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
Remembering a legend
October 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
This month the City of Baltimore lost one of its most courageous champions. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a legend both here at home and in the halls of Congress. From an early age, he understood the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless and standing up for the principles you believe in. His life of service is a reminder of the obligation we all have to help our communities prosper.
Supporting Baltimore Schools
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as a public servant is having the chance to work with our city’s young people. This month I had the privilege of joining a number of students at Archbishop Curley High School. Thank you to the students and faculty at Archbishop Curley for giving me an opportunity to speak to them.
I was proud to partner with CollegeBound to host the first “Apprenticeship Tour” for Baltimore high school students. Students attending City Neighbors High School, Dunbar High School, National Academy Foundation, and REACH! Partnership participated in a day-long tour of three different training centers. From screwing in drywall to using an interactive machine that simulates welding, each of the participating high school students were able to get a glimpse of what a career in the building trades looks like. You can read more about the Apprenticeship Tour here.
On Tuesday, November 5, we’ll be hosting a “State of our Schools” forum to discuss education in the 45th District and throughout the State of Maryland. We’ll be joined by a distinguished group of education and policy leaders, including 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 Kimberly Humphrey, Esq. (Public Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Maryland). We look forward to having a conversation about everything from 21st Century Schools construction to statewide investments in K-12 education. The event will be held at The REACH! Partnership School at 2555 Harford Road on November 5 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
Police Redistricting
On October 1, Senate Bill 39, which requires the Baltimore Police Commissioner to prepare a redistricting plan every ten years, went into effect. I sponsored this legislation to ensure that essential public safety services are being allocated in an efficient manner. You can read more about the redistricting here.
New Leadership in the Senate
When we return to Annapolis in January, the Senate will be led by 46th District Senator Bill Ferguson. I have worked alongside Bill since 2015 when I began serving in the Maryland General Assembly. He has just the right blend of tenacity and passion to excel as Senate President, and I look forward to seeing him take the helm this session.
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.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Breaking Ground
September 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
When I announced my campaign for State Senate two years ago, I talked about how our communities deserved more than they had been getting. Decades of disinvestment in our neighborhoods was manifesting itself as vacant and blighted spaces, under-resourced schools, and in heightened worries about public safety. These concerns have been at the front of my mind each day that I have served as your 45th District Senator.
Solutions to challenges like these do not happen overnight, but I am proud to share our progress on each of these issues in this month’s McCray Messenger.
The State of Our Schools
For over a decade, students and teachers at Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle School were used to technological shortcomings. In addition to hampering daily instruction, testing days were especially tough at Tilghman because there just weren’t enough reliable computers to get through testing without delays and interruptions. That’s why I’m proud to announce that Johns Hopkins has committed over $50,000 to replace outdated computer technology at Tilghman. Thanks to their contribution, students are able to complete their schoolwork and tests on brand new Chromebooks.
Next month, we’ll be hosting a “State of our Schools” forum to discuss education both in the 45th District and throughout the State of Maryland. We’ll be joined by a distinguished group of education and policy leaders, including 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 Kimberly Humphrey, Esq. (Public Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Maryland). We look forward to having a conversation about everything from 21st Century Schools construction to statewide investments in K-12 education. The event will be held at The REACH! Partnership School at 2555 Harford Road on November 5 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
Live Where You Work
The “Live Near Your Work” program offers grants to employees of Johns Hopkins so that they can purchase homes in neighborhoods near the university and hospital campuses. Fortunately, the program has been expanded into the following communities: Johnston Square, South Clifton Park, Belair Edison, Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello, Mayfield, and Darley Park. This expansion will make it easier for Hopkins employees to truly invest in their communities through home ownership, and will provide an added layer of stability for 45th District neighborhoods. To learn more about the “Live Near Your Work” partnership, please check out the op-ed that I recently co-authored with my friend Alicia Wilson.
North East Housing Initiative Groundbreaking
I was proud to join the North East Housing Initiative (NEHI) to celebrate the ground breaking of a new project that will bring affordable homes to the 4×4 neighborhood in lower Belair Edison. I was proud to partner with my colleagues, Delegates Cheryl Glenn, Talmadge Branch, and Stephanie Smith to secure a $75,000 bond from the State of Maryland to support NEHI’s work.
New #TeamMcCray Sponsored Public Safety Laws
On October 1, three public safety bills that I introduced this session were enacted into law. Senate Bill 39 requires the Police Commissioner to prepare a redistricting plan for the City’s police districts following each decennial census. Senate Bill 41 requires the Office of Legislative Audits to conduct an audit of the Baltimore Police Department to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness. And Senate Bill 81 requires the Baltimore Police Department to produce an annual report on how grants received from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention are being used to support community policing efforts.
Never Forget
Finally, I was humbled to once again participate in The 6th Branch’s day of service on September 11. Volunteers from across our City, including employees from CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield, T.RowePrice, Legg Mason, and McCormick joined together to carry on the legacy of the first responders and heroes from 9/11.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Summer Reflections
August 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
It may seem hard to believe but summer is already nearing its end. In preparation for the school year, I was proud to give out over 200 backpacks across the 45thDistrict to young people in need of school supplies. We still have a few more left, so please feel free to reach out by replying to this e-mail if you would like one.
On a personal note, the end of summer has been an exciting time for our family. Over the summer, CJ and Bryson had fun working with Coach Kat and Lacrosse at Coppermine on Falls Road, Reagan enjoyed working on her basketball game at the Y, and all four of the kids enjoyed swimming at the Y. Kennedy is excited to begin her 7thgrade journey, as is Reagan for 5thgrade, CJ for kindergarten, and Bryson for preschool.
Making Strides for the 45th
I was concerned when I learned that Governor Hogan was refusing to release $765,000 in funding for neighborhood parks in the 45thDistrict. In addition to penning an op-ed for The AFRO, I reached out directly to the Department of Natural Resources to see what could be done about securing the funds the state legislature intended for our District to receive. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the funds were improperly withheld, which means the parks will get their funding after all. I am thankful for all of the passionate community leaders who spoke out about the immediate impact these funds will have on our neighborhoods.
In last month’s McCray Messenger, I told you about the quarterly principal’s meeting where we focused on ensuring that students have access to the rich cultural arts institutions in the Baltimore region. You can watch a short videoabout that meeting here.
#TeamMcCray on the Road
In addition to my work here at home, I was also able to travel during the month of August. I spent some time in Minneapolis, where I had the opportunity to speak about political engagement at the A. Phillip Randolph Conference.
In Nashville, I joined the Millennial Action Project—a bipartisan group of legislators—to discuss solutions that each of us can bring back to our respective states.
I also joined a group called RePOWER, which has asked me to help train newly-elected state and local officials on agenda-setting, managing a governmental office, and providing responsive constituent services. I am proud to join my friend Councilman Kris Burnett as one of the 16 legislators asked to serve in this capacity.
Finally, I attended the Council of State Governments Conference in Pittsburgh, where I gained a better understanding of emerging policy matters that are occurring throughout the country. Learning experiences like each of these not only serve as a great opportunity to engage and network with other state legislators from across the country, they help me get a sense of what ideas should be brought back to Maryland—and what policy solutions haven’t worked out as expected in other states.
One Last Thing…
We recently hit 4,500 likes on our Facebook page. Have you “liked” us on Facebook yet?
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Our Communities at Work
July 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
The month of July has been an eventful one for #TeamMcCray. More importantly, it has been a month of upward momentum for the 45th District. Below, you’ll see just a few (of the many) stories of great things happening in our communities.
Sponsoring Our Students
Each year, I am proud to have the opportunity to meet young scholars from across the City of Baltimore who are about to begin—or are continuing—their higher education journey. This year, over 90 students joined myself and community leaders to interview for the 45th District Senatorial Scholarship. We had the chance to meet students from Poly, Mervo, NAF, City Neighbors, Green Street Academy, Dunbar, and Bard.
A variety of fields of study were represented — including music, biology, engineering, communication, business, international marketing, nursing, and so many more. A special thank you goes out to Mayor Jack Young, Council President Brandon Scott, and Councilwoman Danielle McCray for giving encouraging words to the students. And, thank you to the 45th District Community for putting me in the position to give back to our community.
Earlier this month, we convened for the quarterly District Principals and State Aided Institutions (SAI) meeting to ensure that our City’s young people are enjoying the many cultural arts institutions in the Baltimore region. I am grateful for each and every principal and to the cultural institutions that are working diligently to improve the lives of our youth. The most gratifying part of the meeting was the strong presentation about Shirley Chisholm by our young leader Naomi. I would also like to thank Dr. JoAnn Martin for highlighting the important work happening at the National Great Blacks & Wax Museum.
45th District Inspiration
It was truly uplifting to spend time with Ms. Vanessa and learn more about her work at The Club of Collington Square. On the small block of Mura Street, Ms. Vanessa and her team have set up summer programming that has reached over 100 children in the neighborhoods of East Baltimore, and has provided employment for over half a dozen YouthWorks employees. With the many challenges that we face as Baltimoreans, we are blessed to have The Club of Collington Square serve as a model for our youth.
I was also inspired by my visit to Darley Park, where I had the opportunity to take part in the Ribbon Cutting for the new Gateway Park. For those who don’t know its history, Gateway Park is the definition of a community vision come to life. Over the past two years, Ms. Pauline, Ms. Francis, Ms. Randall, and others have worked tirelessly to transform a once-vacant lot into a park that can compete with any park in the State of Maryland. It features chess tables, a brick stage, greenery, lighting, benches, and—most importantly—a safe space for our children and seniors to congregate and engage in fellowship.
I am thankful for partners such as Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, the Parks & People Foundation, The 6th Branch, Whitney Frazier, Neighborhood Design Center, and so many others that helped the community create such a beautiful space.
In the News
Drs. Richard Bruno and Nithin Paul wrote an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun, highlighting the importance of the Summer SNAP for Children Act. It is important that our State’s young people are able to access healthy meals during the summer months, and I was proud to introduce legislation that will combat food insecurity throughout Maryland.
In a recent editorial for The AFRO, I discussed the impact that Governor Hogan’s refusal to release budgetary funds is having in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Important bipartisan initiatives such as increasing funding for rape kit testing and making it easier for youth to access transportation for their summer jobs have all been sidelined by the administration’s latest actions. I encourage you to read the full op-ed here
One Last Thing…
#TeamMcCray is committed to addressing any concerns that you may have. Please feel free to reach out to me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or by phone at (410) 841-3165 if you have any concerns.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District