Halfway Through Our Session
Seven weeks are finished and our 90 day Session is halfway over. Controversial bills, funding for our district, two bills of mine have passed, and much more! It is a busy Session but we are getting things done!
The Republican Caucus on Crime
On Thursday, the Joint Republican Caucus held a press conference discussing the plans to introduce legislation to combat the violent crime wreaking havoc across the state. The specific legislation introduced was SB 564 (I have co-sponsored this bill as well). This legislation would make the theft of handgun a felony instead of a misdemeanor. The penalty would be 2 to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000 or both and, for a second or subsequent conviction, imprisonment for 5 to 10 years or a fine of up to $2,500 or both. While it may not stop all crime it would be more of a deterrent for them.
Executive Nominations – Department of Juvenile Services Department Appointee
Following up from last week, controversial Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Nominee, Vincent Schiraldi, received Senate confirmation, with all thirteen Republican senators voting against his nomination.
Senate Republicans had severe concerns about his radical philosophies, most notably his advocacy for treating 25-year-olds as juveniles and closing all juvenile detention facilities in the State. These radical reform philosophies would further exacerbate an out-of-balance system that treats offenders as the victims and neglects the true victims’ right to justice. There is consensus that we want a society that finds ways to provide second chances, however, the actions of violent offenders, even as juveniles, cannot be dismissed. Grown-up actions necessitate grown-up consequences, especially during the recent surge in juvenile crime across the State.
Throughout this Session, I want to hear from you. I serve Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties and all of your voices are important to me. The best way to represent you is to have your voice heard. Please feel free to contact my Annapolis Office at (410) 841-3565 or my District Office at (240) 362-7040. My public email address is now mike.mckay@senate.state.md.us. Please feel free to email me at anytime. I also have a District Office at the Williamsport City Hall. It is on the second floor in the first office. Our mailing address below remains the same however.
I continue to be your voice and advocate in Annapolis so I want to hear from you. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or what I can do to help you. I am on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Executive Nominations Committee. All of our hearings are streamed live on Youtube and the MGA website.
If you are interested in seeing where my bills are in the process, you can create a MyMGA account or you can click here to view bills I am sponsoring by clicking “Legislation” under my name. You can sign up to testify on any bill you wish.
Sincerely,
Mike