From the office of Del. Mary-Dulany James:
Friends,
First I want to thank everyone who came to the “Petition Your Government Town Hall Meeting” that Delegate Dan Riley and I hosted at the American Legion Post 128 in Aberdeen on this past beautiful Wednesday evening. I want to especially thank Mr. Randy Conlon from the American Legion for his assistance with the planning and execution of the event as well as Judge Gerry Devlin for his kind words and wonderful moderation of the evening. The turnout was great and I enjoyed answering the thoughtful questions people asked. I always enjoy when I can get back home during session and interact with members of the community. I look forward to giving the petitions to the Governor as we encourage him to sign the bills we care about.
As session is coming to a close, only 10 days remain for this year, I am very proud to tell you that the Maryland Gang Prosecution Act of 2010 has passed second reading in the House of Delegates as of this morning and should move to the Senate on Monday. As you all likely know I have worked for many years on crafting anti-gang legislation that works for law enforcement, prosecutors and the community at large. As we continue to invest over forty-million dollars into crime diversion and prevention I feel it is important to prosecute the most dangerous, most active gang kingpins who recruit the young people we are trying to help. House Bill 756, the Maryland Gang Prosecution Act of 2010 accomplishes this important goal. The support of Sheriff Jesse Bane, State’s Attorney Joe Cassilly, Pastor A.L. Reeves and others back home made passing this bill a reality and I send them my sincere thanks.
A bill that I am very proud to be the lead sponsor of, House Bill 359- Procurement- Service Disabled Veterans is making its way through the House of Delegates. It is my hope that we will see the bill pass this year. This legislation would create a State contract procurement goal of awarding .5% of state contracts to businesses owned by veterans. The sacrifice and service the men and women in the military provide can never be repaid. But, it is only right that we help our veterans rebuild their lives as they return home. This bill has seen some opposition and I have been working with the Governor and my colleagues to ensure that this bill is workable for the State and for our veterans. I believe we will see this bill move forward and come to a vote of the full House next week.
A few weeks ago I told you about the bond bills I was fortunate enough to present to the Appropriations Committee. The State uses bonds to fund capital projects and create jobs in our communities. I am happy to be bringing $300,000 back home to Harford and Cecil Counties. Each of the three projects will receive $100,000 in State bond funds. Citizens’ Care and Rehabilitation Center will use the money for major improvements to rooms and the building structure. This Center provides care to many of the elderly in our community, a service which knows no price. Nuttal Avenue Park in Edgewood will finally become a reality for families to enjoy for generations. And lastly, the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway will have the funds necessary for repairs and reconstruction. These three projects are going to be great for our local communities and I look forward to their completion.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend. Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
Very Truly Yours,
Mary-Dulany James
More legislation that does nothing to prevent crime! Ms. James nice to see you have time to send letters to the dagger, but not respond to constituent calls and emails. You pretend to support the 2nd amendment yet you refuse to sign the petition to bring HB52 to the floor. Both you and Del. Riley have chosen to side with your party instead of your district! I hope the people are smart enough to vote you out in the fall!
Abingdon Resident,
I do not pretend anything, I signed the petition (HB 52) and also was the lead sponsor for HB 683. Please make sure your comments are accurate.
Delegate Riley,
Thanks for the update- what’s the status of HB52? Will it get a vote?
Aberdizzle,
On our petition drive to bring HB 52 to the floor,we are about 4 signatures shy of the required amount. Still pushing Delegate Smigiel’s HB 52 to the floor for a vote. I believe if HB 52 passes then my bill HB 683, the right to carry, stands a good chance of getting passed.
Side note to Abingdon Resident: I’ve been in my office since this morning working on my constituents inquires and requests. Not required to be here to 8;00pm (Mondays). You may not agree with some of my votes or decisions but I take pride in promptly answering
my constituents
Dan; I really appreciate your efforts on HB 683. Most people are totally in the dark when it comes to the “may issue” and “shall issue” difference in the law. Do you really believe that this bill has a chance of passing? I would’ve thought that the prevailing sentiment would be to let the MSP continue to babysit us. Gun laws don’t affect law breakers, only law abiding citizens. People just don’t get that.
Whatever happens, I hope that if it doesn’t make it this year, we continue to introduce it each session. I’ve watched as the number of sponsers grew and just maybe, someday, we’ll have the same laws as the 38 other states who’ve passed Shall Issue laws.