Del. James: Girl Scout Camp, Supporting Veterans Organizations, and Kids and School Attendance

From the office of Del. Mary-Dulany James:

Dear Friends:

This was an eventful week in Annapolis, and I wanted to let you know about a few things that I got done. This was the week to submit bills, so several pieces of legislation that I have been working on were entered for consideration. Among them:

Girl Scout Camp Conowingo: I submitted a bond bill to help replace and repair water lines and the waste water treatment system at Camp Conowingo on the Susquehaha River in Cecil County. The hope is to have repairs completed before this summer so Girl Scouts and all of central Maryland can enjoy the camp to it’s fullest.

I was lucky enough yesterday to meet some of the Girl Scouts who will be going to Camp Cononwingo this summer, and they were so very sweet and gracious. A hug from one Girl Scout from Harford County reminded me why I enjoy so much serving in the General Assembly. As a former Girl Scout myself, I was touched to be pinned as a member of Troop 1920 during the Scout’s big ceremony in Annapolis.

Supporting Veterans Organizations: I submitted a bill with Senator Douglas J.J. Peters to allow State lottery ticket sales at veterans’ organizations and halls. Veterans groups approached our offices and let us know that this is what they needed to help fund their organizations and provide a better place to be together and bond as they return to civilian life. Proceeds from the sales will benefit charitable causes and contribute to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. I am glad to support these groups through this bill. I have been a long-time champion of veterans’ causes, and am proud to continue to do so.

Kids and School Attendance: We all know that kids do better when they regularly attend school. At the behest of the Honorable William O. Carr, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Harford County, I submitted a change to truancy law that will speed up truancy cases. The quicker we can take action on these cases, the better chance we have of getting kids back to school. Currently, the custodial parent(s) must be criminally charged in District Court and those charges must be dismissed or settled before a truancy case can be filed. The Judge asked me to make this change so the court can better serve the children of Harford County. I am glad the Judge reached out to me, and am happy to help make his court run more smoothly.

There is going to be a lot going on in the coming weeks, and I will be keeping you informed of those activities, and what I am doing to keep your priorities in front of the General Assembly. As always, I hope to hear from you soon and that you will take the time to share with me the issues that are most important to you. When you are in Annapolis please stop by!

Very Truly Yours,

Mary-Dulany James