Category: Blog

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

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

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

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