Coming soon… Transportation updates, new laws, music, and more! (June 7, 2017)

June 7, 2017
Dear Friend:
 
While Governor Hogan signed all of my legislation (details below), he notably vetoed the earned sick leave bill that would have helped more than 700,000 Marylanders. Dismayed by his decision, I hope we override the veto when the Senate next convenes; workers shouldn’t be forced to choose between caring for a sick child and providing for their family.
SafeTrack Maintenance on the Red Line
 
Did you know that 5,000 people ride the Metro from Rockville every weekday and nearly 14,000 depart from Shady Grove? WMATA’s SafeTrack program has meant temporary track shutdowns in order to make emergency repairs and improve safety and reliability. The final SafeTrack closures will affect the Red Line between Shady Grove and Twinbrook from Saturday, June 17th to the 25th.
During the repairs, train service from the affected stations will be replaced by shuttle buses with an express shuttle from Shady Grove to Grosvenor-Strathmore during peak hours. I fought for and won $1 million in funding for these buses, because I know that so many of us rely on Metro.
 
The rest of the Red Line is expected to run at near-normal times, and no other lines will be disrupted. Alternatively, WMATA suggests that riders consider starting their trip at Twinbrook, White Flint, Glenmont, or Wheaton, or taking MARC’s Brunswick Line into DC. 
 
Five Kagan Bills Become Law
Gaithersburg Councilmember Ryan Spiegel joined me and Maryland Municipal League representatives for the signing of SB26.  (Thanks to the Governor’s Office for these photographs.).
Last month, I joined Senate and House colleagues, advocates, staffers, and others as all of my bills were signed into law by the Governor. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With Del. Angela Angel, Sen. Reilly, and our staffers as SB83 was signed into law.

Among the bills I worked to pass that are being added to our lawbooks are: 
  • SB26 allows city governments to prevent contract fraud;
  • SB74 standardizes and updates references to nonprofit organizations in the law;
  • SB83 will streamline the process for returning to a former name after a divorce;
  • SB465 creates the Nonprofit Interest-free Micro Bridge Loan (NIMBL) account to support nonprofits facing short-term cash-flow problems as they wait for incoming government grants or contracts; and
  • SB632 simplifies the campaign finance disclosure process for public contractors.
Maryland Municipal League (MML) Superstar… Again!
 
Honored to be a “Municipal Superstar” for the third year in a row.

As the Senator for Gaithersburg & Rockville, I work hard to ensure that cities are well-represented in the legislature. Because of this, MML named me a “Municipal Superstar” in 2017. I was glad to receive the award from Gaithersburg Councilmember Ryan Spiegel, who also serves as MML Montgomery County Chapter President, Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton, and Takoma Park Councilmember Jarrett Smith (shown in the photo).
 
Rockville’s Memorial Day Parade
 
As always, Rockville’s Hometown Holidays and Memorial Day Parade were fun and memorable.
 
The parade route was lined with neighbors, constituents, activists, and adorable kids (future activists!). See more photos here and find out about upcoming community events on my website.
You can follow me on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for photos and updates throughout the interim, as well as fun and interesting events in District 17. Please check my website to learn about Senatorial Scholarships, internship opportunities, and more! Any questions or comments can be directed to me via email.
 
Best,
 
Cheryl
 
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
Rockville & Gaithersburg
301/858-3134
 
P.S.: As you may recall, for the past 15 years I have hosted “Folk ‘N Great” concerts in my home. On Sunday, June 25, I will present the remarkably talented David Roth (MA). Please click here to learn more & RSVP.