Delegate Nicole Williams Newsletter - 4/27/22
Dear Neighbors and Friends - With the 2022 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly now behind us, I wanted to share a few of our major accomplishments. This year, the legislature focused on pressing issues such as tracking and banning ghost guns, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as a state, and establishing a paid family leave program. We were also able to override 10 of Governor Hogan’s vetoes including the Abortion Care Access Act, the Time to Care Act, legislation to enhance security features at license firearms dealers, and legislation to issue stop-work orders for sites where the employer has violated prevailing wage requirements. Here are a few more highlights from this session:
In criminal justice reform, the legislature passed HB 1: Constitutional Amendment - Cannabis - Adult Use and Possession, which will put a referendum regarding legalizing cannabis for individuals 21 or older on the 2022 General Election ballot. The legislature also passed HB 837: Cannabis Reform, which establishes a framework for the potential of a recreational cannabis industry in the state.
In education, the legislature passed HB 734: Maryland Student Investment Act, which helps to make higher education a reality for more students by allocating a greater amount of funding towards state financial aid programs. The legislature also passed HB 1444: Income Tax Credit - Endowments of Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges - Extension, which will allow the tax credit on the endowments of Maryland’s HBCUs to continue, providing them with the resources to recover from the pandemic and award more scholarships.
In the environment, the legislature passed HB 528: Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. This bill renews Maryland’s commitment to addressing climate change by setting a goal for net-zero statewide gas emissions by 2045. In addition, the bill works to address issues of climate equity for communities that will be negatively affected by the impacts of climate change.
This is just some of the incredible work that the Maryland General Assembly has done this year. Our work, however, does not stop here. As we move into the interim and closer to Election Day, I will be visiting many municipalities in District 22, as well as with local civic, condominium, and homeowners associations to share more about the great work that took place during the 2022 legislative session. I will also be seeking your support as I run for re-election to continue serving as a State Delegate for Maryland’s District 22. With less than 90 days until the primary election, myself and my team will be out and about meeting with community members to hear concerns and learn how I can best represent our district in Annapolis. Be sure to check out our calendar of events later in this newsletter to join in on campaign events around the district. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our campaign and getting involved, please visit my website at nicoleawilliams.com or sign up here. We would love to have you on board! - Nicole
Confetti and balloons in our State House at midnight on "Sine Die" to celebrate the end of the 2022 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly.
Endorsements
I am honored to have received the endorsement of the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is the nation's largest advocacy organization focused on protecting the environment and ensuring clean air, water, and land for generations to come. As your Delegate, I support measures like the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 to promote climate action and equity in our beautiful state.
Upcoming Events
On April 30th from 3 to 5 PM, our campaign will be holding a Meet and Greet in University Park at the home of Ben and Julia Rupert. To RSVP for this event, click here or see the flyer below.
On May 7th at 12 PM, Berwyn Heights will be holding their annual Berwyn Heights Day Parade. We would love to have members of our community join Team Nicole for a fun-filled day! If you or someone you know is interested in participating, be sure to fill out the sign-up form here and we will be in touch with more details. Donate to Nicole Williams for District 22!
