BLOGS BY THE DELEGATE

After a favorable vote in the joint committee of jurisdiction, Marriage Equality legislation came to the floor of the House today in a heated debate.  My staff and I have received and responded to hundreds of emails, letters, and phone calls from engaged constituents on both sides of the issue.  The civil, respectful debate among most participants statewide is a great example of how our democracy works.  I appreciate the level of engagement in this important debate.  I have considered all perspectives; nevertheless, I remain unconvinced that providing equal protection under law for all Marylanders harms those opposed to same sex marriage.  This legislation does...

In my last Report I cautioned that my wife could give birth any day. Now, in week 5 of the legislative session, I am extremely proud to announce the birth of Dorothy Maya Cardin, 4.9 lbs and 18.5 inches. She’s an early surprise, but she and my wife are both healthy and happy. I couldn’t be more proud or excited. I also feel a deeper, more meaningful perspective on the work I do as a legislator, improving our state for future generations, including my own daughter. Thank you to those who shared their support and congratulations. I encourage you to visit my website, www.joncardin.com, for further information and, eventually, pictures of my family....

As we conclude week 4 of the legislative session, my wife hits week 36 of her pregnancy and the General Assembly is in full swing: committees are scheduling a full slate of daily hearings, nearly 600 bills have been introduced, my staff barely has time to grab lunch, and the baby could come anytime now.  Furthermore, the Governor gave his annual State of the State Address, which certainly deserves some commentary.  Finally, if you make it to end of this Report you can read about one of my legislative proposals that I believe has the potential to save the state millions while keeping Marylanders healthy and productive.

In his annual State of the State Addre...

At the three week mark of this legislative session, we are only five weeks from my wife's due date. It is amazing how quickly everything is moving amidst the excitement of a new addition to our family. Meanwhile, here in Annapolis, a mere 300 bills have been introduced thus far in the House. As you can imagine, it is in the first and fourth years of a term where record numbers of bill are introduced. The first year because everyone's excited to get started, and the fourth year because everyone is running for re-election. My legislative director has appropriately suggested that I focus this week's Report on three current issues of justice and fairnes...

I apologize in advance for the extended length of this report, but there is so much to discuss this first full week of session. On Wednesday the Governor released his 2013 budget. With the help of my Legislative Director and her team: Yousuf from UMBC, Christine and Jonathan from the University of Maryland School of Law, we have begun to digest the more-than 2,000 page document. It is as much an art as it is a science to evaluate the numerous difficult issues that come before the General Assembly with an eye for both principle and compromise. My goal -- to strike a balance among achieving long-term fiscal responsibility, spurring sustainable growth among our local busine...

The 430th Session of the Maryland General Assembly began on Wednesday at noon. We started the session by re-electing Michael Busch as the longest serving speaker in Maryland history. The formalities of the rest of the week consisted mostly of "first readings" of bills introduced early in the session (each bill must have three readings in each respective chamber) and informational meetings with constituents. In this first weekly report of the session I will share with you the progress of our state's legislative redistricting.

As required by our Constitution, the legislature is preparing to review and debate the Governor's proposed legislative...