Featured From My Family To Yours…
As we move through the holiday season and approach the New Year, I write to share a brief reflection on the year and update you with a few notes on our recent work.
We the People
Dear Neighbors:
We are just days away from our General Election to elect our President and, locally, our Mayor and other municipal leaders. I’m excited to see this day come and encouraged by the hope and commitment that we see as a result of Maryland’s record breaking voter turnout.
If you were unable to request a mail-in ballot, please take a moment to use one of the early voting centers from now until Monday evening. Baltimore City residents can vote at any of the listed early voting locations.
We the People—Holding Our Government Accountable to Us!
As a part of our commitment to hold government accountable to us, we the people, I continue actively following local and state elections practices for fairness and accessibility.
You may recall that last month I wrote about the alarm I felt in learning that Northeast Baltimore had a staggering geographic gap in the placement of ballot drop-off boxes. The problem was acutely demonstrated when considering that the placement left the 13th Council District without a single ballot drop-box. I found the matter to be a grave disappointment and wrote to our local board of elections exclaiming the facts: 1) we are without adequate access to ballot drop-boxes, and 2) the problem must be addressed urgently! You can view local coverage about the issue here and review the letter I sent the Baltimore City Board of Elections here.
I eagerly awaited the board’s prompt action to address the problem and as was reported by Fox45, WBFF on September 30, 2020 – “Linda Lamone, state elections administrator, called McCray Tuesday, according to him, and said there would be another box installed at the Herring Run Branch Library in the Belaire-Edison neighborhood during the second round of installations – between Oct. 15-17.” I was proud to be a part of the solution to this problem and I am delighted that the Board of Elections acted swiftly to remedy this wrong. You can also watch the news segment discussing the matter by clicking the link on the image above.
I’m very excited to share that I am among the leaders whom Brandon Scott invited to join his transition team as he organizes the work of being Baltimore’s next Mayor. I wholeheartedly believe that Brandon brings the energy, enthusiasm, public policy know-how, and management acumen to move our city forward. The work of the transition team continues the work I do as a legislator, making government work for us and improving the quality of life and level of services we receive as citizens of Baltimore City.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a beautiful representation of the hope that I feel for our future. As you can see from the image of the new playground at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School, encouraging developments are happening despite the many challenges we face. This moment in which we live can be overwhelming, but we have cause for hope and excitement for the now and improving future that is ahead.
Please take a moment to watch the video I shared to mark the opening of this new dynamic and fun playground for our young people.
Unemployment Insurance Reminder
If you or someone you know needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!. For additional information, please contact me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
P.S. Please vote, and remind your loved ones too!
Making Government Work for Our Communities
Dear Neighbors:
Fall is here, the school year is off and running, and in spite of a rough first game, we remain hopeful for the Ravens season! While we continue to face unique challenges and hardships as result of the COVID-19 emergency, we have many reasons for hope and faith. Much of my activities over the last few weeks flow from the work I began in the spring: keeping our communities safe and healthy; protecting our access to the ballot; guarding our economic well-being; and, remaining focused on the decisions and policies that will determine our long-term wellbeing and quality of life in Baltimore. Sure, the effects of COVID-19, and even the Ravens loss, weight on us some, but I remain steadfast and hopeful that our best days are ahead. I hope my work demonstrates this belief and that you find this update helpful and encouraging.
One of the especially uplifting experiences I cherish is the chance to encourage our students and educators in their efforts at the start of the school year. You can view this year’s video by clicking the image below.
Elections Matter!
Every election is important! You may recall that during this year’s Primary Election I wrote a series of letters to the Maryland Board of Elections to express my concerns about the Board’ practices for ensuring full access to the ballot. I continue to follow local and state elections practices for fairness and accessibility and was alarmed to learn that Northeast Baltimore has a staggering geographic gap in the placement of ballot drop-off boxes. The problem was acutely demonstrated when considering that the current placement leaves the 13th council district without a single ballot drop-box. I find the matter to be a grave disappointment and wrote to our local board of elections exclaiming the facts: 1) we are without adequate access to ballot drop-boxes, and 2) the problem must be addressed urgently! You can view local coverage about the issue here and review the letter I sent the Baltimore City Board of Elections here. I eagerly await the board’s prompt action to address this very serious problem.
Please Count in the Census!
The U.S. Constitution mandates that we conduct a national census, a measure of our population, every ten years and its results matter greatly to our work in improving the life and well-being of Baltimore. Census results, the final calculation of our nation’s population, determine the rate of federal resources provided to Baltimore and guides reapportionment activities in congressional and state legislative redistricting. As time permits, I try to regularly canvas in our communities to maximize our participation in the count. I generally enjoy canvassing a way to learning from our neighbors and remain abreast in real-time of the needs and opinions of our district. I’ll continue these efforts in the weeks ahead, but I ask that you also be sure to complete the census and ask your loved ones and neighbors to do so too. The census form is easy to complete at its website and you can also see Baltimore’s performance in real-time here.
“Lawmakers Assemble Suggested Reading List for Colleagues, Aspiring Leaders”
A few years ago, as I joined the Maryland General Assembly to represent our district, I sought to learn from experienced people and read from history and past leaders. Overtime, I found few resources to guide me with direct application to governing and Annapolis’ unique practices and policies. My Colleague, Del. Marc Korman (D-Montgomery), and I began sharing and discussing books we read and we recently joined to craft a list of readings to guide those looking to have a positive impact for Maryland. “We both know that the best experience [for incoming legislators] is to just get out there and swim,” McCray said. “But sometimes I think I’d be able to see things a little more clearly if I was able to read about something similar.” With that goal in mind, we sought input from a bipartisan group of Maryland’s business, civic, and political leaders to craft a list of suggested reading for aspiring leaders and those interacting with the General Assembly in hope to advance issues and causes.
We are proud to share the list you and the advocates working to make Maryland a truly thriving place for all people. Del. Korman and I worked together over several months to solicit advice and form the book list for our colleagues, aspiring legislators, interns, advocates, and all those that interface with the Maryland General Assembly. This has presented a pretty cool experience. Please consider taking a moment to hear us discuss of our journey on Center Maryland’s The Conference Call podcast.
I sat with the Maryland Daily Record to share my experience as a part of their “Young, Black, Homegrown and Leading in Baltimore” series. My hope is that young people facing a tough moment know that they too can come out these circumstances.
You can view the video of our conversation and interview by clicking the image and link above.
BCCC Improving, But Needs State Funding to Continue Progress
As a husband, father, and small business owner, I work to make good use of every dollar and cent. I use my position on the Senate’s Budget & Taxation Committee to do so for our state government. In an Op-ed published in the Baltimore Sun, I highlight the need for continued state support of Baltimore City Community College as it advances along an improved trajectory of success and positive outcomes for its students and our community.
At the July Board of Public Works meeting, $3.2 million in state funding was cut from BCCC’s operating budget along with $500,000 in very need facilities funding. Only BCCC was singled out for an unwarranted budget reduction. At the most recent budget and tax briefing, I spoke about the injustice of cutting the budget of one of Maryland’s only urban community colleges with a majority minority student population. In response, I received a commitment from the Hogan administration that they would attempt to correct this injustice during the proposed 2021 fiscal year budget.
I am thankful for BCCC’s leadership whom stepped up to shift the direction of BCCC over the past several years. With their support, and the support of so many others who believe in BCCC’s mission, the college has made great strides. As an alumus of BCCC, I hope that my fellow alumni and other community leaders will reach out to the Hogan administration to ensure that their commitment is kept. Baltimore City needs this now more than ever.
Holding Our Government Accountable
You may have read or heard to the story of our neighbor, Mr. Randolph Scott, a senior and retired veteran, whom opened his home to law enforcement officers as they responded to a barricade situation in his East Baltimore neighborhood. When the situation ended, Mr. Scott returned home to find his place seriously damaged without an explanation nor clear recourse for addressing the damage. The City of Baltimore immediately agreed to redress the matter, but further investigation places the cause on Maryland State Police (MSP) Officers offering mutual aid in the incident.
In response, my colleague Chair Maggie McIntosh, and I wrote the MSP seeking clarity on their policies and practices for such situations. Our hope is that all people are treated fairly and that we learn from these experiences to advance our public policies and hold all levels of government accountable to us …we the people. You can read our letter here.
Holding Community-Based Behavioral Health Programs Accountable
I proudly wrote to the Maryland Department of Health to add comments and note my opposition to the proposed CMDS inpatient Treatment Facility at 6040 Harford Road. Baltimore City has the largest concentration of behavioral health services in all of Maryland and for the past two years I have sought to advance improvements to the rules for permitting/zoning of these facilities and how they engage/relate to our communities and their needs. This matter was of the utmost importance to me because of the ill effects the proposed operator has as a part of its track-record of performance. Thankfully the application was withdrawn by the operator! I know that this negative experience does not represent the majority of behavioral health organizations which seek to be of service to the community, but we must proactively address the bad apples that exist in the bunch.
Unemployment Insurance Reminder
If you or someone you know needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!. For additional information, please contact me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
The Hard Work Happening in Our Community
While this message finds us at a tough time in our history, I remain steadfast and hopeful. As Congressman John Lewis modeled for us—with hard work and a commitment to justice—this too shall pass and we shall see our best days ahead. Our office is diligently tracking the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in our community, especially the changes and challenges to our schools, public health, and economic well-being. While the COVID-19 virus is demanding a great deal of my attention, I remained focused on the long-term needs and improvement of our community. Below I share a brief update on the activities that I have been engaged in for the last few weeks and hope you find the information helpful and encouraging.
Adjusting to New Realities
Dear Neighbors:
I hope this message finds you and your loved one in good health and spirit!
Before I take a moment to highlight some of our office’s work, I want to take time to pause and honor our educators. In spite of the global challenge we face, this year we found new and encouraging ways to keep our children engaged in learning and the task was neither simple nor direct. To all our educators, I am very grateful for your hard work and caring support of our kids! Thank you!
I was able to celebrate our young people with ceremonies and graduations to remark on their accomplishments and hard work as they transition in school and life. I was especially humbled and honored to share a few words with the Pre-K class at Johnston Square Elementary. Thank you Principal Olumiji for your leadership and for inviting me to be a part of this special time in their journey. Seeing our young people thrive as they grow inspires me and keeps me motivated to achieve the big goals we have before us.
Our Work Ahead…
I write just to share a brief update on the activities that I have been engaged in for the last few weeks. As you can imagine, much of my work since March has been driven by our response to the public health and safety needs created by the COVID-19 virus and its effects on our community. Our office is closely tracking the delays preventing many from receiving their Unemployment Insurance and we have received numerous calls and emails about the delays. If you or someone you know needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!
Minimum Wage Increase Happening on January 1, 2021
Over the past few months, we have watched as grocery staff, nursing home professionals, hospital personnel and other front line workers have continued to ensure that the basic needs of people across Maryland are met. And they do this while many of us are able to enjoy the safety of our homes during the pandemic.” – My Baltimore Sun Commentary – June 19, 2020
The implementation of the pending Maryland minimum wage increase came into question recently, when the Board of Public Works, our state’s fiscal policy council, considered whether the increase was a step in right direction at the this moment or should be postponed. I was very proud to lead the fight for the increase when it was considered legislatively in 2019, and I again advocated that we take this proactive step in support of our families and neighbors. I wrote about it in the Baltimore Sun and the commentary is available by clicking the words above. Thankfully, the timeline of the minimum wage increase remains on schedule and begins on January 1, 2021, rising to $11.75 per hour.
Supporting Our Chronically Underserved Communities
“Garrick Good considers Four-by-Four a “forgotten jewel in the Northeast community.”
His organization, the North East Housing Initiative, is currently rolling out a community land trust model, redeveloping homes to sell to current residents in hopes of turning Four-by-Four from a renter-dominated community to one filled with new homeowners. The buyers they’re marketing to are renters already living in Northeast Baltimore.” Baltimore Business Journal – June 24, 2020
It is our priority to support our chronically underserved communities with action and real investment. As noted by the Baltimore Business Journal article listed above—there is exciting and good work happening in the 4×4 community at the foot print of Belair Edison. I have been working with North East Housing Initiative (NEHI) to reimagine a community that has been underserved over the past two decades and looking for resurgence. With the support of a $75,000 bond investment that was obtained in last year’s General Assembly session, we are able increase the number of homes that NEHI is able to renovate and make avalible for increasing the area’s homeowners.
Holding MD’s State Board of Elections Accountable to We the People…
“At what point does the senior leadership team of the State Board of Elections bear some point of responsibility in the delayed ballots?” – Sen. Cory McCray, AP – June 16, 2020
As it became increasing evident that the COVID-19 virus would limit our ability to vote in a traditional way, I made requests for details from the Maryland State Board of Elections, and our Baltimore City Board, on how they were acting to proactively protect our election’s integrity and its free and full access to the ballot box. I sought additional information as the delivery of our ballots was seriously delayed and as a follow-up participated in the General Assembly’s oversight hearing on the administration of the recent primary election. The information presented in that hearing was clear and convincing in that this primary election was mismanaged and calls for new leadership at the state Board of Elections. You can read my commentary calling for their resignation at Maryland Matters.
Public Safety
Public Safety remains among my top priorities and I’m working to be sure we do right by our neighbors, our city, and most of all, change how we address crime. Here’s how I describe the work and its balance: “I hope that the Baltimore City Council, the city council president, and the mayor-when they’re in negotiations on the budget that’s in front of them at this moment that they take a hard look at what measures are preventative-in making sure that we protect things like recreations centers, education opportunities, health, mental health opportunities-so that people won’t be in the penal system to even have an increased police budget.
And, while they’re doing that and protecting those actions and priorities…that they take a look and make sure that every dollar that’s appropriated to the police department absolutely needs to be appropriated to the police department and cut those dollars that don’t.” Maryland Reporter – June 9, 2020 –
Fully Funding Maryland’s HBCUs
For 13 years, a coalition of leaders across the State of Maryland have fought tirelessly in litigation to fully fund and redress the history of discrimination against our state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We, the members of the General Assembly, moved to remedy the harm by passing House Bill 1260 this past legislative session to appropriate $577 million dollars to our HBCUs over the next ten years.
It was my hope that Governor Larry Hogan would move to enact the law because it is the right thing to do and its legislative support was clearly marked by General Assembly’s overwhelming support. However, the Governor vetoed the plan on May 7, 2020, rejecting a landmark piece of legislation that received broad and bipartisan support in a deeply regrettable misstep. I stand committed to ensuring that we move to fully support our HBCUs in the next legislative session and I am working with my colleagues to rightly override the Governor’s veto and correct this very unfortunate mistake.
I wrote more about this matter in the Afro-American Newspaper on June 2, 2020. Enacting this funding plan by overriding the Governor’s veto is a significant step forward in correcting our state’s role in perpetuating injustice. I humbly request that all of the neighbors, legislators, and alumni who proudly supported HB 1260 during the last legislative session continue to fight for its enactment now. My colleagues and I have read your emails over the years and it is now more important than ever that we keep up the momentum and see this mission through.
Don’t forget to leave my contact info cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165
Adjusting to New Realities
March 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
As we all know all too well, we are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us all of how interconnected we are as a society. For many of us, it has also led to increased anxieties about the wellbeing of ourselves and families and new concerns about our financial security. As state leaders, we understand those fears and have taken swift action to ensure that our state is as prepared as it can be.
The State of Maryland is home to some of the world’s leading medical and research institutions, each of which are staffed with professionals who are responding to this crisis with vigor, compassion, and professionalism. And, as this pandemic has gone on, our state’s restaurant and grocery store workers have adapted quickly to changing circumstances to ensure that Marylanders have access to food and other life necessities. It has been encouraging to see the strength and resilience of our neighbors at a time like this.
With everyone doing their part, our state and nation will rebound from this difficult situation.
Successful Legislation
The Maryland General Assembly was not immune from the impact of COVID-19. Though state legislators only meet in Annapolis for 90 days out of the year, it became clear that this year’s session would need to be cut short. This was not a decision that was made lightly but it was the right decision. All of us need to reduce the amount of contact we are having with each other, including limiting non-essential trips for the immediate future.
Nonetheless, before the session ended early, we made meaningful progress on a number of #TeamMcCray’s legislative priorities. The following pieces of legislation have been forwarded to Governor Hogan to sign into law.
Senate Bill 72 – Members of the Command Staff of the Police Department – Residency Requirements.
SB 72 will empower the City Council to require all Baltimore Police Department officers at the rank of Colonel or higher to be residents of Baltimore. It’s a simple bill that sends a clear message: our City’s leaders should live in our City.
Senate Bill 140 – Office of Legislative Audits – Audits of the Baltimore Police Department.
Under SB 140, the Office of Legislative Audits is empowered to conduct a full audit of the Baltimore Police Department and to define the scope of the audit.
Senate Bill 122 / House Bill 45 – Economic Development – Opportunity Zone Incentives – Alteration of the More Jobs for Marylanders and Opportunity Zone Enhancement Programs.
This legislation will close loopholes for designated Opportunity Zones. This includes requirements for the minimum wage, the legislation’s sunset provision, and additional reporting requirements.
Senate Bill 452 – Family Investment Program – Temporary Cash Assistance – Funding.
Under SB 452, the Temporary Cash Assistance fund will be infused with additional funds starting in fiscal year 2022. As a result, the value of Temporary Cash Assistance, combined with federal food stamps, will be equal to at least 61.25% of the state minimum living level.
House Bill 1 – Built to Learn Act of 2020.
As part of the “Built to Learn Act of 2020,” we were able to secure the funding necessary to build a new Furley Elementary School and to conduct major renovations on Northeast Middle School.
Senate Bill 328 – Baltimore City – 45th District – Alcoholic Beverages – Exchange of Class B Beer, Wine, and Liquor License.
SB 328 provides a liquor license to Silver Queen, a 45th District restaurant located on the Harford Road corridor.
Capital Budget Initiatives for the 45th District
In addition to specific pieces of legislation, this session also brought victories for capital budget initiatives in our district.
- Belair Edison Neighborhood Inc. $200,000 for the restoration of the Belair Road Commercial Corridor
- Bliss Meadows. $50,000 towards a farmhouse that teaches nature and urban farming to the community. The site is located in the Frankford Community
- Greenmount West Community Center. $30,000 for renovations
- Habitat for Humanity of Chesapeake. $250,000 allocated toward the purchase and renovation of homes in the four by four neighborhood
- Hamilton Elementary Middle School. $75,000 for playground and community space
- Hoen Lithograph Building. $200,000 for security enhancements
- Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric. $500,000 for renovations
- Southern Bridge. $500,000 allocated toward the construction of a restaurant
- Ulman House. $100,000 renovation of Ulman House
- Gompers Building. $1.5 million for planning and design
One Last Thing . . .
My office is accepting applications for the Senatorial Scholarship. All current high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who have submitted a FAFSA are eligible to apply. For additional information, please contact me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
An Active Legislative Session
February 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
With the 2020 Legislative Session in full swing, #TeamMcCray has been active in terms of introducing legislation that will benefit the entire State of Maryland. This includes four new bills that address behavioral health in our State. You can learn more about each bill in our latest vlog post here.
In the Legislature
Senate Bill 687 – Expungement of Conviction – Driving While Privilege is Canceled, Suspended, Refused, or Revoked. Did you know that under Maryland law, driving with a suspended license is not an expungable offense? As a result, an individual who has this offense on his or her record is unable to have it ever removed—no matter how much time has passed. And, as I explain in an editorial for Maryland Matters, this can have devastating consequences if that individual has another offense on their record. SB 687 will allow individuals to petition for expungement if they have been convicted of driving on, among other things, a suspended license.
Senate Bill 574 – Jobs Court Pilot Program. This session, I have been working with Judge Nicole Pastore to expand a pilot program that will allow individuals convicted of criminal offenses to return to work. Thanks to Judge Pastore’s leadership, this is a program that has already seen success in Baltimore; we hope to expand its success to the entire State. This is exactly the type of meaningful criminal justice reform that will make Maryland a leader in the United States.
Senate Bill 72 – Members of the Command Staff of the Police Department – Residency Requirements. SB 72 will empower the City Council to require all Baltimore Police Department officers at the rank of Colonel or higher to be residents of Baltimore. It’s a simple bill that sends a clear message: our City’s leaders should live in our City. I was proud to read the Baltimore Sun editorial board’s recent praise for this piece of legislation, and look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Delegates to ensure its passage.
For a full list of the legislation that I have introduced this session, please see the attached link.
In the 45th
I appreciated the chance to stop by Johnston Square Elementary School to celebrate the 100th day of school with a class of pre-kindergarten students. To celebrate the big day, we read “Miss Bindergarten celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten.” Afterwards, we talked about Mae Jemison, who was the first black woman to travel to space, and Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic light. I can only imagine what accomplishments these inquisitive young people will have later in their lives. Thank you to Principal Olumiji and his entire team for their hard work in preparing our next generation of leaders.
Later this month, we will be holding a 45th District Town Hall. The Town Hall will take place on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 AM at Lillie Mae Carroll Public Charter School (2200 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, MD 21213).
One Last Thing . . .
My office is accepting applications for the Senatorial Scholarship. All current high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who have submitted a FAFSA are eligible to apply. For additional information, please contact me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Hitting the Ground Running
January 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
The start of a new year means something particularly special in the State of Maryland. Because our state legislature only meets for a portion of the calendar year, January always symbolizes the start of our duties in Annapolis. It is an honor to once again return to the state house as the Senator for the 45th District. I am also pleased to serve as a member of the Senate’s Budget & Taxation Committee, and Chairman of the Public Safety & Transportation Subcommittee. For more on what to expect from the 2020 Legislative Session, please take a look at my recent interview with Center Maryland here.
And, in case you weren’t aware already, the “Fight for $15” law hit another milestone on January 1. Before, the statewide minimum wage was $10.10 an hour; today, it is $11 an hour. This, of course, is all part of the gradual phase-in to a statewide minimum wage of $15 an hour that will occur in 2025.
In the 45th
As always, I enjoyed joining my friends at The Sixth Branch for the organization’s annual day of service in commemoration of MLK Day. As a veteran-run organization, The Sixth Branch understands the meaning of service to others and the importance of playing an active role in one’s community.
This month I also had the opportunity to meet with fellow neighbors in the 45th District for our 2020 Pre-Legislative Town Hall. This is one of the most important events we hold each year because it provides an opportunity to discuss the work done over the previous legislative session and provides a chance to speak with fellow members in the community about our shared priorities for the upcoming session. Thank you to all who spared a couple hours to join us.
At the end of this month, I went back to school with the 8th grade students of Hamilton Elementary/Middle School. Understanding how government works—and their role in the process both as students and soon-to-be voters—is always important, but I especially like to make sure our young people understand how state and local politics function.
In the News
Police Residency. I have reintroduced legislation that would require the highest-ranking officers in the Baltimore Police Department to live in the City of Baltimore. When our city’s most important leaders live in the city, it is a testament to their commitment to Baltimore and their investment in our communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the bill’s passage in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.
Prison System Overtime. We are all familiar with the overtime problem within the Baltimore Police Department, but I recently had the opportunity to speak with the Baltimore Sun about a similar issue taking place within the Maryland correctional system. For those workers who are forced to work double shifts, I have proposed a pay increase. Not only will this more fairly compensate prison officials, it will also encourage the State of Maryland to ensure that it is adequately staffing our correctional facilities to avoid the need for such frequent overtime in the first place.
Increasing the Cigarette Tax. Also in the Sun this month, I authored an editorial about the urgent need to increase our cigarette tax—an initiative that I am working on with my colleague House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke. This tax increase, which would amount to an additional $2 per pack on cigarettes, would help fund statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This is especially important given the alarming frequency of Maryland residents (including youth) who are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes and other tobacco/nicotine products.
For a full list of the legislation that I have introduced this session, please see the attached link.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Final Thoughts on 2019
December 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Happy New Year! As we look ahead to the new year, I would like to update you on what #TeamMcCray has been working on over the final few weeks of 2019.
Baltimore at Work
I enjoyed the opportunity to tour the GAF Roofing Plant in South Baltimore, which employs about 180 workers over three shifts. GAF is the number one roofing shingle distributer in the country and their Baltimore plant is one of the seven largest in the nation. They also have an incredibly diverse workforce that is represented by the Teamsters and LIUNA.
In partnership with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO), I organized a podcast with Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, and BCCC President Dr. Debra McCurdy. During the podcast, we had a chance to talk about the progress being made throughout our city. You can listen to the full audio here.
Earlier this month, the Baltimore International Academy—one of Baltimore’s foreign language immersion schools—held an award ceremony to recognize the achievements of its talented students. It was inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiasm that our young people have for their studies. Kudos to all of the BIA students and faculty for their hard work during the first half of the school year.
In the Neighborhood
No one knows our communities better than our seniors. I was delighted to join our neighbors at the Everall Gardens Senior Home on Belair Road for snacks and drinks to discuss my first year in the Maryland Senate. I am thankful for the wisdom and counsel they provided during our time together, and look forward to engaging with them in the year to come.
Once again, we had the opportunity to join the Keystone Mountain Lakes Carpenters for our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Thanks to the Carpenters, we were able to provide 200—yes, 200—turkeys to neighbors in the 45th District.
A Successful Pre-Reception Reception
Thank you to all who came out to the Pre-Session Reception earlier this month. The event was a major success and a great opportunity to reconnect with many neighbors in the 45th District and throughout Baltimore.
A Pre-Legislative Town Hall
On behalf of the 45th District delegation, I would like to invite you to join myself, Delegate Talmadge Branch, and Delegate Stephanie Smith for a townhall meeting on Saturday, January 4 at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries (6600 Radecke Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206) at 10:00AM. We expect to cover everything from ideas to improve our communities to legislative priorities, the bond bill process, and senatorial/delegate scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Thankful for my 45th District Neighbors
November 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Happy Thanksgiving! It is my hope that each of you will have the chance to spend time with family and friends over the next few days, and to reflect on the blessings the year has brought. One of the great pleasures of the Thanksgiving holiday is that we are given an additional occasion to think about what (and who) we are thankful for. This month in particular, I have had a lot of time to speak with neighbors in the 45th District on matters ranging from education to public safety to community improvements. All along the way, I was reminded of how grateful I am to serve residents who are so invested in their community.
Additionally, I am thankful to the Family League of Baltimore for recognizing me with their “Civic Leadership Award” at the organization’s annual celebration this month. It was humbling to share the room with so many advocates for our youth whose work I have admired for a long time. The Family League’s work and commitment is yet another thing to be thankful for.
Focusing on the 45th
Earlier this month, I shared my decision not to run for the vacancy in Congress that opened up after the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. Though it was an honor for my name to be mentioned alongside so many other qualified individuals, I determined that the best course of action is to devote my full energy to the Maryland Senate. You can read my full statement here.
The State of Our Schools
For this year’s “State of Our Schools” forum, we were joined by Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan (Chairman of the “Kirwan Commission” and former Chancellor of the University System of Maryland), Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises (CEO of Baltimore City Schools), and Frank Patinella (Senior Education Advocate for the ACLU of Maryland). In addition to learning more about upcoming legislation that will impact our young people for years to come, the parents, teachers, principals, business leaders, and students who joined us were able to voice their opinions on our state’s most pressing educational issues. Thank you to everyone who came out. You can read more about the forum in the AFRO.
Making Our Neighborhoods Safer
I joined Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, Councilwoman Shannon Sneed, and the Baltimore State’s Attorney Office at the Eastern District police precinct to discuss the multiple homicides that have taken place on Biddle Street in recent weeks. Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear directly from BPD command staff on the actions they are taking to make our streets safer.
One Last Thing…
Before we head into the 2020 legislative session, #TeamMcCray is hosting a community fundraiser on Wednesday, December 11. For $20.20, you can purchase a ticket to the event and support our efforts to create a safer and more equitable Baltimore. The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at “Open Works,” which is located at 1400 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Tickets can be purchased here. You can also RSVP on Facebook here.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District