LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Senator Washington's Session 2024
Alternative Teacher Certification Pathways
SB771 expands pathways into teaching and presents more options for aspiring educators to achieve certification.
Including...
Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program and Fund
SB430 codifies the Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program administered by DHCD to provide grants of up to $100,000 to support local projects that address environmental, health, or public safety concerns and enhance community quality of life and economic potential.
Workgroup of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
SB1084 creates a workgroup to study the creation of a Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. The Commission aims to be a resource for self-advocacy and community empowerment.
6 bills passed!
Senator Washington's 2023 Session
Virtual Education
SB0610 defined virtual education, set requirements for virtual schools, created standards and programs for teacher preparation in online educating, established how and when virtual education days may be used for in-person schools, oversees services and curriculums for virtual schools, and generally addressed parameters and operations of online education.
Including...
Trans Health Equity Act
SB0460 addressed a critical gap in the healthcare of transgender Marylanders by ensuring that medically necessary gender-affirming procedures and services are covered by Medicaid. This Act ensured that Maryland Medicaid offers comprehensive healthcare coverage to Maryland’s all recipients in alignment with internationally-recognized, best medical practices.
Social Work Workgroup
SB0871 mandated a workgroup to develop recommendations to ensure equity in the social work licensure process. The workgroup will convene all stakeholders, allowing them to work together to find a solution that helps diversify the social work field.
11 bills passed!
As the 43rd District's voice in Annapolis, she has...
PROTECTED FAMILIES HOMES FROM UNAFFORDABLE WATER BILLS
In her first year in the Maryland Senate, Senator Washington led a successful fight to pass the Water Taxpayer Protection Act. The law put an end to the practice of the city foreclosing on homes and putting them up for tax sale because of inaccurate or unaffordable water bills.
SUPPORTED KIRWAN, EXPANSIVE INVESTMENTS IN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
As the only Baltimore Senator on a key committee that reviewed the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Senator Washington ensured that Baltimore students will be fairly treated by the Blueprint and our schools will receive the resources they need.
DEMANDED ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE VACCINE OVERSIGHT WORKING GROUP
Senator Washington was appointed by the Senate President as only one of six Senators to oversee Maryland's COVID-19 vaccine distribution. She fought back against the Hogan Administration's false narratives about Baltimore and demanded that Baltimore city residents get their fair share.
SECURED RESOURCES FOR UNACCOMPANIED AND HOMELESS YOUTH
As the Senate Chairperson for the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, Senator Washington has fought for our youth experiencing homeless by winning funding for new housing, creating a tuition exemption waiver, and enabling unaccompanied youth to make their own choices about housing.
GUARANTEED A PRE-RELEASE FACILITY SPECIFICALLY FOR WOMEN
After working alongside advocates for over three years, Senator Washington passed legislation requiring Maryland to have a standalone pre-release facility for women. Maryland has five such facilities for men, but none for women. A pre-release center will help women reconnect with family, secure work opportunities, and access other services.
FOUGHT BACK AGAINST PREDAORY BIG ENERGY COMPANIES
After hearing many complaints from District 43 residents about exorbitant utility bills from third-party energy suppliers, Senator Washington fought during Legislative Session 2022 to bring critical accountability and regulation to this industry. This law will save 30,000 families $500 a year on utilities.