We are just beginning the second half of Session and things aren’t slowing down.
** Weeks 6 & 7 in Annapolis
Halfway through Session
We are entering the second half of Session in Annapolis and
** Lincoln Day Speech
One of my most proud moments was giving a speech about President Abraham Lincoln on his 215th birthday. Each year the Republicans assign a member to give the speech before the Maryland State Senate and this year was mine. I was very proud to speak before my colleagues on one of America’s greatest men and leaders. President Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite presidents and I wanted to express to my fellow Senators how we should look to President Lincoln as an example of how we should be when governing. I was very thankful that it was enjoyed by all in attendance. If you would like to view the speech you can view it here (https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcKayMD/videos/1058246348766189?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) on my Facebook page!
** Four Bills Pass the Senate
I am proud to announce that four bills have passed the Senate and have moved into the House for consideration: SB 348 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0348?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) , SB 502 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0502?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) , SB 521 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0521?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) , and SB 558 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0558?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) . I am glad that I have been able to move four bills passed one hurdle before eventually going to the Governor’s desk for signature (hopefully).
I will continue to keep you all updated as things progress the second half of the Session.
** COMING THIS WEEK: Senate Bill 349!!!
Senate Bill 349, entitled State Prescription Drug Benefits – Retirees, intends to right a wrong that should not have happened. During Governor Martin O’Malley’s tenure in office, state employees who worked or began work prior to July 1, 2011 had their prescription drug benefits taken away from them. This was across the board from state police to workers in Annapolis to other state workers. Many who had been counting on the coverage for when they retired, had to find coverage elsewhere.
The State had no right to break a promise to these employees, who had worked hard and expected to be compensated in every way they were told. As such this bill will right this wrong and those former and current employees will be guaranteed their benefits as they should.
So many of you have contacted me asking about whether it will pass, how much support it has, or what to do to help it get passed. The most important thing you can do is contact your Delegates and other Senators and tell them why they should support and pass SB349. Our hearing will be held in the Budget and Taxation Committee on the 28th of February at 1:00pm. If you are interested in testifying or submitting letters of support, you can create a MyMGA account and then submit the testimony one day prior to the hearing on the 27th of February.
Thank you all!
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 Town 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 h (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/mckay02?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) ere (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/mckay02?mc_cid=d9472468cc&mc_eid=UNIQID) to view bills I am sponsoring by clicking “Legislation” under my name. You can sign up to testify on any bill you wish.