Category: Blog

June 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

For families with young children, this time of year is always both exciting and even a little bit scary. As the school year lets out, we’re proud to watch our kids reach yet another milestone, but we’re also reminded of just how fast they’re growing up. This time last year, my daughter Kennedy had completed 5^th grade and was getting ready to start middle school. She was nervous at the beginning of the school year but with the support of her teachers was able to make the National Junior Honor Society and participate in the Ingenuity Project. Not only am I proud of her for excelling in rigorous coursework, I am also grateful for the dedicated staff at Baltimore City Public Schools who provide an environment where she and her peers can succeed.

Emphasizing Education
This month I published an op-ed in the AFRO discussing the need to value teaching as a profession in our State. Now more than ever, our teachers are wearing many different hats in the classroom and we need to be everything we can to attract the most qualified candidates to our schools, and to keep them once they’ve been hired.

With the school year ending, I enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremonies at Furley Elementary School, Sinclair Lane Elementary School, REACH Partnership!, YO Baltimore, Hamilton Elementary/Middle School, and Glenmount Elementary/Middle School. Celebrating the accomplishments of our City’s young people is always worthwhile and I appreciated the chance to share my thoughts on the value of education and determination with our young scholars.

Working for Our Community
The 45^th District End of Session Town Hall had a great turnout. After a productive session in Annapolis, I always look forward to spending time talking with neighbors in the 45^th District about what we were able to accomplish and what we’re planning to work on in the next session. It also is a great opportunity to learn about concerns in the community and to discuss issues taking place in Baltimore and across the State.

I also participated in the third annual celebration of “B Local.” B Local is an initiative comprised of 25 businesses in the Baltimore region that have committed to supporting local and minority companies in Baltimore by utilizing their services as vendors and by hiring local talent. It was refreshing to hear the story of Roxine Chambers, who interns at Howard Bank and Teshome Webishet, who is a research assistant at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. As a city, we’re unstoppable when we take the time to invest in our businesses and equip members of the community with the tools they need to be successful.

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

May 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I hope that you were each able to take advantage of the holiday weekend to spend additional time with family and friends. Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifice that America’s fallen have made in order to ensure that each of us has a shot at the American dream. We must never forget their bravery and commitment to service as we work to make the American dream more accessible to more people.

In the Community
Recently, I joined Belair-Edison, Glenham-Belhar, Fort Worthington, Frankford, and many more neighborhoods for community meetings to address concerns and speak about the 2019 legislative session. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has made the time to come out and share their thoughts and concerns with me.

I was humbled to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Ulman House. Four years ago, we secured state funding to turn six abandoned homes into a beautiful new home where cancer patients can stay while receiving treatment. For young adult cancer patients and their caregivers, The Ulman House will remove the stress of finding and paying for housing during the treatment process. Partnerships like this are vital to moving our neighborhoods forward.

I was also honored to receive the “Community Action Value and Vision Award” from the Maryland Community Action Partnership. This is a phenomenal organization that serves some of the most vulnerable populations across the State of Maryland. Under the leadership of CEO Angela Martin and Board Chair Lori Cunningham, MCAP has done even more to help Marylanders facing utility challenges, food insecurity, and access to essential services. It was a wonderful event and I’m very glad to have been part of it.

Over the past month, I have also had the chance to spend time with our younger community members. I enjoyed serving as the keynote speaker for The Y in Central Maryland’s Annual Youth & Government Banquet. Among the 200 students from across the State of Maryland were students from Mervo, ACCE, and Patterson.

I also stopped by the Cub Scouts Pack 159 (Webelos 1 & 2) to talk about the value of public service and leadership. Each of the Cub Scouts asked great questions and we eventually had a conversation about the state of crime in Baltimore. In addition to formal legislation, I shared with the Cub Scouts that a critical piece to solving Baltimore’s crime problem is investing time in our young people and letting them know the value of education, hard work, and giving back to their communities. It’s always inspiring to see that young leaders like the Cub Scouts are engaged in community issues and are dedicated to being part of the solution.

Lastly, I enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer alongside nurses, lawyers, police officers, and university professors at St. Francis Neighborhood Center’s Mock Interview Program. In addition to preparing Baltimore high school students for future job interviews, we were also able to speak with them about our respective professions.

In the News
As we prepare to head into summer, it’s important to realize that the summer months can present an extra layer of difficulty for students of low-income families who depend on school-provided meals. This year, I sponsored the Summer SNAP for Children Act so that our most vulnerable children will not have to worry about going hungry while school is out for the summer. You can learn more about this initiative in my opinion piece for Maryland Matters here.

In addition to the Summer SNAP for Children Act, this year we were successful on a number of budgetary and policy fronts. We raised the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour, lowered prescription drug costs for retirees, and secured a massive investment in public K-12 education… just to name a few things. You can learn more about why we should all be proud of the achievements of this year’s session here.

Two Last Things…
We’ll be hosting a post-session reception on Thursday, May 30 at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased here. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, you can also do so at this link.

The 45^th District Delegation (myself and Delegates Branch, Glenn, and Smith) will be holding a 45^th District End of Session Townhall on June 8 at Henderson Hopkins School from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We would love for you to join us there. Additional details can be found here.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

April 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

April 8 marked the conclusion of a productive session of the Maryland General Assembly. Regrettably, it ended on a somber note as we mourned the loss of Speaker Mike Busch, a dedicated public servant and mentor to countless Maryland leaders. Throughout his life, Speaker Busch embodied the definition of a true statesman. His presence and leadership in our State’s House of Delegates will be sorely missed. It was an honor to have served under him during my time in the House.

This year was my first as the 45^th District’s State Senator. I was honored to serve on the Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee, which plays a critical role in overseeing the funding for many projects underway in Baltimore City.

Notes from Annapolis
We had the opportunity to take action on a number of significant bills that will directly impact the lives of working class Marylanders. Below, I’ve included a few highlights of this year’s legislative session:

Fight for $15 – SB 280 / CH 11 (2019)
#TeamMcCray’s major initiative this session was to focus on an issue that affects all of us but especially affects our State’s working class families: a raise in the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour. Put simply, those who are working full-time jobs in our state should not have to worry about being able to afford basic necessities like groceries, living expenses, and childcare. Though Governor Hogan vetoed this legislation after it passed the Senate and House with overwhelming majorities, the General Assembly rallied behind an override of the Governor’s veto. A $15 minimum wage will be in effect by January 1, 2025.

Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Redistricting – SB 39 (2019)
Under SB 39, the BPD Commissioner will be required to prepare a plan for redistricting the Department’s police districts following each decennial census. In doing so, our City will be able to ensure that law enforcement resources are properly allocated both according to need and population.

BPD Mandatory Audits – SB 41 (2019)
SB 41 requires the BPD, which is a state agency, to undergo a regular audit by the Office of Legislative Audits to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department’s financial management practices.

BPD Community Policing Efforts – SB 81 (2019)
The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention provides grants to the BPD to assist in its policing efforts. SB 91 will require the BPD to report on how those grant monies have been used to further community policing efforts in the City.

Residential Rental Inspections  – SB 33 (2019)
Under SB 33, licensed home inspectors will not be able to make certain certifications relating to pest control unless the inspector is certified as a pest control consultant, pest control applicator, or public agency applicator. Likewise, an inspector will not be able to make certain certifications relating to electrical systems unless they have completed a specified amount of electrical training.

Reducing “Food Deserts” – SB 116 (2019)
SB 116 expands the State of Maryland’s Complete Streets Program to include a focus on access to retail stores that provide healthy food and other necessities. Thus, under the Complete Streets Program, the Maryland Department of Transportation is now required to consider the impact that its projects will have on providing access to sources of healthy food, especially in locations designated as “food deserts.”

The Summer SNAP for Children Act – SB 218 (2019)
The Summer SNAP for Children Act will provide additional funding to supplement benefits received under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“Food Stamps”) for children. In doing so, we’ll be able to ensure that our State’s children are not going hungry in the summer months when they no longer have access to school-provided meals.

Connecting with the Community
In celebration of career day, I had the chance to talk with a number of bright Pre-K and 2^nd Grade students about being a union electrician and Maryland State Senator. It’s never too early to start having conversations with kids about the importance of finding your passion and turning that passion into a fulfilling career. Thank you to Principal Slayton and her team for the energy and love they give to our young people.

I enjoyed serving as the guest speaker for this month’s Democratic State Central Committee Meeting. After a productive 90 days in Annapolis, it was a great opportunity to talk about the progress we have made – and the work that we must continue in the coming months and years. I also joined community leaders at the Frankford Improvement Association to discuss the session.

At the end of last month, the 45^th District Delegation hosted our annual “45^th District Night” in Annapolis to hear from constituents and talk about the status of a number of bills that would positively impact our neighborhoods.

ICYMI

• It was an honor to have been recognized as one of the “Winners” of the 2019 Legislative Session by Maryland Matters
• I joined BMoreNews.com for an interview to discuss Baltimore and this year’s session in Annapolis. You can watch the full interview here

One Last Thing…
You are cordially invited to join me for a Post-Session Celebration Fundraiser on Thursday, May 30 at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased here. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, you can also do so at this link.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

March 2019

McCray-Sponsored “Fight for $15” Passes in Maryland Senate
#TeamMcCray’s signature piece of legislation this session, which will increase the minimum wage in our state to $15 per hour, has passed in the Maryland Senate.

For the many Maryland families who struggle to afford basic necessities and must confront tough decisions about working multiple minimum wage jobs, this pay increase could be the difference between being able to make rent or knowing that they’ll be able to afford groceries for the week. Fundamentally, this is legislation that supports working class families in the State of Maryland. I recently sat down with Comcast Newsmakers to talk about this—and other—legislation. You can view that segment here.

Pending Legislation
In addition to the “Fight for $15,” we also have another 11 bills that are currently pending in the Maryland General Assembly and have gained a lot of traction. A brief summary of each is included below:

• SB 33 – Prohibiting licensed home inspectors from making certain certifications relating to pests or electrical systems unless they possess the requisite level of training
• SB 39 – Requires a redistricting of police districts every 10 years
• SB 41—Requires the Office of Legislative Audits to conduct an audit of the Baltimore Police Department, as is the practice for every other state agency
• SB 43 – Allows the Baltimore Mayor and City Council to impose residency requirements for those police officers serving in leadership roles
• SB 81 – Requires the Baltimore Police Department to submit a report detailing how it has spent money received from grants provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention
• SB 116 – Expanding the “complete streets” program of the State Highway Association to ensure access to healthy food for those living in food deserts
• SB 218 – Establishing a process for the State to provide additional funding to supplement benefits received under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for children
• SB 280 – “Fight for $15”; Increasing the statewide minimum wage to $15 per hour
• SB 481 – Creating a grant program to assist local school systems with costs associated with implementing remedial measures to address elevated levels of lead in drinking water
• SB 596 – Including mead within the definition of beer within the state’s alcoholic beverage laws
• SB 991 – Authorizing the Baltimore City Board of License Commissioners to issue a Class B-D-7 license if certain provisions are met
  

You also have probably heard about a proposal to create a police force for Johns Hopkins. This bill, Senate Bill 793, has garnered a significant amount of conversation in the legislature as well as in communities and among the news outlets. After attending a meeting in the 45^th District about the issue, I dived into the specific policy language to make sure that issues raised by our community were addressed in any legislation that advanced through the Senate.

In particular, I worked on issues concerning defined geographic boundaries, the vetting of the accountability board, local hiring, a 10-year sunset provision, restrictions on the ability to police adjacent communities, limits on the size of the police force, and reporting requirements for the police force. I will continue to be active in this process as the session continues.

Upcoming District Events
You’re invited to two 45^th District events that will be taking place this week!

First, Wednesday, March 20 is “45^th District Night” in Annapolis. We will have buses departing from four locations in Baltimore that will take constituents directly to the State House for an evening with myself and Delegates Glenn, Branch, and Smith.

Then on Saturday, March 23, the four of us will be hosting a “45^th District Townhall Meeting” at 9:00 AM in the Rita Church Community Center at 2101 Saint Lo Drive in Baltimore.

We’ll be talking about community concerns in the district, our legislative priorities for the 2019 session, and any other concerns that come up. We’d love to have you join us for either—or both—of these conversations. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact my office directly: (410) 841-3165 or cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us

One More Thing… 
Each year, members of the Maryland General Assembly award scholarships to students in their district who are (or will be) enrolled at an in-state undergraduate or graduate program. If you would like to apply for a scholarship for the 2019-20 academic year, please send me an e-mail at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

February 2019

With February well underway, much of the focus has been on preparing to turn our ideas for legislation into state law. Below, I am proud to share a number of the initiatives that our team has been working on. Each of these initiatives is critical to our vision of a more equitable and efficient State of Maryland.

#TeamMcCray’s Legislative Agenda

I’m proud to share that on February 7, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 39, which is #TeamMcCray’s first piece of legislation to be passed this session. SB 39 will require the Baltimore City Police Commissioner to reexamine the boundaries and composition of each police district following the completion of each decennial census. This will help ensure that law enforcement resources are being deployed in the most effective manner. You can read coverage of the legislation here. The bill is now up for deliberation in the House of Delegates.

We also introduced Senate Bill 229, which will add another $6 million to Baltimore’s YouthWorks program and provide 10,000 bus passes for young people seeking employment over the summer. As we continue to look for solutions for the squeegee kids and thousands of other young people in our city who have idle time during the break, the State has a responsibility to step up and provide assistance in their job search. You can read more details about our proposal here.

Finally, Senate Bill 43 will allow the Mayor and City Council to require Baltimore Police officers holding the rank of “Commander” to reside within the city limits. This is a crucial step in rebuilding trust between law enforcement and communities. Commanders in the BPD are an essential part of the department’s leadership and it is important that those holding such a high degree of responsibility are a part of the communities they are tasked with serving. I was happy to learn that both Mayor Pugh and Commissioner-designate Harrison are in agreement that BPD leaders should be city residents.

You can view the full list of legislation that we have introduced this session by clicking here.

“Fight for $15”

Of course, one of the most popular pieces of legislation being discussed this session is our initiative to raise the minimum wage in the State of Maryland to $15. I am especially proud to serve as the sponsor of this important policy priority – and look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and House to ensure its passage. Supporting the “Fight for $15” will have an immediate impact on working-class families and a long-term effect on many communities throughout our state. This month, I wrote an op-ed for The AFRO discussing why I’m so passionate about this bill.

Visiting the Institute of Notre Dame

This month I also had the chance to stop by the Institute of Notre Dame to learn more about their mission and the incredible work being done by their students. I was particularly impressed to meet with Destiny, a senior from my legislative district who is planning on a career in broadcasting. We are fortunate to have talent all around us in the City of Baltimore, and the students and staff of IND are a great example of it. 

One More Thing…

Each year, members of the Maryland General Assembly award scholarships to students in their district who are (or will be) enrolled at an in-state undergraduate or graduate program. If you would like to apply for a scholarship for the 2019-20 academic year, please send me an e-mail at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

January 2019

After many months of preparation, I was sworn in as the 45^th District’s Senator on January 9. Since that time, #TeamMcCray has been at work—in Baltimore and Annapolis—on making a smooth transition and beginning to lay out our legislative agenda for the 2019 session.

Prior to Day 1, we had the opportunity to celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors at a pre-session reception hosted at the Great Blacks in Wax Museum. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it.

Returning to the State House
The first day of the new session was incredibly busy. I began the morning by sitting down with C4 on WBAL 1090 for a discussion about the year to come. After that, I joined Chairman Barnes and members of Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus for a press conference supporting the “Fight for $15” initiative. And, of course, I was humbled to officially be sworn-in as a Maryland Senator. Thank you to all of those who joined us!

State Solutions for Public Safety
Recently, I published an article for The AFRO, in which I laid out a few ways that the Maryland General Assembly can act to improve the state of public safety in the City of Baltimore. In particular, I included the need for mandatory reporting of expenditures for long-term crime prevention solutions, updating the police districts in the city and beginning to conduct independent legislative audits of the department. You can read the full op-ed here.

Making Headlines
Finally, we’re proud that the work we have been doing has caught the attention of a number of leading news outlets. We’ve been included in The Daily Record’s “Top 10 to Watch,” the Washington Post’s “Meet the freshman class,” the Baltimore Sun’s “Fresh faces of power in Annapolis,” and Maryland Matters’ “Six Freshman Senators to Watch.”

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District

December 2018

As the beginning of the 2019 Legislative Session draws closer, I am becoming increasingly optimistic about the goals that we can achieve in the New Year. In particular, I am looking forward to serving on the Budget and Taxation Committee, as well as the Health and Human Services Subcommittee and the Capital Budget Subcommittee.

To celebrate the New Year, I would also like to invite you to a pre-session “Celebration Reception” on January 7 at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. You can purchase tickets or make a donation here.

In the News

I recently published an article for the AFRO about the urgent need for a balanced approach to public safety that combines investments in our youth, a continued commitment to our seniors, and upgrading technological resources for law enforcement. You can read more about the Baltimore City Delegation’s vision for public safety here.

It was also a pleasure to sit down with the teams from Center Maryland and Comcast Newsmakers to talk about our legislative priorities and the upcoming legislative session. You can watch those video segments here and here.

Happy Holidays

This year’s Team 45 Holiday Toy Drive was a great success. I would like to thank Function Coworking Community, Zeke’s Coffee – Baltimore, Batch Bake Shop, LemonTopia, YKI Decor and Events, Adrian Blu Moore, The DIVA Effect, Inc., and everyone who donated to make this event a success. It was wonderful to see so many people who were thinking of our city’s young people during this holiday season.

With that said, I hope that you enjoy yourself over the holiday season and I wish you all the best for a productive and healthy 2019.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Delegate, 45th Legislative District

November 2018

One of the best parts about the month of November is that it always serves as a reminder to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. Whether it’s time spent with family and friends, recent accomplishments, or new opportunities on the horizon, we all should take more time throughout the year to step back and recognize the blessings that surround us on a daily basis.

Among the things I am thankful for was the opportunity to once again partner with the Keystone Mountain Lakes Carpenters to give away 300 turkeys to neighbors throughout the 45^th District. This marks the third year in a row that we have teamed up in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Election Day Successes
Continuing on the theme of giving thanks, I am appreciative of everyone who came out to the polls on Election Day to help us reach the finish line in the general election. I spent a lot of time working the Early Voting locations and enjoyed meeting and reconnecting with all of the neighbors who early voted.

With the election now in the rearview mirror, I am looking forward to getting down to work in the upcoming legislative session and collaborating with Delegates Talmadge Branch and Cheryl Glenn, who were successful in their respective re-election efforts, as well as Delegate-elect Stephanie Smith – each of whom will be representing the 45^th District in Annapolis.

Investing in the Future
I was proud to join Dr. Bhutta and our recently re-elected Attorney General, Brian Frosh, for a discussion at the University of Maryland Medical Center on toy safety. Especially as we head into the winter holidays, it’s important for policymakers and families to consider the importance of requiring high standards for toy manufacturers so that our children are only playing with safe products. I encourage you to read the Maryland Public Interest Research Group’s full report here.

In recognition of American Education Week, I spent some time at Hamilton Elementary-Middle School, AFYA Public Charter School, and the Stadium School. I also dropped by Henderson Hopkins to speak with the sixth grade students about civic involvement. It was also a great honor to speak at the Senior Inauguration at the Baltimore New Era Academy, where I discussed the potential for greatness and the importance of giving back. The investment that we place in our young people today will pay tenfold in the future, and it was my pleasure to talk with the young men and women who one day will be leading our City and State.

Getting Out in the Community
It was great to be a part of community meetings this month in Frankford Belair-Edison, New Broadway East, and Mount Vernon. Our communities are made stronger by having engaged neighbors who are invested in their neighborhoods and I enjoyed speaking to those who came out.

***
Finally, on a personal note, it was an honor to be recognized in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker’s The Electrical Worker as one of the “IBEW Members Leading The Charge for Change.”

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Delegate, 45th Legislative District

McCray Messenger
October 2018

September was a busy month for #TeamMcCray. From attending events in the community to speaking with the media about the upcoming elections, my team and I have had our hands full. Speaking of the election, make sure that you are registered to vote! If you aren’t already registered, you’ll need to submit your application by October 16 in order to vote in November. You can check to see if you are registered here.

Out and About

This year marked the 17^th Anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. Over the past 6 years, I’ve honored the men and women that we lost in the attacks by participating in a “Day of Action” with The 6^th Branch, an organization led by veterans. The 6^th Branch is committed to brining people together and lending a helping hand in some of the most challenging neighborhoods in East Baltimore. It was a real privilege to commemorate 9/11 once again with the incredible folks at The 6^th Branch and with all of the volunteers who joined us for the day.

I was also happy to have the opportunity to stop by community meetings in the Milton-Montford, Hamilton Hills, Glenham-Belhar, Overlea, and Belair-Edison communities. It is always refreshing to see the passion that community leaders have for their neighborhoods and it’s an honor to serve each of these areas in the Maryland General Assembly. I also enjoyed the chance to stop by “The Chop Shop” on

Harford Road for First Fridays. Senator-Elect Mary Washington and I had the chance to talk education policy with small business owners from the 43^rd and 45^th Districts. Once official business was taken care of, it was good to relax and chat with neighbors at this year’s Belair-Edison Wine Festival.

Thank you to all who joined us for our Celebration Fundraiser! The evening was a tremendous success and it was a valuable opportunity to express gratitude for the neighbors, friends, and colleagues who shared our vision and passion and made it possible to get to this point.

Towards the end of the month, I headed to Washington, D.C. for my first tour of the Supreme Court of the United States. It’s one of the most impressive buildings in all of D.C. and I was fortunate enough to spend part of my visit talking about the Court with Justice Samuel Alito. 

On the Air
It’s an exciting time for Baltimore. It was clear after the June primary elections that a new generation of leaders will be representing our City in the statehouse. With new leadership comes new ideas and heightened energy. I’ve been grateful to speak about our vision for the next four years on numerous occasions over the past few months.

Recently, I stopped by the “Patrick Henderson’s Meet the People Radio Show” on WOLB with Senator-Elect Antonio Hayes. I also joined Senators-Elect Hayes and Washington on WBAL.

Gearing Up for the Midterms
We’re down to less than one month until the 2018 Midterm Elections. Maryland has a number of highly contested races, including the gubernatorial race, which means that Democratic voters will have to hit the voting booths in large numbers.

It was great to spend time in Anne Arundel County knocking doors with my colleague Delegate Pam Beidle and the rest of the 32^nd District team, and to volunteer for Sarah Elfreth, who will be a fantastic State Senator for District 30.

On Saturday, October 13, the 45^th District Democratic Central Committee is hosting a meet and greet with Ben Jealous, the Democratic Nominee for Governor of Maryland. Please register to attend on Facebook – and we look forward to seeing you at the Meet and Greet from 12:00PM – 2:00PM at Charm City Meadworks.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Delegate, 45th Legislative District

McCray Messenger
September 2018

Summer Recap
As you might have noticed, I took some time off from the blog over the past couple of months as my team and I devoted our efforts to finishing up the primary campaign and planning for the future.

In the political world, it’s often said that campaigns are hard not just on the candidate but on their entire family. I know that I’m grateful for the patience of my wife and children as we embarked on a tough nine-month journey. After the success we enjoyed on Election Day, I made a conscious effort to jump right back into my kids’ recreational activities. We’ve been spending our Saturdays at the Y on 33rd, where the girls are occupied with gymnastics and the boys are enrolled in art class. And on Sundays we’re back at the Y so three of them can spend time at the pool.

Summer also brought with it a chance to catch up on a favorite hobby of mine: reading. As much as I enjoy reading whenever I can, the schedule of the campaign left little spare time. I was excited to sit down with a copy of “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. “Team of Rivals” recounts the history of President Lincoln’s cabinet and their ability to put aside past differences for the good of the nation. It was fascinating to learn more about how national political figures of the time viewed their role not just as politicians but also as statesmen. I found it to be a fitting lesson for our present moment in history. If you’re looking for an informative, engaging, and timely read, this is it.

Back to School
School is back in session as of today and I was proud to help get some of our students prepared for the upcoming year. For our young people who aren’t as fortunate, the start of school can be a stressful time because of the cost of school supplies. We helped out by purchasing book bags full of back-to-school gear. We still have a few left, so please reach out if you know any young people in need. All you need to do is hit “reply” on this e-mail and include your name and phone number.

Setting the Agenda

I was honored to meet with the newly elected 45th District Central Committee last month. Not only were we able to break bread and get to know each other better, we were also able to formally begin discussing our vision for the 45th District. I’m looking forward to working with each of them as we near closer to session.

In addition to meeting with the Central Committee, I’ve been in constant meetings to become more acclimated with the procedures and operations of the Maryland State Senate. Already I’ve sat down with Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. to discuss possible committee assignments. I’ve also met with several of my colleagues, Baltimore City Planning, Kaiser Permanente, the Interim President of Baltimore City Community College, President Jay Perman of the University of Maryland – Baltimore, the Downtown Partnership, Mayor Catherine Pugh, Attorney General Brian Frosh, the Maryland Health Initiative, and AFSCME. I also toured ReLeaf, a medical marijuana dispensary in our district, and met with the owner – and toured one of the growing facilities in Carroll County. I’m planning to keep up a busy schedule of meetings over the next several weeks so that I’m fully prepared for January.

Finally, I’ve enjoyed getting together with the five other incoming Baltimore City senators to discuss potential legislative priorities and the process for implementing the recommendations of the “Kirwan Commission” that has been taking a look at education funding in the State of Maryland. This will be one of the most important issues for legislators to examine when we head back to Annapolis.

Listening. Learning. Leading.

Cory McCray
Delegate, 45th Legislative District