Senator Bailey continued working this weekend on his top priority: ensuring that the priorities of the constituents of District 29 are heard and brought before the General Assembly. On Saturday and Monday, Senator Bailey met with members of the Amish and Mennonite communities to discuss how best to protect their Constitutional rights as legislation is considered this session. By working with these communities, Senator Bailey can ensure that their voices are heard in Annapolis and prevent inadvertent religious discrimination that can sometimes occur as an unintended consequence when laws are made.
On Monday morning, this effort to hear from constituents continued at the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors’ Legislative Breakfast in Hughesville. This breakfast brought together Senators and Delegates from throughout the Tri-County area to hear about issues that realtors in the region are focused on. The breakfast included a discussion with Senator Bailey and other legislators about the ongoing Legislative Session and their priorities. Senator Bailey spoke principally about legislation that he is sponsoring regarding oyster leases, as well as the Kirwan Commission, which has proposed reforms to Maryland’s education system that will be considered this year. It is critical that the funding formulas be fair and accountable to all jurisdictions.
Upon his return to Annapolis for the week on Monday evening, Senator Bailey introduced three constituents who have been appointed by Governor Hogan to State boards and commissions before the Senate’s Executive Nominations Committee. These are appointments that require Senate confirmation, and nominees are traditionally introduced to the Committee by their Senator. The District 29 residents who were introduced by Senator Bailey were Judith Fillius and Raymond Wernecke, who have been appointed to the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees, and St. Mary’s County Commissioner Michael Hewitt, who has been appointed to the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. The Senator also introduced The Honorable Sven Erik Holmes, an appointee for the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees. Senator Bailey looks forward to supporting their nominations and efforts for our community this session.