Category: Blog

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

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

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 45^thDistrict 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 7^thgrade journey, as is Reagan for 5^thgrade, CJ for kindergarten, and Bryson for preschool.

Making Strides for the 45^th
I was concerned when I learned that Governor Hogan was refusing to release $765,000 in funding for neighborhood parks in the 45^thDistrict. 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

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 45^th 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 45^th 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.

45^th 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

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