 Friends & Neighbors:
I have updates for you on Maryland policy debates & a few issues I've weighed in on.
Thanks for being engaged!
 Delegate David Moon
david@davidmoon.us
Defending Abortion Access: While conservative judges try to erode reproductive choice, I'm joining with state lawmakers around the nation to file a brief defending the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in an upcoming Supreme Court case (Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health). As a part of The Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (a network of pro-choice state legislators), the brief will likewise address the passage of dangerous new restrictions in Texas. Naturally, I'll also join colleagues in the coming legislative session to plug any holes in Maryland law. Stay tuned!
Reining in Untraceable Guns: While use of firearms without serial numbers grows in Maryland, I submitted public comment this summer to support President Biden's proposal to restrict these "ghost guns" through federal regulation. This is part of an effort by Everytown for Gun Safety and other groups to reverse a previous decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms that created a gap in regulation. And when Maryland's legislative session resumes, I'll once again support a requirement for serial numbers in our state. Montgomery County faced a ghost gun killing last month, and Maryland police departments are seeing a spike in untraceable firearms used in crimes.
Advancing Marijuana Legalization: Maryland political leaders appear to be green-lighting cannabis in our coming legislative session. Today I joined with House colleagues for the kickoff of a legalization workgroup to sort out details, and the Senate President has also indicated support for legalization. As this process unfolds, I'll be pushing for a system that unravels the failed criminalization model, maximizes equity, and opens the door for small businesses.
Demanding Inclusion for Immigrants: This week I joined over 700 state lawmakers in calling on Biden & Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, and their families in economic recovery legislation. After colleagues successfully pushed to include immigrants in Maryland's relief program this year, we'll also be back soon to override Governor Hogan's veto of legislation to close Maryland's ICE immigrant detention camps.
Resisting Hogan's I-495 Beltway Widening Plan: Continued opposition to Governor Hogan's highway widening plans has thus far succeeded in chipping away at the proposal. So this summer I joined dozens of colleagues in urging a key regional transportation board to remove the private toll plan from the region's long-range transportation plan. Though we ultimately faced a setback on this particular effort, I'll continue working with colleagues to resist this highway expansion effort.
Promoting Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction: When Maryland's legislature meets, I'll need your help pushing for a veto override of a paraphernalia decriminalization bill I worked on with Sen. Jill Carter (SB 420). The current penalty for possession of a syringe is up to 4 years in prison, leading residents to dump them in public places & fear calling for help. The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition explains in an op-ed: "Hogan vetoed a bill decriminalizing drug paraphernalia – lawmakers should override him.... Over the years, we all have had to fight tooth and nail to get the Hogan Administration to expand overdose education, naloxone distribution and syringe services."
Ending Criminalization of LGBTQ Residents: Last year, I worked with Sen. Clarence Lam on legislation to repeal the crimes of "sodomy" and "unnatural or perverted sex practices" in Maryland, as these had previously been used to harass residents for private, consensual behavior. We were only able to delete "sodomy," and just months later, The Washington Blade reported that police in our state were in fact still arresting gay men for "unnatural or perverted" practices. I'll obviously be back to finish repealing these antiquated laws.
Fighting an Early End to Unemployment Assistance: While Governor Hogan sought to kick everyone off unemployment early in Maryland, I joined with 83 House Democrats to object & demand the resignation of our Labor Secretary. Indeed, it's been months and both residents and businesses are still reporting an inability to get phone calls and questions answered. We've also now discovered the state squandered hundreds of thousands of tax dollars losing in court while trying to end benefits two weeks early.
County Rental Assistance Available: While we fight Governor Hogan's decision not to extend Maryland's COVID-19 eviction moratorium, counties have direct rental assistance payments for renters and landlords available now. If you need COVID rental relief, apply to a local program:
YOUR SUPPORT APPRECIATED - Friends, time is flying & we're nine months out from my next election! I'd be grateful for any help, as I voluntarily reject corporate donations & have new voters to reach after redistricting.
A Few of My Bills Passed the House This Year
I serve as chair of the Criminal Law Subcommittee, so I spent time this year on police reform, decriminalizing poverty & replacing the “drug war” with public health. But I have broad policy interests and also worked on small business assistance, election reform, pedestrian safety and more. Here are some of my wins this year:
Re-Election is Right Around The Corner
Any Help Greatly Appreciated *
* I voluntarily reject corporate donations, so I'm counting on the grassroots :)
By Authority: Friends of David Moon. Chair: Marlana Valdez. Treasurer: Usman Ahmed.
Note that a person can contribute no more than $6,000 to each Maryland state campaign account during the four year cycle, including in-kind contributions. The current cycle began on January 1, 2019 and will end December 31, 2022. Contributions to political campaigns are not tax deductible.
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