 Silver Spring & Takoma Park Neighbors:
Maryland's 2019 legislative session just ended, and I've got updates on important bills we passed in the General Assembly.
I'm also pleased to report that a few of my bills were passed on issues ranging from criminal justice to animal abuse.
Thanks for staying engaged, and don’t hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or questions.
 Delegate David Moon
david@davidmoon.org
Scholarships for Students Attending School in Maryland - I have a limited amount of scholarship funds available for residents of Maryland District 20 who are attending or plan to attend a community college, 4-year college, or graduate school within Maryland. Applications are due April 30, 2019.
NOTE: Scholarships can only be applied to education at a Maryland school unless approved for Unique Major status through MHEC. To apply for out-of-state Unique Major status, contact MHEC directly.
Important Bills We Passed in Maryland
Establish a $15 Minimum Wage (HB 166) - The Maryland House & Senate passed a bill to create a $15 minimum wage by 2025. Governor Hogan swiftly vetoed this legislation, but we voted to override his veto.
Acquire 50% Renewable Energy (SB 516) - We passed a bill to push Maryland to acquire 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This is a positive step forward to combat climate change in our state.
Boost School Funding (SB 1030) - This year we secured $500 million for statewide school construction, the largest state contribution in Maryland history. Additionally, we passed SB 1030, which directs over $24 million in additional education funds to Montgomery County for pre-K, teacher pay, special education, and more.
Stabilize Health Care Costs (HB 814 & HB 768) - The House & Senate passed a bill to stabilize health care costs in Maryland and counteract Trump's repeal of the federal health care mandate. I was proud to cosponsor HB 814, which requires residents to acquire health coverage or put a down payment on a health plan. We also passed HB 768, which would establish a drug pricing review board to cap government prescription drug costs.
Ban Styrofoam in Maryland (HB 109) - I cosponsored a bill we passed to ban the sale of polystyrene products in Maryland. These items are not biodegradable, and the trash stays with us forever.
Tighten Handgun Permit Appeals (HB 1343) - Governor Hogan’s appointees to the Handgun Permit Review Board have been approving an alarming number of handgun permits after applicants were initially denied by the police. As a result, we abolished the review board and created a new process for appeals.
Improve Prescription Drug Coverage for State Retirees (SB 946) – We passed legislation to restore some of the prescription drug coverage for retired state employees, who recently faced an increase in out-of-pocket costs.
Allow Unemployment Benefits During Government Shutdowns (HB 336) - The House & Senate passed a bill to provide Maryland residents with unemployment benefits during government shutdowns. If the federal government eventually pays these workers for the work period during the shutdown, residents will repay the unemployment funds they received. I was proud to cosponsor and vote for this legislation, in case the recent nonsense from our federal government happens again. It was signed into law on March 26.
Create a Gender-Neutral Option on Driver’s Licenses (HB 421) – This year we passed legislation allowing a gender-neutral designation on Maryland drivers licenses.
Promote Baby Changing Facilities (SB 330) – We were able to pass a bill requiring some public buildings to start including baby changing facilities.
Increase Childcare Tax Credits (HB 810) – The General Assembly passed legislation to expand the childcare tax credit to curb the high cost of services in Montgomery County.
Bills I Introduced - I'm thrilled to report that the General Assembly passed a few of my bills this year:
Update on Livestreaming Floor Debates - This year, I worked with Republican Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga on a bill (HB144) to stream live video of General Assembly floor debates. Right now, only the audio is available. Thankfully, Speaker Busch announced that the House of Delegates would begin livestreaming next January, so we withdrew the bill.
Update on Marijuana Legalization - This year, I introduced a bill (HB632) to let voters decide the fate of marijuana legalization on the 2020 presidential ballot. It looks like we're finally getting closer to approval, as the General Assembly leadership is creating a workgroup to make recommendations on what the details of such legislation should look like. I'm pleased to have been appointed to this workgroup and hope to provide details soon.
Update on NFL Stadium Subsidies - In tandem with legislators in Virginia and the District of Columbia, I introduced a bill (HB303) to create a treaty between our three governments to oppose public funds to build Dan Snyder a new football stadium. Thankfully, on the day of my bill hearing, Governor Larry Hogan announced he was ending efforts to move the team from Landover to National Harbor! I subsequently withdrew this bill.
 By Authority: Friends of David Moon. Chair: Marlana Valdez. Treasurer: Usman Ahmed.
DISCLAIMER: I do not accept corporate contributions. In addition, by making a donation above, you are certifying that each of the following statements is true: (1) I am not a foreign national who lacks permanent residence in the United States; and (2) This contribution is made from my own funds, and not those of another. 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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