Welcoming September…
September 2021
Dear Neighbors:
As I write to you with my reflections on our work this month, I can’t help but think of the immense joy and relief I feel now that our students have returned in-person to their schools. This September’s opening of our public schools marks their first in-person school meetings in the year and a half since their closure in March 2020. Despite the many remaining challenges regarding the COVID-19 virus, this occasion marks a positive measure. The conditions for in-person learning, like many things, are far from ideal, but this moment presents cause for hope and I was proud to continue our annual tradition of sharing backpacks with students throughout the district.
Everyday our students are coming to school hopeful to learn and grow. Everyday our students are coming to school greeted by dedicated and conscientious educators. The investment we made in our young people as a part of the 21st Century Schools Program Plan is yielding an exponential return as so many of our students return to new and improved school buildings.
In my July 2021 Afro Op-Ed, Investing in Our Most Valuable Resource: Our Children, I noted: “While there are those who will always focus on the down and out in Baltimore – always talking about what our City cannot be versus what our city could be, I am writing to remind you that we are the only jurisdiction in Maryland on course to build two-dozen brand new schools. Like any urban city that has seen its fair share of underinvestment, Baltimore has challenges. However, it is importance to remember our resilience and potential in succeeding. It lies in our most valuable resource: our children. We have to invest in a brighter future for them.” While we have lingering cause for concern in regard to the pandemic, the start of in-person learning at our schools, particularly our new and renovated school buildings, reminds us of how far we come since the start of the pandemic and gives us hope for the future. I’m proud to advocate for our schools and visit and support our young people as scheduling allows. I recently visited with students at the Baltimore Design School and Mervo as a part of my commitment–I look forward to many other visits to make-up for the time we missed!
Finally, on a personal note, my family recently sat at the Rawlings Conservatory for our annual photo. I am so very blessed by my wife Demitria and four children. Our kids are growing and enjoying the start of school. It is an honor to work for you and I look forward to our progress!
Brief Updates & Reminders:
I am working to connect with you and our neighbors at our doors and community association meetings to keep in touch and hear your feedback and concerns. In the meantime, please call me at 410-841-3165 or email me with any matters or issues that need attention or present a concern. Our staff is ready to assist you!
As you can imagine, much of my work is still driven by our response to the public health and safety needs created by the COVID-19 virus and the continue effects on our community and economy. Our office is closely tracking the delays that prevented many from receiving their Unemployment Insurance and we are acting and advocating to the MD Department of Labor on these matters. If you, or someone you know, needs help receiving your Unemployment Insurance, please contact our office as soon as possible!
Our legislative staff is actively preparing for January’s 2022 legislative session. I’m researching a few issues that affect Baltimore City as whole for my role as the chair of our local senate delegation. My committee, the Budget & Taxation committee, has been conducting interim briefings and I am studying past capital budget activity for my new role as vice-chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee.
Last week, I attended the Maryland League of Conservation Voters’ annual reception and was recognized as their Legislator of the Year in acknowledgment of our role as lead Senate sponsor of the Transit Safety and Investment Act. LCV Executive Director Kim Coble noted that “the Transportation Safety and Investment Act was inarguably the most significant environmental win of the 2021 legislative session..Senator McCray’s skillful and passionate floor leadership brought the bill across the finish line with strong, bipartisan majority support.”
I have previously mentioned that our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term success, therefore the Transportation Safety and Investment Act remains one of my highest priorities because it codifies a modern investment in our transit systems. Business and environmental leaders agree—our state’s prudent and proactive investment in transit acts to grow our economy, jobs, and wages. I’ll continue advocating for this legislation and other serious bipartisan actions to address the crucial needs of our community. As a part of this work, I recently spoke with Ralph E. Moore, Jr. of the Afro Newspaper about the Transportation Safety and Investment Act and our other work last session. It was a deep honor to listen and learn from such an esteemed community leader and discuss our work in the General Assembly.
Reminder: 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.
Apply for the Homeowners Property Tax Credit!
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person’s gross income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. I was proud to co-sponsor the law and “I’m glad that the legislature decided that it is our intent to make sure that folks are made whole.”
The tax credit is based upon the amount by which the property taxes exceed a percentage of your income according to the following formula: 0% of the first $8,000 of the combined household income; 4% of the next $4,000 of income; 6.5% of the next $4,000 of income; and 9% of all income above $16,000. As noted by the Baltimore Sun, “the property tax applies to city homeowners who have a household income of less than $60,000 per year. The credit is applied against the home’s property tax bill, with the goal of keeping taxes affordable so people don’t lose their homes. Homeowners have to apply each year, and the deadline is looming on Oct. 1.”
Applications for the Tax Credit are available at Baltimore Community Action Partnership Centers and branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition created a website (marylandtaxcredit.com) and hotline (443-961-6220) to help people through the application process.
The state Department of Assessments and Taxation also has an online application system.
Congratulations to our Annual Scholarship Recipients!
Investing in our most valuable resource, our children, remains a priority for me. For the 2021 – 2022 Academic Year, our office proudly awarded over $116,000 to over 40 students working towards higher education or career goals. I know by investing in the next generation, we are investing in Baltimore, ensuring that our communities are built brick-by-brick. I am proud of each scholarship recipient, and know that the awardees have a bright future ahead of them.
Please join me in celebrating our scholars and in wishing them a successful academic year!
One Last Thing…
As we move closer to 2022, can you consider making a contribution of $5, $10, 0r $25 to our campaign? It’s crucial that we have the resources to keep our work and momentum going.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
Featured Connecting in Our Communities, and Doing the Work…
August 2021
Dear Neighbors:
I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the summer and catching-up from the time we missed interacting last year. I’m especially glad to be back in-person doing what I love: connecting with our communities and seeking solutions for the complex problems affecting our neighborhoods. I deeply enjoy visiting our district’s in-person community meetings and events to listen with our neighbors and keep in touch with your concerns.
While the legislative session is adjourned until January, I use this time to learn about our community’s needs and press ahead on the issues affecting our well-being and future. I am organizing our legislative plans for the next year, the 2022 General Assembly Session, and researching issues that are likely to come before my committee, the Budget & Taxation committee. The committee preparation will take on a new dynamic as I will be preparing for my new role as vice-chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee. I am very excited for the opportunity to use this responsibility as a benefit for all Marylanders, especially the working people of our state.
Finally, I hope this month’s newsletter updates you on our recent work and highlights the strategic activities we are taking to make a real difference in our communities.
IN MEMORIAM – Bishop Douglas I. Miles
This week Baltimore loss one of its mighty leaders with the passing of Bishop Douglas I. Miles. Bishop Miles’ work and life championed the best of who we are, and whom we should be as children of a loving God. Maryland is better because of his leadership. Bishop Miles gave all he had to all he could. As Afro Managing Editor Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware described in her deeply touching tribute to Bishop Miles: “He could have pursued many avenues of study and discovery, but the greatest draw for him was to see the lives of those he served become enriched and sustained by the grace of the God who’d drawn him to his life’s work.”
Thank you for your unending love and service, Bishop!
Listening & Learning in Our Communities
I recently joined the Cedonia community for their monthly community association meeting to provide a legislative update from the 2021 legislative session and highlighted our hard work and investment in the 45th District. We accomplished a great deal in Annapolis this session, in spite of the challenging circumstances, and as you can see in the photo above by the number of folks gathered in-person, our communities remain committed to their success and growth.
I also spent time with former Senator Nathan Irby, who began representing the 45th District in 1982. We enjoyed a great conversation about Baltimore’s history, its politics, and future. I grow with each of our conversations and I am proud to build on his legacy. The Sun Rises In the East!!!
Update: Making Transit Safety and Investment a True Priority in Maryland
Our state’s investment in public transportation is crucial to its economic growth and long-term success. I am proud of the bold steps we made with SB199, The Transportation Safety and Investment Act to codify a modern investment in transit and I am dedicated to it realization. We joined with public transit advocates, environmentalists, and state business leaders to advance our public transit and transportation system with substantive changes that sustain and advance the system’s operation, long-term functionality, growth and use. We took a bipartisan approach to crafting this legislation and brought uncommon partners together for a solid and sound solution to a crucial problem. Business and environmental leaders agree—our state’s prudent and proactive investment in transit acts to grow our economy, jobs, and wages.
I’m especially honored that transit is earning the bipartisan recognition it deserves. Yesterday, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters’ recognized me as their Legislator of the Year in acknowledgment of our leadership as lead Senate sponsor of the Transit Safety and Investment Act. “The Transportation Safety and Investment Act was inarguably the most significant environmental win of the 2021 legislative session,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “Senator McCray’s skillful and passionate floor leadership brought the bill across the finish line with strong, bipartisan majority support.”
Right here in Maryland we are making strides to sustain our environment and creating a place that we take pride in leaving for our children. I am very proud that a major bill I sponsored, the Transit Safety and Investment Act, was passed out of the General Assembly with bi-partisan support. Step-by-step we continue to make progress on climate change, and I look forward to continuing to work to shape policy that protects our state’s natural resources — and all Marylanders.
Most importantly, we shall not be deterred by Gov. Hogan’s veto of the legislation; overriding the veto and truly making a comprehensive investment in transit is priority of all of Maryland. As I noted to the Baltimore Sun: “This is a setback for Maryland’s infrastructure, Maryland’s economy, and, most importantly, for the Marylanders who rely on the MTA to get to school, to work, to the pharmacy, and other places they need to go.”
As I said to Fox45 when discussing Gov. Hogan’s veto, “There was a more than $2 billion backlog of maintenance infrastructure for our light rail, our MTA subway and MARC train and we have to get in front of this or we will be in the same situation we’re in when we see some of our bridges are in unfair condition and the crumbling of our infrastructure.”
When the 21st Century Schools Program Plan was being developed, I prayed that East and Northeast Baltimore would stand to benefit. My prayers were answered! A few weeks ago, Harford Heights Elementary School, the third 21st Century School in the 45th Legislative District, had its grand reopening. I was honored to be on-hand for the momentous occasion. When the 2021 – 2022 School Year commences this Fall, I know our children will enter the building inspired and in awe of their new school, especially after the majority of the past year taking classes via Zoom.
As I reflect on the future of our City, it doesn’t escape me of the strides we are making right now that invests in a brighter future for the next generation. In fact, in many aspects, Baltimore City has set the precedent in Maryland – and across America – with opening a dozen and half of newly constructed school buildings over the last several years. …
On July14, I joined the Family Recovery Program, Inc. (FRP) in East Baltimore to celebrate their work helping our neighbors address their recovery from substance abuse. It was a very special moment for FRP to thank its contributors and honor its clients and supporters. There were over 20 awardees and Dr. Gainers stood to present each one with a beautiful plaque or certificate for their dedication and commitment to the organization and the clients’ success. Thank you, Dr. Gainers and the Family Recovery Program, Inc. for your significant contributions to our communities!
The minimum wage increase was a fantastic way to start 2021! And now, more companies and organizations are acting to meet the increase sooner than later. 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. Because of our work in 2019 to raise Maryland’s minimum wage, Under Armor and the Johns Hopkins Institutions are acting to raise their minimum wages right now rather than awaiting the requirement in 2025.
#WorkingFamilies#FightingPovertyWithDignity
I was delighted to join with Senator Antonio Hayes and the Baltimore Urban League in discussing the work of the Baltimore City Senate Delegation in the 2021 session. These presentations are imperative for keeping our communities informed of changes to law and public policy. I hope you or a neighbor find the information helpful. You can link to the video above to hear the conversation or click here…
I recently joined Oldline Government Affairs to discuss my passion for public service, my journey as an electrician and small business owner, exclaim why breakfast is the most important meal of the day and share my abiding belief that “Life is not about how well you do, it’s about how many people you can get across the finish line with you.” You can link to the video above to hear the conversation or click here…
Reminder* 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.
One Last Thing…
As we move closer to 2022, can you consider making a contribution of $5, $10, 0r $25 to our campaign? It’s crucial that we have the resources to keep our work and momentum going.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Senator, 45th Legislative District
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.
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.