News
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In the News: Maryland legislators, faith leaders back funding increase in wake of religious hate crimes
January 13, 2020
Maryland legislators, faith leaders back funding increase in wake of religious hate crimes
Jonathan Pitts, The Baltimore SunGovernment funding for the protection of synagogues, mosques and churches has been on the rise in Maryland and across the United States in the past half-decade and more, but legislators and faith leaders are calling for a vast increase in such funding as threats against religious institutions persist.
Maryland’s U.S. senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, and Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders were among those who gathered Monday at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Pikesville to back a proposal calling for a quadrupling of funding provided by the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to $360 million in fiscal year 2021.
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In the News: Maryland lawmakers call for more protection for places of worship
January 13, 2020
LIVE: Maryland lawmakers call for more protection for places of worship
Tiffany Watson, WBFF-TV (Online)On Monday at 10:30 am, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman John Sarbanes will be joined by leaders of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities in Baltimore to stand united against religious intolerance, hate, and antisemitism.
The Senators will announce their support for a new proposal to quadruple funding for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides security assistance to religious and community nonprofit institutions that are at high risk of terrorist attack.
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In the News: Only about 30% surveyed agree workplace harassment issues at Maryland legislature resolved fairly, quickly
January 10, 2020
Only about 30% surveyed agree workplace harassment issues at Maryland legislature resolved fairly, quickly
Brian Witte, The Baltimore SunA first-of-its kind workplace climate survey in Maryland’s legislature found a high level of awareness about policies regarding harassment and discrimination and how to report it, but less confidence in how complaints are resolved and whether they result in fair outcomes, the survey released Friday said.
The survey included lawmakers in both the House and Senate, as well as staff members, employees at the Department of Legislative Services and lobbyists.
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In the News: Howard residents voice concern over rising costs at first forum for Prescription Drug Affordability Board
January 6, 2020
Howard residents voice concern over rising costs at first forum for Prescription Drug Affordability Board
Ana Faguy, The Baltimore SunHoward County hosted a forum Monday afternoon to get community input on the rising cost of prescription drugs.
It was the first in a series of listening forums planned across Maryland to bring personal stories to the state Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board Act was signed into law last May, creating a five-person board to look into what can be done at the local and state level to reduce drug costs.
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In the News: Maryland Politicians React to Trump Impeachment
December 19, 2019
Maryland Politicians React to Trump Impeachment
Evan Greenberg, Baltimore MagazineRep. John Sarbanes said Wednesday that Democrats are largely united behind the two articles of impeachment announced Tuesday.
In one of the more poignant moments of the final day of the House of Representatives’ impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, Baltimore was front and center.
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In the News: ‘We did all we could, Elijah’: After Trump impeachment, Pelosi references late Rep. Cummings
December 19, 2019
‘We did all we could, Elijah’: After Trump impeachment, Pelosi references late Rep. Cummings
Jeff Barker, The Baltimore SunMaryland lawmakers in Washington described as “sobering” a historic day that began with a House clerk solemnly reading a resolution urging that “Donald John Trump, president of the United States” be impeached.
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In the News: Baltimore Receives Multi-Million Dollar Grant Package for Public Safety
December 19, 2019
Baltimore Receives Multi-Million Dollar Grant Package for Public Safety
Carolyn Conte, Baltimore Jewish TimesIn an effort to address public safety concerns, $4.6 million in public safety grants are coming from the U.S. Department of Justice to benefit Baltimore City and County, congressional delegates announced at a press conference held at the city police headquarters Monday, Dec. 16.
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In the News: Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $750K For Veterans’ Housing
December 18, 2019
Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $750K For Veterans’ Housing
WJZ-TV (Online)U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes announced Wednesday the award of $748,976 for Baltimore’s Public Housing Agencies through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program.
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In the News: More Than $4.5M Coming To Baltimore To Help Drive Down Crime
December 16, 2019
More Than $4.5M Coming To Baltimore To Help Drive Down Crime
WJZ-TV (CBS)
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In the News: Officials tout $4.6M in public safety grants coming to Baltimore area
December 16, 2019
Officials tout $4.6M in public safety grants coming to Baltimore area
Brandon Weigel, Baltimore FishbowlLocal elected officials gathered today to tout a $4.6 million package of federal grant funding for public safety initiatives in Baltimore and Baltimore County, saying the money will help improve community policing, tackle problems like gun violence and the opioid epidemic, and create a more fair justice system.
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In the News: Feds give Baltimore area $4.6M for public safety initiatives
December 16, 2019
Feds give Baltimore area $4.6M for public safety initiatives
The Associated PressThe city of Baltimore got a needed boost in federal funding to fight crime when Maryland's congressional delegation announced a $4.6 million package Monday of grants for public safety initiatives for the region.
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In the News: $4.6 million in grant funds will go to fight crime in Baltimore City and Baltimore County
December 16, 2019
$4.6 million in grant funds will go to fight crime in Baltimore City and Baltimore County
Jessica Anderson, The Baltimore SunBaltimore City and Baltimore County will receive $4.6 million in federal funding that is designed to help identify owners of guns used in violent crimes, provide services to children affected by the opioid crisis, fund body-worn cameras for police and serve other criminal justice needs.
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In the News: Eyeing 2020, House passes bill named after Elijah Cummings that would empower Medicare to negotiate drug costs
December 12, 2019
Eyeing 2020, House passes bill named after Elijah Cummings that would empower Medicare to negotiate drug costs
Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, The Associated PressSharpening their 2020 election message, House Democrats on Thursday pushed through legislation that would empower Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and offer new benefits for seniors.
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In the News: House Passes Pelosi Drug-Pricing Bill
December 12, 2019
House Passes Pelosi Drug-Pricing Bill
Jack O'Brien, HealthLeaders MediaThe House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act Thursday afternoon.
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In the News: This is the silent political revolution of 2020
December 12, 2019
This is the silent political revolution of 2020
Lawrence Lessig, CNN (Opinion)As the Democratic Primary kicks into high gear, it is increasingly clear that 2020 could give America a choice that it has not had since Richard Nixon resigned: An election that promises critical change to our political system. At least 7 of the remaining candidates in the Democratic primary have committed to making fundamental government reform their first priority in office. We have not been this close to real change of America's politics since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is therefore time that the candidates' plans -- and how they differ --become the focus of more media attention.
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In the News: Sarbanes: President Trump's Misconduct Can't Go Unchecked
December 11, 2019
Sarbanes: President Trump's Misconduct Can't Go Unchecked
Tyler Waldman, WBAL-AMRep. John Sarbanes said Wednesday that Democrats are largely united behind the two articles of impeachment announced Tuesday.
"As I think you've heard many Dems say, it's not an action that we take lightly, but I think our constitutional oath of office requires us to stand up in this way," the 3rd District Democrat told Bryan Nehman. "And if you look at the president's conduct, this idea that you would put your own personal and political fortunes ahead of the national security interests really does represent an abuse of the office of the presidency, and it's not something that we can leave unchecked."
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In the News: Southern states take up fight for bold democracy reforms
December 6, 2019
Southern states take up fight for bold democracy reforms
Chris Kromm, Facing SouthOn Jan. 3 of this year, the first day of the 116th U.S. Congress, the new Democratic majority in the House introduced as its first bill a sweeping reform of the country's elections. H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a bold package of measures aimed at improving voting access, tackling Big Money's corrupting influence in politics, and bolstering ethics rules. The Washington Post called it "perhaps the most comprehensive political-reform proposal ever considered by our elected representatives."
The wide-ranging bill, expertly led to passage in the House by lead sponsor Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Maryland) and endorsed by a broad coalition including the Communications Workers of America, NAACP, and Sierra Club, was inspired by a key insight: that in the current political moment, marked by deep voter cynicism about corruption and rigged elections, piecemeal reforms aren't enough. What is needed, Sarbanes and other Democrats reasoned, is a far-reaching plan that outlines how all aspects of democracy can work better, and only a bill that tackles voting rights, Big Money, and ethics reform together could offer that larger vision.
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In the News: 3 in Md. Congressional Delegation Co-Sponsor 100% Clean Energy Bill
November 22, 2019
3 in Md. Congressional Delegation Co-Sponsor 100% Clean Energy Bill
Robin Bravender, Maryland MattersThree members of Maryland’s congressional delegation have signed on as co-sponsors to new legislation that would commit the U.S. to achieve a 100% clean energy economy by 2050.
Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin, John P. Sarbanes and David J. Trone are among the more than 150 co-sponsors of the bill, which was floated this week by Rep. Don McEachin (D-Va.).
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In the News: Baltimore County gets $1.65 Million grant for Towson Circulator pilot
November 21, 2019
Baltimore County gets $1.65 Million grant for Towson Circulator pilot
WBFF-TV (Online)On Thusday, officials announced that Baltimore County has won a federal grant award to support the launch of a Towson Circulator pilot.
The $1.65 million award, announced today by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes, was requested by County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s administration as it seeks to create innovative transportation options for Baltimore County residents.
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In the News: Baltimore County Wins $1.65 Million Grant For Towson Circulator
November 21, 2019
Baltimore County Wins $1.65 Million Grant For Towson Circulator
WJZ-TV (Online)Baltimore County has won a federal grant award to support the launch of a Towson Circulator pilot.
The $1.65 million award was announced by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes.