Week Eight: #MakingItHappen

Hearings to #MakeItHappen Week eight of the 2017 General Assembly Legislative session saw a very hectic week, where our office worked on multiple legislative priorities including funding for infrastructure improvements and support for nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of veterans. We were joined by Maryland Municipal League as well as many local officials across the state for our Highway User Revenue bill hearings in both the Senate and House. The Senate versions (SB0564 and SB0563) were heard in the Budget and Taxation Committee on Tuesday, while the House versions (HB0942and HB0946), sponsored by Delegate Gaines and myself, were heard in the Environment and Transportation Committee on Thursday. It is an honor to advocate on behalf of municipalities throughout the state and we are appreciative of the support we have received. Thank you to the many who joined us at the hearing and to those who sent in letters of support! We would not be able to #MakeItHappen without you! You may click to view Thursday's hearing. Fast forward to 1:36:55. The hearing for HB0922, “Sales and Use Tax – Exemption – Sales by Nonprofit Organizations Raising Funds to Assist Veterans”, was on Friday in the Ways and Means Committee. The cross-file, SB1132 (sponsored by Senators Mathias and Simonaire) will be heard in the Budget and Taxation Committee on March 15 at 1:00PM. At our weekly Eastern Shore Delegation meeting, we welcomed the Governor’s Office for Children, Eastern Shore Tourism, and Maryland Agricultural Development. Afterward, we celebrated Tourism Day and welcomed numerous organizations to promote tourism to the Shore and throughout Maryland. Saturday, we attended the ribbon-cutting and first-pitch ceremony at our Sea Gull Softball Stadium. We are looking forward to seeing more Sea Gull victories on the new field! Afterward, we visited Parkside High School and their robotics team, the TEC Tigers, to take in a scrimmage in preparation for their upcoming competitions. Later in the evening, auctioneer Doug Marshall welcomed me on stage at the Salisbury Christian School gala as part of their annual fundraiser and on Sunday we were blessed to welcome participants in the Tim Kennard River Run.

With all of that excitement, I must admit that my favorite part of each weekend is the time that we get to dedicate to knocking on doors and knowing our neighbors. This truly gives us an opportunity to know, first hand, what is important to you and how our work can make a difference in your life. We may be door knocking in your neighborhood soon and I look forward to talking to you!

Our 2017 Scholarship Application is now available! If you live in District 38B and are interested in applying, please send an email to Carl.Anderton@house.state.md.us. Applicants must have plans to attend college in Maryland. Thank you for your continuous support! If you would like to contact us with an idea, issue, or concern, please either call: 410-841-3431 or emailcarl.anderton@house.state.md.us.