WDC Discussion Forum - Women In the Criminal Justice Sysyem: A Closer Look

April 12, 2019 Alison Bennett

From Left: John McCarthy, State’s Attorney for Montgomery County facilitates panel with Marilyn Mosby, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Aisha Braveboy, State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, and Anne Colt Leitess, State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County.

As a result of more expansive law enforcement efforts, stiffer drug sentencing laws, and post-conviction barriers to reentry, women have been uniquely affected by changes in the criminal justice system. WDC members and guests filled the room at the Silver Spring Civic Center on Wednesday evening, April 3, where a panel of Maryland State’s Attorneys analyzed the challenges facing women in the criminal justice system. The panelists, all women, were: Aisha Braveboy from Prince George’s County, Anne Colt Leitess from Anne Arundel County, and Marilyn Mosby from Baltimore City. John McCarthy, Montgomery County State’s Attorney, moderated.

Strong Schools Maryland and the Kirwan Commission Recommendations: Dr. Hornbeck Round Table Discussion on Annapolis Day

March 10, 2019 Gael Cheek, WDC Advocacy Committee Issues Captain for Children and Youth

Dr. David Hornbeck of Strong Schools Maryland discussed the Kirwan Commission in a lively round table dialog with WDC members at WDC’s February 27 Annapolis Advocacy Day.

2019 Advocacy Day

March 9, 2019 Ginger Macomber

On Wednesday, February 27, 35 WDC members traveled to Annapolis for WDC’s 2019 Advocacy Day. Each member received an information packet with summaries of WDC’s priority legislation, the legislative process, tips for meeting with legislators, and a schedule of legislator meetings. The day began with the morning session of the Women Legislators’ Caucus, where members heard presentations about child abuse and human trafficking in Maryland.

Montgomery County Senator Susan Lee (D16), Senate Majority Whip and Vice Chair of our Montgomery County Senate delegation, welcomed WDC to Annapolis and emphasized the value of our advocacy work. Members were seated by legislative district so they could get to know each other. Next, Advocacy Committee member Leslie Milano reviewed some helpful advocacy guidelines for meeting with legislators and each of WDC’s Priority Issues Captains reviewed the bills for which WDC had submitted written testimony . WDC advocates for priority legislation that significantly impacts women and their families in six Priority Issues Areas: Affordable Housing, Aging, Children and Youth, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Health, and Working Families.