Featured Our April 2021 Report from the Session in Annapolis
April 2021
Dear Neighbors:
Last Monday night we concluded the 2021 session of the Maryland General Assembly. This Sine Die, the concluding day of the legislative session, marked the third year for which I have served you and our neighbors as the senator representing the 45th legislative district of Maryland. I count this responsibility as one of my great duties and approach it with seriousness and intention. I am encouraged by our office’s productivity, as noted by MD Matters, and our success passing 21 pieces of legislation this session. I previously noted at the midpoint of the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session that its pace was moving as fast as we would ordinarily find it because of the virtual and social-distancing adaptations that were made to meet the challenges cause by the COVID emergency. I proudly report that the sum of our work over the last ninety days will yield remarkable gains for the people of Maryland, especially the working people doing their best to make it every day in the face of great challenges.
My hope for this session was to direct state legislation, policy and budgeting to address the urgent needs created by the pandemic and keep sight of our separate and equally pressing strategic needs—our public investments in education, our HBCUs, workforce development, public transportation, and public safety. Our senate office begins the preparation and legwork for each session many months in advance with detailed research and legislative drafting. I believe this approach is a strong contributing factor to our success and the credit belongs to our office team—Tamika Winkler, Cody Dorsey, and Stephen Michael Thompson.
Below I provide an update on the priority legislation, describe some of the legislation in detail, and highlight our recent public commentary and our work leading the Baltimore City Senate Delegation. Each of the bills I highlight are important and meet a crucial need for our community. However, I am especially proud of our work to pass SB786 which, for the first-time since the civil war, returns the constitutional control of the Baltimore City Police Department to the City of Baltimore City and the direct control of its residents and their local government. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, and the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature. WBAL discussed the bill and its ablitity to advance public safety in a recent news segment.
In closing, I hope to see you when it’s safe to do so as I return to visiting our community associations and connecting with our communities to hear your thoughts and concerns. I take the privilege of serving you in the Maryland General Assembly to heart and approach each day determined to deliver for our district.
This year marked the end of my first year as the Chair of Baltimore City’s Senate Delegation. The work kept me busy following all Senate activity generally affecting Baltimore. As a reminder, the Delegation is where the six state senators whom represent the City in the Maryland General Assembly gather to discuss the matters affecting Baltimore and act on our agenda. The Delegation is focused on representing the interests, needs, and concerns of the city and its residents. One priority is ensuring that sufficient state funds are appropriated to support Baltimore City Public Schools’ academic, infrastructure, and operational needs. The Delegation holds hearings on important legislation that affect the City, such as those related to public safety and transportation. Each Legislative Session, the Mayor of Baltimore unveils a list of budget priorities for state consideration, which the Delegation works to secure. We have created a new website for the Delegation, please tell us your thoughts so we keep you informed of our work. Below I have also provided a link to our recent weekly briefings.
Delegation Briefings
We hosted weekly briefing to highlight issues of concern for Baltimore. Below is a list of the recent briefings and a link to their video.
- New* April 5, 2021 – Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Comptroller Bill Henry
- New* March 29, 2010 – A Special Briefing, in recognition of Women’s History Month 2021, with Circuit Court Clerk Marilyn Bentley, Register of Wills Belinda Conaway, and Baltimore’s first-ever Chief Equity Officer Dana Peterson Moore to hear about our Court System and Equity, Moderated by Senator Jill P. Carter
- New* March 22, 2021 – A briefing, moderated by Senator Antonio Hayes, on the Pimlico Race Course and Preakness
- March 15, 2021 – A Health Briefing with leading health professionals, and to hear more about Covid-19 vaccine distribution in Baltimore City
- March 8, 2021 – Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises and Baltimore Teachers Union President Diamonté Brown
- March 1, 2021 – Public Safety Briefing
- February 15, 2021 – City Administrator Christopher Shorter
- February 8, 2021 – Baltimore’s Congressional Delegation
- February 1, 2021 – Housing Resources
- January 25, 2021 – COVID’s Impact to our Colleges and Universities with Dr. McCurdy – BCCC, Dr. Wilson – Morgan State University, Dr. Jenkins – Coppin State University, and Ron Daniels – Johns Hopkins University
- January 18, 2021 – Resources for Local Small Businesses
COVID Vaccination Information
If you or a loved one is looking for an appointment, vaccination interest form for older adults is available at the Baltimore City Health Department’s website at coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/covax. Those older adults without access to the internet can also call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-396-2273.
Local area hospitals and medical providers listed on coronavirus.maryland.gov, under Find a Vaccine, have created interest forms for vaccinations when they become available, and residents in eligible Priority Groups are encouraged to visit those websites and sign up. Baltimore-area retailers and pharmacists such as Giant, Safeway, and Rite Aid locations have appointments too.
Legislative Update:
SB 525 – Centralized Booking Facility – Ballot Drop Box
Senate Bill 525, Baltimore City – Centralized Booking Facility – Voting Information and Early Voting Polling Place, requires the Baltimore City centralized booking facility to disseminate written information on voter registration and instructions directly to each eligible voter incarcerated in the facility. The bill is amended to require the State Board to provide a ballot brop box to the Baltimore City centralized booking facility in time to allow eligible voters an oppritunity to vote. The bill passed the Senate and the House of Delegate, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature. I’m very excited by this work because those whom can, should be provided reasonable access to the ballot box. Maryland must be proactive, and follow the actions of other leading communities, in removing all barriers that stop legally eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote.
SB 199 – Maryland Transit Administration – Funding – Transit Safety and Investment Act
I have previously mentioned this legislation and my belief that our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term viability. As we approached the end of session, I published an opinion piece with Maryland Matters on the need for updated investment in public transit. The piece titled “Ensuring the Health of Our Public Transit System”, notes “A reliable and efficient public transportation system enables residents – and visitors – to traverse their area with confidence as they visit historical landmarks from those right here in Baltimore to even those right down the road in our Nation’s Capital. Modern public transportation systems enable our people to engage in the full spectrum of a place with ease and security at a reasonable cost”.The bill passed the Senate, the House of Delegate, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature. I am proud of the bold steps Maryland is making with this legislation and was proud to join with public transit advocates, environmentalist, and state business leaders to advance our public transit system with substantive changes that sustain and advance the system’s operation and use. 
SB 2 – Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act of 2021
I am proud of our efforts to reform the Maryland Environmental Service since we learned that the agency’s former director spent lavishly and negotiated a significant payout when he left to become the governor’s chief of staff over the summer. The Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act is designed in part to establish stronger oversight of the agency and protect the investment of Maryland’s taxpayers. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature.
I wrote an opinion piece published in The Baltimore Sun on the work crafting this important reform legislation. The piece notes: “while MES oversight, governance, and accountability attracted attention and concern, the work to find a solution to the problem is not well known — though it should be. We found a viable, bipartisan solution to’ address the issues highlighted by MES and crafted a legislative solution to best govern the organization. It provides a prime example of the success possible when elected leaders act in concert to serve the greater good of our communities.
After many hours of hearings, legislators developed a series of findings to guide our oversight actions and used the information to craft The Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act (Senate Bill 2/ House Bill 2), which establishes stronger oversight of MES and protects the investment made by Maryland’s taxpayers.”
SB 96 – Behavioral Health Programs and Health Care Facilities – Safety and Community RelationsPlans
I’ve previously mentioned our effort to ensure that Behavioral Health Organizations communicate in partnership with their local communities. With SB96, Maryland will require that the regulations adopted by the Behavioral Health Administration governing the licensure of behavioral health programs include a requirement that programs establish and implement a safety plan for the safety of the individuals in the program and a community relations plan before being issued an operating license. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature.
SB184 – Reduced Fare Program for Opioid Treatment Program Patients
Opioid treatment programs work diligently with their consumers to build productive and healthy lives. Recognizing this, we have charged the Maryland Transit Administration with providing opioid treatment programs with monthly passes for their patients. A concern, however, is how do we hold treatment centers accountable while ensuring that their clients are receiving the best care. The purpose of this bill is to alter the application of the Maryland Transit Administration’s reduced fare program for opioid treatment program patients by prohibiting participation of program centers which are sanctioned or have had their licenses suspended or revoked. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously, but was not moved by the House of Delegates.
SB114 – Expungement of Conviction and Subsequent Offender Penalties – Driving While Privilege Is Canceled, Suspended, Refused, or Revoked
SB114 provides for relief by expungement if a person is convicted of a misdemeanor involving driving while the person’s license or privilege to drive is canceled, suspended, refused, or revoked. This legislation is an important part of eliminating unnecessary burdens that prevent individuals from accessing living wages in sound jobs. I’m very proud that the bill passed the Senate unanimously, the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature.
Creating Incentives to End Food Deserts
When we recently lost a supermarket in our district due to the Save-A-Lot in Oliver at Church Square closing, I began working on legislation that acts to retain and attract super markets to our area. I introduced a series of proposals to create economic incentives for attracting businesses that retail healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, in an area noted as a food desert. One proposal provides for grocery stores to retail beer and wine in new establishments that are situated in a food deserts so that they are incentivized to open the market.
SB365 – Neighborhood Business Development Program – Food Desert Projects – Business Retention
SB365 expands the purposes of the Neighborhood Business Development Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to include retaining and creating small businesses that provide access to healthy food in designated “food deserts” by providing loans that are used to cover operating expenses incurred in providing access to healthy food in food deserts. Our state will forgive the loan issued for operating costs after five years if the loan recipient maintains continuous operations at the same location during that time. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature.
SB913 – Neighborhood Business Development Program – Food Desert Projects – Business Retention
SB913 establishes a Heat and Eat Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to expand food access to households that are receiving or eligible for SNAP. A household is eligible to participate in the program if they are eligible for SNAP under State and federal law.The bill passed the Senate unanimously, the House of Delegates, and is awaiting Governor Hogan’s signature.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Featured Our Success in Annapolis this March
Dear Neighbors:
We are at the midpoint of the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session. The session’s pace is as fast moving as we would ordinarily find it. The many adaptations that the General Assembly made to meet the challenges caused by the COVID emergency are working and enabling us to fulfill out duty to the people of Maryland. We remain committed to addressing the urgent needs created in the wake of the pandemic and the separate and equally pressing needs that are also a part of our everyday life.
For this month’s update, I want to spend the time detailing the status of our legislative priorities and discuss our work advancing the needs and concerns of our district. The activities of the legislative session are beginning to grow increasingly hurried and determined as bills move across the hall from the Senate to the House or vice-versa for final passage. We continue our standard session routine: each morning we convene in the chamber and use afternoons for our committees as we ordinarily would. I take the privilege of serving you in the Maryland General Assembly to heart and approach each day determined to deliver for our district.
My new role as the Chair of Baltimore City’s Senate Delegation keeps me busy following all Senate activity affecting Baltimore City. The Delegation is where the six state senators whom represent the City in the Maryland General Assembly gather to discuss the matters affecting Baltimore and act on our agenda. The Delegation is focused on representing the interests, needs, and concerns of the city and its residents. One priority is ensuring that sufficient state funds are appropriated to support Baltimore City Public Schools’ academic, infrastructure, and operational needs. The Delegation holds hearings on important legislation that affects the City. The Mayor of Baltimore annually unveils a list of budget priorities for state consideration, which the Delegation works to secure.
We have created a new website for the Delegation, please tell us your thoughts so we keep you informed of our work. Below I have also provided a link to our recent weekly briefings.
Delegation Briefings
We host weekly briefings to highlight issues of concern for Baltimore. Below is a list of the recent briefings and a link to the videos.
- January 18, 2021 – Resources for Local Small Businesses
- January 25, 2021 – COVID’s Impact to our Colleges and Universities with Dr. McCurdy – BCCC, Dr. Wilson – Morgan State University, Dr. Jenkins – Coppin State University, and Ron Daniels – Johns Hopkins University
- February 1, 2021 – Housing Resources
- Febuaray 8, 2021 –Baltimore’s Congressional Delegation
- Feburary 15, 2021 –City Administrator Christopher Shorter
- March 1, 2021 –Public Safety Briefing
- March 8, 2021 –Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises and Baltimore Teachers Union President Diamonté Brown
“Members of the state Senate who represent Baltimore City are asking Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) to redouble his efforts to get city residents vaccinated against COVID-19 — particularly people of color. In a Monday letter to Hogan, the lawmakers express “grave concerns” with the rollout of the state’s vaccination program, which they say “is not being executed equitably.” – Maryland Matters
Over the first weekend of March, the delegation wrote to Gov. Hogan following his public comments about the allocation of COVID vaccines delivered to Baltimore City. We noted that: “Currently, fewer than 40% of those vaccinated in Baltimore City have been Baltimore City residents. The racial disparity in vaccination is also alarming, with less than 6% of Black Baltimoreans, who comprise over 60% of the population, being vaccinated –compared with over 16% of white residents. Thus, we are asking for greater partnership to aid in getting City residents vaccinated.”
Equitable distribution of the COVID vaccine is matter of justice. We must act to protect all Maryland residents from COVID and ensure access is open to all. Our letter and advocacy on behalf our community was discussed in the Baltimore Sun and by Fox45.
COVID Vaccination Information
We are currently in Phase 1C of the vaccination process. If you or a loved one is looking for an appointment, vaccination interest form for older adults is available at the Baltimore City Health Department’s website at coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/covax. Those older adults without access to the internet can also call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-396-2273.
Local area hospitals and medical providers listed on coronavirus.maryland.gov, under Find a Vaccine, have created interest forms for vaccinations when they become available, and residents in eligible Priority Groups are encouraged to visit those websites and sign up. As of February 1, some Baltimore-area Giant, Safeway, and Rite Aid locations have begun posting appointment links on the same website.
SB 525 – Centralized Booking Facility – Ballot Drop Box
Senate Bill 525, Baltimore City – Centralized Booking Facility – Voting Information and Early Voting Polling Place, requires the Baltimore City centralized booking facility to disseminate written information on voter registration and instructions directly to each eligible voter incarcerated in the facility. The bill is amended to require the State Board to provide a ballot drop box to the Baltimore City centralized booking facility in time to allow eligible voters an opportunity to vote. The bill passed the Senate and moves to the House of Delegate for its review. I’m very excited by this progress because those whom can, should be provided reasonable access to the ballot box. Maryland must be proactive, and follow the actions of other leading communities, in removing all barriers that stop legally eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote.
SB 199 – Maryland Transit Administration – Funding – Transit Safety and Investment Act
Fox45 recently noted SB199 for its effort to address MTA’s backlog of maintenance needs. I previously mentioned that our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term viability. We recently held the Senate hearing for the bill and it is under review by the Budget & Taxation Committee. With this legislation, we will make substantive change to sustain and advance the MTA.
SB 2 – Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act of 2021
I have previously mention efforts to reform the Maryland Environmental Service since we learned that the agency’s former director spent lavishly and negotiated a significant payout when he left to become the governor’s chief of staff over the summer. The Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act is designed in part to establish stronger oversight of the agency and protect the investment of Maryland’s taxpayers. I am delighted to report that the bill has passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House of Delegates for its review.
SB 96 – Behavioral Health Programs and Health Care Facilities – Safety and Community Relations Plans
We continue our ongoing effort to ensure that Behavioral Health Organizations communicate with and respect their local communities. With SB96, Maryland will require that the regulations adopted by the Behavioral Health Administration governing the licensure of behavioral health programs include a requirement that the programs establish and implement a safety plan for the safety of the individuals in the program and a community relations plan before being issued an operating license. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has now moved to the House of Delegates for its review.
SB184 – Reduced Fare Program for Opioid Treatment Program Patients
Opioid treatment programs work diligently with their consumers to build productive and healthy lives and in support of their work, we have charged the Maryland Transit Administration with providing opioid treatment programs with monthly passes for their patients. A concern, however, is how we hold treatment centers accountable while ensuring that their clients are receiving the best care. This bill alter the application of the Maryland Transit Administration’s reduced fare program for opioid treatment program patients by prohibiting participation of program centers which are sanctioned or have had their licenses suspended or revoked. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has now moved to the House of Delegates for its review.
SB114 – Expungement of Conviction and Subsequent Offender Penalties – Driving While Privilege Is Canceled, Suspended, Refused, or Revoked
SB114 provides for relief by expungement if a person is convicted of a misdemeanor involving driving while the person’s license or privilege to drive is canceled, suspended, refused, or revoked. This legislation is an important part of eliminating unnecessary burdens that prevent individuals from accessing living wages in sound jobs. I’m very proud that the bill passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House of Delegates.
Creating Incentives to End Food Deserts
We lost a supermarket in our district when Save-A-Lot in Oliver at Church Square closed. Since then, I have been working on legislation that acts to retain and attract super markets to our area. I have introduced a series of proposals to create incentives for attracting businesses that retail healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, in areas noted as a food desert. One proposal provides for grocery stores to retail beer and wine in new establishments that are situated in a food deserts so that they are incentivized to open the market.
SB365 expands the purposes of the Neighborhood Business Development Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to include retaining and creating small businesses that provide access to healthy food in designated “food deserts” by providing loans that can be used to cover operating expenses incurred in providing access to healthy food in food deserts. Our state would forgive the loan issued for operating costs after five years if the loan recipient maintains continuous operations at the same location during that time. SB913 establishes a Heat and Eat Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to expand food access to households that are receiving or eligible for SNAP. A household is eligible to participate in the program if they are eligible for SNAP under State and federal law. Both bills passed the Senate and now move to the House of Delegates.
Finally, it was a pleasure to be a part of the Enoch Pratt’s Free To Bmore Podcast. It was a thoughtful conversation about our city’s challenges and the inspiring and encouraging ways everyday people are meeting those hurdles. I hope you find my thoughts useful too.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Our Work in Annapolis this February
February 2021
Dear Neighbors:
The 2021 Maryland General Assembly session is in full swing. This year’s activities are a marked difference from years past, our interpersonal interaction is limited because of COVID, but we remain attentive to the pressing issues that affect the daily lives of our communities.
My days are similar to our ordinary session routine: each morning we convene in the Senate and use afternoons for our committees as we ordinarily would, but legislative testimony and related activities are limited to video conferencing. A great deal of the work of the Senate is done in the committees that form the body of our legislative work. I serve as a member of Budget and Taxation Committee and its capital budget subcommittee, pensions subcommittee, and Chair the public safety, transportation & environment subcommittee. Our work in the committee is simple in that we work to set the budget of Maryland and the subcommittees set the particular budget for that area of our government. Each of the subcommittees allows me to pay particular attention to the needs of our district and those of Baltimore.
This year, I also began my new role as the Chair of Baltimore City’s Senate Delegation. The Delegation is where the six state senators whom represent the City in the Maryland General Assembly gather to discuss the matters affecting Baltimore and act on our agenda. The Delegation is focused on representing the interests, needs, and concerns of the city and its residents. One priority is ensuring that sufficient state funds are appropriated to support Baltimore City Public Schools’ academic, infrastructure, and operational needs. Additionally, the Delegation holds hearing on important legislation that affects the City, such as those related to public safety and transportation. The Mayor of Baltimore annually unveils a list of budget priorities for state consideration, which the Delegation works to secure. We have also created a new website for the Delegation, please tell us your thoughts so we keep you informed of our work. Below I have also provided links to our recent weekly briefings.
Baltimore City Senate Delegation Briefings
- January 18, 2021 – Resources for Local Small Businesses
- January 25, 2021 – COVID’s Impact to our Colleges and Universities with Dr. McCurdy – BCCC, Dr. Wilson – Morgan State University, Dr. Jenkins – Coppin State University, and Ron Daniels – Johns Hopkins University
- February 1, 2021 – Housing Resources
COVID Vaccination Information
We are currently in Phase 1C of the vaccination process. If you or a loved one is looking for an appointment, vaccination interest forms for older adults are available at the Baltimore City Health Department’s website at coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/covax. You can also call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-396-2273 if you are without internet access.
Local area hospitals and medical providers listed on coronavirus.maryland.gov, under Find a Vaccine, have created interest forms for vaccinations as they become available, and residents in eligible Priority Groups are encouraged to visit those websites and sign up. As of February 1, some Baltimore-area Giant, Safeway, and Rite Aid locations have begun posting appointment links on the same website.
Higher Education Scholarships
The application for the annual scholarship awards directed by our office is now open! Please email our office at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us for an application.
Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Our First Senators
50 years ago, Senator Robert Dalton made history as the first Black State Senator from East Baltimore.
I am humbled to build on the legacies of Senators Dalton, Douglass, Irby, and McFadden.
#BlackHistoryMonth
Protecting the Voting Rights of All Marylanders
“When we look at our folks that are in pretrial centers, these are people that are more than likely to have misdemeanors, may not be able to pay their bails, but they have also not been convicted of a crime. We should be making sure that they have the same type of access that myself and you both have because they have the right to vote,” said Sen. Cory McCray.
Among the legislation I am sponsoring this year is a proposal to further protect the voting rights of all Marylanders. On January 25, 2021, I introduced Senate Bill 525 to ensure all Marylanders have fair access to the ballot box and are free from disenfranchisement that is solely determined by a longstanding policy that serves no true public good.
Senate Bill 525, Baltimore City – Centralized Booking Facility – Voting Information and Early Voting Polling Place, requires the Baltimore City centralized booking facility to disseminate written information on voter registration and instructions directly to each eligible voter incarcerated in the facility. The legislation further requires the local board of elections for Baltimore City, in collaboration with the State Board and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, to establish an early voting polling place at the Baltimore City centralized booking facility so that individuals incarcerated in a pretrial capacity or serving a sentence related to a misdemeanor violation may still exercise their right to vote as currently provided by state law.
Maryland is the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner and Justice Thurgood Marshall. We see the power and weight of freedom and know all too painfully the pulse of Democracy denied. The events of this month’s insurrection, just a few miles south of us, reminds us evermore that we must be at the forefront of protecting our democracy. Those whom can should be provided reasonable access to the ballot box. Maryland must be proactive, and follow the actions of other leading communities, in removing all barriers that stop legally eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote.
SB 199 – Maryland Transit Administration – Funding – Transit Safety and Investment Act
I previously mentioned that our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term viability. We recent held the Senate hearing for the bill. ”The state of Maryland had the greatest numbers of bus, Light Rail and Heavy Rail breakdowns in 2019 compared to any other state, said Sen. Cory McCray, D-Baltimore, calculated by major mechanical failures per 100,000 revenue miles.”
The bill requires a minimum level of funding each fiscal year from 2023 to 2028 for “good repair needs” at the transit agency, going from $361 million in 2023 and ending with $531 million in 2028. Maryland’s bus, Heavy Rail and Light Rail breakdown numbers are leading the country “not in a good way,” McCray said on Wednesday. With this legislation, we will make substantive change to sustain and advance the MTA.
SB 2 – Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act of 2021
I previously mention efforts to reform the Maryland Environmental Service since we learned that the agency’s former director spent lavishly and negotiated a significant payout when he left to become the governor’s chief of staff over the summer. The Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act is designed in part to establish stronger oversight of the agency and protect the investment of Maryland’s taxpayers. “Sen. Cory McCray, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, said during a video hearing on Wednesday that the environmental agency is due for a “course correction” following the revelations of financial issues under McGrath’s leadership. MES provides environmental and public works services such as operating landfills and dredging waterways, primarily for local and state government agencies. It gets 95% of its revenues from other government agencies. “MES serves a very good purpose. It does great good with local and state government,” said McCray, a Baltimore Democrat.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Featured Our Start to the 2021 MGA
Dear Neighbors:
I hope you and your loved ones are having a restful and encouraging start to the New Year!
The words of Amanda Gorman are ringing in my ears and heart. Wednesday afternoon I watched a video of her poem at President Biden’s Inauguration and it continues to encouraging me. As we embark on the year ahead it is my fervent hope that our work embodies what she describes as light and that we stand bravely and boldly in our work to advance our community’s future.
In the weeks since my last message to you, I have continued the work of advocating for our district, commenced the annual Maryland General Assembly session for 2021, and began my new role as the Chair of Baltimore City’s Senate Delegation. I experience this time as a season of hope, a continuation of the gratitude and faith that I nurtured through the holidays as a part of the time I spend with my family to renew my energy and reflect on the passing year. (Just in case you missed it, here’s my video recap of our work in 2020.) I’m hopeful for the work that we can do in the year ahead and the actions we can take in this legislative session to set forth a bright path forward for the future of our children and grandchildren.
Our office has spent much of its energy over the last few months addressing the urgent needs of our community in response to the COVID-19 emergency, but this time of year, the early days of January and February, we begin applying the research and preparation we started in the summer prior to advance the strategic needs of our community using Maryland’s legislative process. I try to approach the legislative work in a manner reverent of long race rather than a sprint and I am delighted that the Baltimore Business Journal considered that about me when they recently named me as one of the “Lawmakers to know in Annapolis” for the General Assembly’s 2021 session.
Below I highlight a few of our legislative priorities in the 2021 session. I was able discuss my legislative priorities during my recent interview with Fox45. Over the weeks ahead I will share more details about our proposals and welcome your feedback on them or any issue that matters to you and your loved ones.
From my family to you and your loved ones— I wish you a Happy New Year!
SB 199 – Maryland Transit Administration – Funding – Transit Safety and Investment Act
Our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term viability. As I shared with WBAL-11TV, “I am sponsoring the Transit Safety and Investment Act in the Senate because for too long we’ve allowed our public transit system to be underfunded, failing to meet core infrastructure needs. Our seniors rely on public transit to pickup prescriptions. Our children rely on it to get to school. And it’s become evidently clearer that our region’s frontline workers find public buses and trains a necessity as they meet the essential needs of our neighborhoods.”
On a brisk Monday morning, nearly two weeks ago, Mayor Brandon Scott joined Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the Johns Hopkins Metro stop in support of the legislation with fellow co-sponsor, Del. Brooke Lierman, and I. The Baltimore Sun reported that: “McCray and Lierman’s cross-filed legislation would require the state to spend no less than its current funding levels on MTA operating expenses in the 2023-2028 fiscal years.
It also would require maintenance and upkeep funding of at least $361.9 million in the 2023 fiscal year; $414.9 million in fiscal year 2024; $453.8 million in fiscal year 2025; $566.6 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027; and $531.6 million in fiscal year 2028. Those figures are based on funding needs the agency reported to lawmakers, which was mandated in a law passed by the legislature in 2018.
The additional money would address light rail and subway track maintenance, MARC safety and security system upgrades, bus and bus shelter maintenance, electronic enhancements, software updates, positive train control, Clean Water Act-required upgrades, improved station access, bus shelter examinations, electronic-vehicle charging stations and solar rooftops at bus depots, officials said.”
Minimum Wage Increased to $11.75
On January 1, 2021, Maryland’s minimum wage increased to $11.75 per hour from $11.00 for companies with 15 or more employees. This is a result of legislation, SB280 and HB166, passed in 2019. I extend gracious thanks and appreciation to Ricarra Kyra Jones, Chairman Dereck Davis, Senator Rich Madaleno, and Delegate Diana Fennell. I am thankful for all of my colleagues in the Maryland General Assembly who had the courage to move the needle forward to lift up working families across our Great State. This wage increase is a fantastic way to start 2021. I look forward to the many more accomplishments to come.
#WorkingFamilies#FightingPovertyWithDignity
SB 2 – Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act of 2021
I am very saddened by the passing of Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller. Maryland is better because of his leadership. Senator Miller gave all he had to all he could. I will miss his institutional knowledge and the opportunity to talk with him as we often did because our seats were adjacent to one another on the Senate floor. My condolences are with his family at this very difficult time.
I shared this story with my Senate colleagues as a remembrance Friday afternoon: “Sen. Cory V. McCray (D-Baltimore City), who arrived in the Senate from the House in 2019 after defeating a loyal Miller ally in the Democratic primary, said Miller made him feel welcome by discussing family.
Miller once lent his copy of the autobiography of Verda Welcome, the first Black woman to serve in the Senate, to McCray, who couldn’t find a copy of the book online. He said he was enthralled by the former senator and civil rights leader’s story — and decided to ask Miller if he could keep the signed copy.
“I already planned on giving it to you,” Miller replied. (Maryland Matters)
Thank you, Mike!
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Featured From My Family To Yours…
As we move through the holiday season and approach the New Year, I write to share a brief reflection on the year and update you with a few notes on our recent work.
Making Government Work for Our Communities
Dear Neighbors:
Fall is here, the school year is off and running, and in spite of a rough first game, we remain hopeful for the Ravens season! While we continue to face unique challenges and hardships as result of the COVID-19 emergency, we have many reasons for hope and faith. Much of my activities over the last few weeks flow from the work I began in the spring: keeping our communities safe and healthy; protecting our access to the ballot; guarding our economic well-being; and, remaining focused on the decisions and policies that will determine our long-term wellbeing and quality of life in Baltimore. Sure, the effects of COVID-19, and even the Ravens loss, weight on us some, but I remain steadfast and hopeful that our best days are ahead. I hope my work demonstrates this belief and that you find this update helpful and encouraging.
One of the especially uplifting experiences I cherish is the chance to encourage our students and educators in their efforts at the start of the school year. You can view this year’s video by clicking the image below.
Elections Matter!
Every election is important! You may recall that during this year’s Primary Election I wrote a series of letters to the Maryland Board of Elections to express my concerns about the Board’ practices for ensuring full access to the ballot. I continue to follow local and state elections practices for fairness and accessibility and was alarmed to learn that Northeast Baltimore has a staggering geographic gap in the placement of ballot drop-off boxes. The problem was acutely demonstrated when considering that the current placement leaves the 13th council district without a single ballot drop-box. I find the matter to be a grave disappointment and wrote to our local board of elections exclaiming the facts: 1) we are without adequate access to ballot drop-boxes, and 2) the problem must be addressed urgently! You can view local coverage about the issue here and review the letter I sent the Baltimore City Board of Elections here. I eagerly await the board’s prompt action to address this very serious problem.
Please Count in the Census!
The U.S. Constitution mandates that we conduct a national census, a measure of our population, every ten years and its results matter greatly to our work in improving the life and well-being of Baltimore. Census results, the final calculation of our nation’s population, determine the rate of federal resources provided to Baltimore and guides reapportionment activities in congressional and state legislative redistricting. As time permits, I try to regularly canvas in our communities to maximize our participation in the count. I generally enjoy canvassing a way to learning from our neighbors and remain abreast in real-time of the needs and opinions of our district. I’ll continue these efforts in the weeks ahead, but I ask that you also be sure to complete the census and ask your loved ones and neighbors to do so too. The census form is easy to complete at its website and you can also see Baltimore’s performance in real-time here.
“Lawmakers Assemble Suggested Reading List for Colleagues, Aspiring Leaders”
A few years ago, as I joined the Maryland General Assembly to represent our district, I sought to learn from experienced people and read from history and past leaders. Overtime, I found few resources to guide me with direct application to governing and Annapolis’ unique practices and policies. My Colleague, Del. Marc Korman (D-Montgomery), and I began sharing and discussing books we read and we recently joined to craft a list of readings to guide those looking to have a positive impact for Maryland. “We both know that the best experience [for incoming legislators] is to just get out there and swim,” McCray said. “But sometimes I think I’d be able to see things a little more clearly if I was able to read about something similar.” With that goal in mind, we sought input from a bipartisan group of Maryland’s business, civic, and political leaders to craft a list of suggested reading for aspiring leaders and those interacting with the General Assembly in hope to advance issues and causes.
We are proud to share the list you and the advocates working to make Maryland a truly thriving place for all people. Del. Korman and I worked together over several months to solicit advice and form the book list for our colleagues, aspiring legislators, interns, advocates, and all those that interface with the Maryland General Assembly. This has presented a pretty cool experience. Please consider taking a moment to hear us discuss of our journey on Center Maryland’s The Conference Call podcast.
I sat with the Maryland Daily Record to share my experience as a part of their “Young, Black, Homegrown and Leading in Baltimore” series. My hope is that young people facing a tough moment know that they too can come out these circumstances.
You can view the video of our conversation and interview by clicking the image and link above.
BCCC Improving, But Needs State Funding to Continue Progress
As a husband, father, and small business owner, I work to make good use of every dollar and cent. I use my position on the Senate’s Budget & Taxation Committee to do so for our state government. In an Op-ed published in the Baltimore Sun, I highlight the need for continued state support of Baltimore City Community College as it advances along an improved trajectory of success and positive outcomes for its students and our community.
At the July Board of Public Works meeting, $3.2 million in state funding was cut from BCCC’s operating budget along with $500,000 in very need facilities funding. Only BCCC was singled out for an unwarranted budget reduction. At the most recent budget and tax briefing, I spoke about the injustice of cutting the budget of one of Maryland’s only urban community colleges with a majority minority student population. In response, I received a commitment from the Hogan administration that they would attempt to correct this injustice during the proposed 2021 fiscal year budget.
I am thankful for BCCC’s leadership whom stepped up to shift the direction of BCCC over the past several years. With their support, and the support of so many others who believe in BCCC’s mission, the college has made great strides. As an alumus of BCCC, I hope that my fellow alumni and other community leaders will reach out to the Hogan administration to ensure that their commitment is kept. Baltimore City needs this now more than ever.
Holding Our Government Accountable
You may have read or heard to the story of our neighbor, Mr. Randolph Scott, a senior and retired veteran, whom opened his home to law enforcement officers as they responded to a barricade situation in his East Baltimore neighborhood. When the situation ended, Mr. Scott returned home to find his place seriously damaged without an explanation nor clear recourse for addressing the damage. The City of Baltimore immediately agreed to redress the matter, but further investigation places the cause on Maryland State Police (MSP) Officers offering mutual aid in the incident.
In response, my colleague Chair Maggie McIntosh, and I wrote the MSP seeking clarity on their policies and practices for such situations. Our hope is that all people are treated fairly and that we learn from these experiences to advance our public policies and hold all levels of government accountable to us …we the people. You can read our letter here.
Holding Community-Based Behavioral Health Programs Accountable
I proudly wrote to the Maryland Department of Health to add comments and note my opposition to the proposed CMDS inpatient Treatment Facility at 6040 Harford Road. Baltimore City has the largest concentration of behavioral health services in all of Maryland and for the past two years I have sought to advance improvements to the rules for permitting/zoning of these facilities and how they engage/relate to our communities and their needs. This matter was of the utmost importance to me because of the ill effects the proposed operator has as a part of its track-record of performance. Thankfully the application was withdrawn by the operator! I know that this negative experience does not represent the majority of behavioral health organizations which seek to be of service to the community, but we must proactively address the bad apples that exist in the bunch.
Unemployment Insurance Reminder
If you or someone you know needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!. For additional information, please contact me at cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
The Hard Work Happening in Our Community
While this message finds us at a tough time in our history, I remain steadfast and hopeful. As Congressman John Lewis modeled for us—with hard work and a commitment to justice—this too shall pass and we shall see our best days ahead. Our office is diligently tracking the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in our community, especially the changes and challenges to our schools, public health, and economic well-being. While the COVID-19 virus is demanding a great deal of my attention, I remained focused on the long-term needs and improvement of our community. Below I share a brief update on the activities that I have been engaged in for the last few weeks and hope you find the information helpful and encouraging.
Adjusting to New Realities
Dear Neighbors:
I hope this message finds you and your loved one in good health and spirit!
Before I take a moment to highlight some of our office’s work, I want to take time to pause and honor our educators. In spite of the global challenge we face, this year we found new and encouraging ways to keep our children engaged in learning and the task was neither simple nor direct. To all our educators, I am very grateful for your hard work and caring support of our kids! Thank you!
I was able to celebrate our young people with ceremonies and graduations to remark on their accomplishments and hard work as they transition in school and life. I was especially humbled and honored to share a few words with the Pre-K class at Johnston Square Elementary. Thank you Principal Olumiji for your leadership and for inviting me to be a part of this special time in their journey. Seeing our young people thrive as they grow inspires me and keeps me motivated to achieve the big goals we have before us.
Our Work Ahead…
I write just to share a brief update on the activities that I have been engaged in for the last few weeks. As you can imagine, much of my work since March has been driven by our response to the public health and safety needs created by the COVID-19 virus and its effects on our community. Our office is closely tracking the delays preventing many from receiving their Unemployment Insurance and we have received numerous calls and emails about the delays. If you or someone you know needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!
Minimum Wage Increase Happening on January 1, 2021
Over the past few months, we have watched as grocery staff, nursing home professionals, hospital personnel and other front line workers have continued to ensure that the basic needs of people across Maryland are met. And they do this while many of us are able to enjoy the safety of our homes during the pandemic.” – My Baltimore Sun Commentary – June 19, 2020
The implementation of the pending Maryland minimum wage increase came into question recently, when the Board of Public Works, our state’s fiscal policy council, considered whether the increase was a step in right direction at the this moment or should be postponed. I was very proud to lead the fight for the increase when it was considered legislatively in 2019, and I again advocated that we take this proactive step in support of our families and neighbors. I wrote about it in the Baltimore Sun and the commentary is available by clicking the words above. Thankfully, the timeline of the minimum wage increase remains on schedule and begins on January 1, 2021, rising to $11.75 per hour.
Supporting Our Chronically Underserved Communities
“Garrick Good considers Four-by-Four a “forgotten jewel in the Northeast community.”
His organization, the North East Housing Initiative, is currently rolling out a community land trust model, redeveloping homes to sell to current residents in hopes of turning Four-by-Four from a renter-dominated community to one filled with new homeowners. The buyers they’re marketing to are renters already living in Northeast Baltimore.” Baltimore Business Journal – June 24, 2020
It is our priority to support our chronically underserved communities with action and real investment. As noted by the Baltimore Business Journal article listed above—there is exciting and good work happening in the 4×4 community at the foot print of Belair Edison. I have been working with North East Housing Initiative (NEHI) to reimagine a community that has been underserved over the past two decades and looking for resurgence. With the support of a $75,000 bond investment that was obtained in last year’s General Assembly session, we are able increase the number of homes that NEHI is able to renovate and make avalible for increasing the area’s homeowners.
Holding MD’s State Board of Elections Accountable to We the People…
“At what point does the senior leadership team of the State Board of Elections bear some point of responsibility in the delayed ballots?” – Sen. Cory McCray, AP – June 16, 2020
As it became increasing evident that the COVID-19 virus would limit our ability to vote in a traditional way, I made requests for details from the Maryland State Board of Elections, and our Baltimore City Board, on how they were acting to proactively protect our election’s integrity and its free and full access to the ballot box. I sought additional information as the delivery of our ballots was seriously delayed and as a follow-up participated in the General Assembly’s oversight hearing on the administration of the recent primary election. The information presented in that hearing was clear and convincing in that this primary election was mismanaged and calls for new leadership at the state Board of Elections. You can read my commentary calling for their resignation at Maryland Matters.
Public Safety
Public Safety remains among my top priorities and I’m working to be sure we do right by our neighbors, our city, and most of all, change how we address crime. Here’s how I describe the work and its balance: “I hope that the Baltimore City Council, the city council president, and the mayor-when they’re in negotiations on the budget that’s in front of them at this moment that they take a hard look at what measures are preventative-in making sure that we protect things like recreations centers, education opportunities, health, mental health opportunities-so that people won’t be in the penal system to even have an increased police budget.
And, while they’re doing that and protecting those actions and priorities…that they take a look and make sure that every dollar that’s appropriated to the police department absolutely needs to be appropriated to the police department and cut those dollars that don’t.” Maryland Reporter – June 9, 2020 –
Fully Funding Maryland’s HBCUs
For 13 years, a coalition of leaders across the State of Maryland have fought tirelessly in litigation to fully fund and redress the history of discrimination against our state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We, the members of the General Assembly, moved to remedy the harm by passing House Bill 1260 this past legislative session to appropriate $577 million dollars to our HBCUs over the next ten years.
It was my hope that Governor Larry Hogan would move to enact the law because it is the right thing to do and its legislative support was clearly marked by General Assembly’s overwhelming support. However, the Governor vetoed the plan on May 7, 2020, rejecting a landmark piece of legislation that received broad and bipartisan support in a deeply regrettable misstep. I stand committed to ensuring that we move to fully support our HBCUs in the next legislative session and I am working with my colleagues to rightly override the Governor’s veto and correct this very unfortunate mistake.
I wrote more about this matter in the Afro-American Newspaper on June 2, 2020. Enacting this funding plan by overriding the Governor’s veto is a significant step forward in correcting our state’s role in perpetuating injustice. I humbly request that all of the neighbors, legislators, and alumni who proudly supported HB 1260 during the last legislative session continue to fight for its enactment now. My colleagues and I have read your emails over the years and it is now more important than ever that we keep up the momentum and see this mission through.
Don’t forget to leave my contact info cory.mccray@senate.state.md.us or (410) 841-3165