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End of Session 2021

I invite you to read my End of Session letter summarizing the 2021 Legislative Session and welcome you to check back on this site as I will be posting updates when the General Assembly reconvenes for the 2022 Legislative Session in January.

April 26, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

I wanted to personally thank you for your civic engagement during the 2021 Legislative Session. While access to the Legislative Complex was significantly limited this year due to COVID-19 protocols, my team and I were able to stay engaged with many concerned residents during the session through email, phone calls, and Zoom meetings.

This year my committee assignment changed from Education, Health, & Environmental Affairs to Judicial Proceedings. During this session, I worked with my colleagues to ensure that our local priorities were included in the State’s Operating and Capital Budgets. I was able to work with the Hogan Administration to secure funding for a dedicated ambulance for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to serve our veterans and reduce the strain on our rescue squads. I also maintained the funding in the budget for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) to protect this important resource for our agricultural community. Funds were also allocated for a number of other important local projects, such as the Third Academic Building at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, the Maryland Heritage Interpretive Center at Historic St. Mary’s City, and the proposed St. Mary’s County Sports Complex.

This year, I also introduced successful legislation that recognizes the importance of hunting and fishing in Maryland, and legislation to support the new Southern Maryland Regional Agricultural Center in Charlotte Hall. It was also my honor to sponsor the “Fort to 400” Legislation which will focus on the 400th Anniversary of Maryland’s founding and the celebrations and observances that will be held in St. Mary’s City in 2034. This bill includes a commission to identify economic initiatives and opportunities for our county as we strive to make St. Mary’s a destination for this celebration.

I worked with and sometimes, argued with my colleagues on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to try and improve legislation on police reform throughout this session.  I remain deeply concerned about the impact that the police reform bills passed by the General Assembly will have on the public’s safety in Maryland, particularly on the recruitment and retention of officers.  I will continue my work to support our police going forward and work to reduce the impact these bills will have on law enforcement in our State.

The General Assembly also took action to respond to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I was proud to vote for needed assistance to our residents and small businesses in the Governor’s RELIEF Act as well as for legislation to expand access to broadband and telehealth in our State.

You can learn more about my work during this session as well as planned legislation that I will be working on in preparation for the 2022 Session here. You can also visit this link if you are interested in learning more about a few of the most notable bills that were passed during this session and my views on them.

It is my honor to serve you and I look forward to continuing to fight for our community in Annapolis.

Sincerely,

Senator Jack Bailey