of stops directed at Black men and men of color.

At the recommendation of the REPS Task Force, WDC signed on to two letters sponsored by statewide advocacy groups. The first letter

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Update On WDC’s Actions to Repeal Our Confederate State Song

WDC’s advocacy in reaching out to our legislators and asking them to act to repeal our Confederate State Song, "Maryland, My Maryland", is having results. Thank you to all of our members who contacted their elected representatives.

On July 14, the Montgomery Democratic Party passed a Resolution that strongly supports the efforts to repeal "Maryland, My Maryland" as our State Song and urges the Maryland General Assembly to repeal this song in the 2021 legislative session.

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GOVERNOR HOGAN SHOULD REVERSE HIS DECISION TO HOLD A TRADITIONAL ELECTION AND ORDER BALLOTS MAILED TO ALL MARYLAND VOTERS!

The Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club is Concerned that Governor Hogan’s Decision to Hold a Regular Election in November During an Active Pandemic will be Detrimental to the Health and Welfare of Maryland Women and their Families and is a Form of Voter Suppression. We encourage Governor Hogan to modify his decision to mail ballots directly to ALL registered voters.

If you believe this issue is important to you and for Maryland, reach out to Governor Hogan's office and make your voice heard.


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WDC Annapolis Day Rocks the Maryland General Assembly

An energetic team led by Advocacy Chair Leslie Milano hosted a lively, activity-packed Annapolis Day for WDC members and state legislators on February 26 at the House Office Building in Annapolis. The day began with a pre-event (optional) visit to the weekly Women’s Caucus meeting, where newly elected House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson stopped by to greet WDC members, sharing their support for several WDC priority bills and applauding our legislative activism.

WDC President Diana Conway launched the official program, with a welcome to members and guests and a quick outline of the day’s events. Advocacy Committee issue captains then briefed …

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Advocacy Committee Report | April 2019

The 2019 State legislative session ended on Monday April 8 (Sine Die) with the passage of over 850 bills, and on a sad note with the passing of long time House Speaker Michael Busch. 

WDC submitted testimony on 26 important State bills that significantly impacted women and their families. WDC also submitted testimony on two County bills.

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