Democrat, State Senator for MD's 46th. Former teacher, Balt Pub Schs. Husband, father of 2. Maintained by Citizens for Bill Ferguson | Chris Madaio, Treasurer
What's happening in DC is beyond a travesty. This coup attempt is abhorrent criminal behavior. I've contacted Governor Hogan's office to request the deployment of troops and support to help secure the US Capitol and keep the people of DC safe.
Over 15,000 in the Balt region rely on daily operations at Port of Baltimore to put food on the table.
Today, with Del.
@LukeClippinger
and colleagues representing Port, we are drafting an emergency bill to provide for income replacement for workers impacted by this travesty.
Tonight, the Senate of Maryland passed Senate Bill 1. This legislation makes communities safer by limiting where firearms can be conceal-carried in response to the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. We’re making the decision that in Maryland, more guns are not the answer.
In City's 2020 election, there were 10,000 more voters who had NEVER voted in a primary than the number of perfect (3 of 3) primary voters. 46,771 (0 of 3) to 36,597 (3 of 3). That is an unbelievable statistic. 17k of 46k never voted in primary OR general election.
No matter the offense, no matter the background, the question is always the same, "Did he deserve to die?" Answer: absolutely not. The rest is wholly irrelevant.
Until that's widely understood by leaders in the system, injustice and inequity are inevitable.
Hogan wrote that people shouldn’t confuse Freddie Gray “with a singer in the church choir," calling him a "Crips gang–connected, street-level drug dealer with a long criminal rap sheet, well known to the Baltimore City police.”
I'll take
@GovLarryHogan
perspective on MTP this AM over NYC Mayor's message any day of the week. Solutions > blame. Let's deal with the crisis now, put politics on the bench.
Moments ago,
@GovLarryHogan
agreed that President Trump's immediate removal from office is in our country's best interest. I appreciate the Governor's clear stance. Our democracy and our country must repudiate insurrection and the causes thereof.
We'd likely have more local school district consistency on reopening if the State had provided *any* guidance whatsoever prior to TEN DAYS before the planned start of SY 2020-21.
I strongly encourage
@GovLarryHogan
to address this development as soon as possible. Is this the intended outcome of the "community-based" approach? If not, what is the State's role moving forward? Marylanders and MD businesses need certainty.
CC:
@riccimike
Shout out and big thanks to the City's DPW teams this morning. There was lots of enjoying parks yesterday for the 4th, and lots of trash, especially around park cans. DPW out bright and early making trash runs. Appreciate these public servants.
cc:
@BaltimoreDPW
@MayorBMScott
Very good news,
@GovLarryHogan
announcing use of National Guard to oversee mass vaccination sites. This centralized approach is a necessary part of the scaling of vaccination operations as supply increases.
About to serve as Master of Ceremonies for a surprise Destination Graduation in Baltimore City for my alma mater,
@DavidsonCollege
, for 3 grads missing ceremony today. Great day to be a Wildcat!
Want to give a huge thank you to the MD press corps for their dedication to the job of protecting democracy in a time of crisis. These are extraordinary times and these professionals haven't blinked, doing the work of informing the public. Too many to tag, but thank you all.
In Baltimore City, 35,863 of the 102,242 Dem mail-in votes cast (*35%*) so far = voters who have NOT participated in any of last 3 primaries. This is a remarkable statistic. Will impact the outcomes of this race. Targeting "likely voters" missed 1/3rd of votes.
Happy Birthday to my partner in the work,
@SenBillFerg
!
Mr. President, thank you for your partnership during another successful legislative session. Your leadership and commitment to our communities elevates our entire state.
Downtown Baltimore youth-led march honoring life of
#GeorgeFloyd
and victims of excessive police force is truly remarkable to see. Thousands peacefully and purposefully demanding actionable, institutional reform.
Can I tell you about the great things we've accomplished in the last three years since I became Senate President in less time than it takes me to pick a Maryland crab?
A challenge, but after the O's winning record this year, anything is possible.
Normally, I swim each morning. Less about exercise, more about mental health. But pools are closed.
So last two days I went running instead. Today, I can barely walk up the stairs.
I miss the pool.
#worthit
#COVIDActNow
This is not honest. No Democratic leader suggested exclusive vote by mail. Here's receipt where we explicitly laid out "a hybrid mail-in preferred" election process.
New decision must be made in days, not weeks. Make the right call now,
@GovLarryHogan
while there's still time.
By taking an "all-of-the-above” approach, we can maximize participation in the November election by offering voters more options and preventing the serious problems of the June primary. We strongly encourage vote-by-mail and early voting to ensure a safe and efficient election.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a horrific and unimaginable tragedy for Baltimore and Maryland. I'm keeping all those missing, their loved ones, and our first responders in my thoughts today, and throughout the week and ask that you all join me in doing the same.
The Baltimore bridge collapse is a “mass casualty event” and a “multi-agency rescue and recovery [is] now underway,”
@NicoleSganga
reports.
The Baltimore Fire Dept. Chief said an estimated 20 people plunged into the water.
Painful, beautiful, tragic, and moving vigil tonight to honor the remarkable life of Pava LaPere, cofounder of
@EcoMapTech
. The Baltimore Tech community showed up in full, proof of Pava's deep and real impact on our City.
Maryland must do everything possible to safely keep school buildings open for learning and our kids safe. That’s why the Maryland Senate just sent this letter to the State Board of Ed, urging members to promulgate emergency regs to make masking a statewide mitigation strategy.
One might think there's been sufficient evidence that science should trump politics during a pandemic, apparently not.
Clarity and certainty are essential for Marylanders. Arbitrary, discretionary second-guessing will only worsen this crisis.
I have issued an amended emergency order ensuring that local schools and school systems retain the primary authority to determine when to safely reopen their facilities. My full statement:
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is now law!
I ran for the Maryland Senate in 2010 because teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools made it abundantly clear that we were failing our responsibility as a society to provide all children an education t…
Fellow millennials, we have some work to do:
1) Wear your mask,
2) Socially distance,
3) Avoid indoor leisure activity (esp. bars).
Our kids are counting on us.
#MaskOnMD
I'm sorry I expect my Governor to be a leader and solve clearly identified problems.
I'm not sorry I believe all children should have the opportunity to maximize his or her potential, while knowing that we are not providing that in MD.
But, hey, this approach must poll better.
I'm sorry the Senator got so angry, especially on a Saturday. It just seems reasonable to level with Marylanders about the potential costs to them for a massive government initiative.
I couldn't resist the opportunity to vote at the greatest polling place that may never exist again - Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Short line, great people, excellent experience.
#GoVote
and save democracy!
Just left the site of Key Bridge collapse after briefing w/ local, state, federal partners. Collapse even more devestating in person.
Praying for 1st responders & missing workers.
Back to Annapolis, standing ready w/ legislature to partner in the recovery & rebuild ahead.
After presenting
@GovLarryHogan
with a petition for special session, I’m excited to announce the General Assembly will be convening Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. I’m looking forward to advancing fair redistricting maps on behalf of all Marylanders.
Note, this year alone,
@BaltCitySchools
requested HVAC/boiler facility repairs for funding and were denied due to "fiscal constraints:"
- Curtis Bay ES/MS
- City College HS
- George Washington ES/MS
- Gilmor ES
- Highlandtown
#215
- Hist. Coleridge Taylor ES/MS
- Garrett Heights
There have been more fireworks going off over the last 10 nights than I've heard in the last three July 4th holidays combined. Some special fireworks sale going on that I don't know about?
If you're a Democrat watching the State of the Union after the mess that was the Iowa caucuses and you're still not concerned about 2020, you're fooling yourself.
We have work to do.
I was truly honored to join
@Willcsmithjr
at the unveiling of Artist Ernest Shaw’s portrait of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. I hope all those who visit the Senate JPR Committee Room will be inspired by his legacy of fighting for racial equality.
Please read my joint statement with
@SpeakerAJones
on the Supreme Court ruling in NYSRPA vs. BRUEN limiting States’ ability to restrict guns in public.
I look forward to the General Assembly's review of the expenses in a single day to a mega-firm for two losing court cases.
That's public money better spent on building targeted incentives for Marylanders to enhance skills and enter more productive career pathways.
Today I
#WearOrange
in solidarity with National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The gun violence problem we have in our country has been sickening for some time now, and I want everyone to know I am pursuing all solutions to help solve our gun violence epidemic.
While many may now question the future of reproductive rights in America, in Maryland, that right will always be protected and enshrined in State law. We will welcome those who seek care in our State.
See my full statement here:
The repetition of these horrific events is about 1 thing: easy access to guns. This doesn't happen at our rate in places where guns aren't immediately available. Should we focus on mental health issues and the like, of course. But we as a society have a choice: more guns or less.
Mega-firm lawyers have now wasted Marylanders' public dollars for THREE consecutive judicial losses on UI cases. Latest COA appeal dismissed with prejudice.
This is why we have an Attorney General. The AG wouldn't take the case.
It's time for a new approach,
@GovLarryHogan
.
I'm not sure why, but for the last 15 minutes I've been listening to Trump live on Hannity and Fox News.
In all seriousness, unhinged would be a polite assessment. I'm the furthest thing from a doctor, but that man is not well, neither physically nor cognitively.
We thought a COVID vaccine approval would be top news of the week, and then Taylor Swift goes and releases a surprise album. 2020 making a sharp 180 turn in these last weeks.
Today at noon, in the Senate Chamber, Marylanders across the State will bear witness to a truly historic swearing-in of a new Governor and Lt. Governor.
In a post-Roe world, Maryland has a responsibility to lead and become a beacon of freedom on the national stage. Enshrining reproductive freedom in the Maryland Constitution is the right thing to do to protect privacy over one’s own body.
#MDGA2023
#MDGA23
Ok, Annapolis newbies, let's be clear: If you skip the line on Rt. 50 to cut into turning exit onto Rowe Blvd at last second, you are a bad person. Thanks.
#MDGA19
This must have been a mistaken tweet. These ARE your kids, you are the Lt. Governor for the State of MD. These are Maryland school children. They're all of our kids, and they deserve all of us working to solve this problem.
In case
@jakeweissmann
forgot, here's your daily reminder, it's not health vs. economy. Public health = economic growth.
Celebrate July 4th accordingly.
Businessman Stewart Bainum Jr. has a deal to buy Baltimore Sun Media Group and operate us under a new nonprofit.
Unfortunately, the rest of Tribune Publishing is being sold to hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which is truly awful.
Heaven just welcomed home one of the fiercest angels to ever grace humanity. May the impact of her clarity of conviction and passion live forever. Thank you for a life so well lived, Justice Ginsburg.
Today I was joined by
@SpeakerAJones
and
@SenBillFerg
to enact the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020, which supports our ongoing actions to combat COVID-19 and protects Marylanders from the economic hardships that may result from this pandemic.
Yesterday I spent hours talking to labor leaders, dock workers, small business owners, and large port industry leaders who all had the exact same message: "We must unlock the channel to the Port of Baltimore." They're right. And until we do, there is enormous cost to families.
Today, we had our final bill-signing ceremony of 2023. It was a momentous occasion to help enact Senate Bill 1, reflecting the overwhelming majority’s views and values.
We also signed a package of bills that addresses the recent rise in antisemitism and hate crimes in Maryland.
I was thrilled to be selected as a Delegate to attend my first
#DemConvention
in Milwaukee. While the location didn't quite play out as expected, I couldn't be more excited to celebrate the nomination of Biden/Harris to restore the
#soulofanation
in 2020…
I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor Brandon Scott on his inauguration! Mayor Scott was elected to lead our City through a time of immense transition and I look forward to partnering with him at the State level to build a better, more pro…
Now we have a choice: waste more Marylanders' money paying a mega law firm to fight Marylanders, or negotiate solutions and fix a problem. That's where we stand,
@GovLarryHogan
.
I like the latter: Let's get around a table to help people AND businesses get back to work.
Very positive news from the judiciary this morning.
Here's a copy of the affidavit I submitted with plaintiff's counsel supporting the emergency extension:
I'm certain that McConnell is working the phones tonight to figure out which embattled Republican senators he can save by threatening a vote. His own power more important than Court or President. Never, ever underestimate that man's self-interest.
Lockdown has been lifted, my team and I left the State House several minutes ago.
Enormous appreciation and thanks to the State Police, Capital Police, and all first responders who acted quickly and professionally to monitor situation and keep everyone safe.
UPDATE: As of 6:15 p.m., no suspect or weapon had been found, according to the spokesman for the Annapolis Police Department.
Law enforcement officers were clearing the State House.
Everything about these last 7 months has been unprecedented. But, truly, this is extraordinarily unprecedented.
Remember what we've been saying over and over? Strength of public health and the economy...
ARE 💥 THE💥 SAME 💥 THING!!!
I finally figured out a good use for those old campaign t-shirts in the basement. It only took 2 weeks of a Stay Home order and a global pandemic.
#COVID19
#facemasks
#Team46
Can anyone imagine reaction if after 3,000 Americans died on 9/11, the approach to terrorism was: "Meh, it's already here, we just have to deal with it."
Now, after 100,000 preventable American COVID-19 deaths, national response has devolved into patchwork assumption of risk.
Waking up to the horrible news that 30 people were shot at a gathering overnight in the district. This is well beyond gut-wrenching, it’s a worst-case nightmare. Gun violence like this is so devastating, especially when it involves young people in our City.
Good evening from the Senate of Maryland, where we are in our first double session this year. Senators are working through 135 bills tonight. We will be back tomorrow morning to continue and ensure we meet the crossover deadline on Monday to send our bills to the House chamber.
Tonight, I am introducing a Senate Resolution calling on
@GovLarryHogan
and Secretary of State Wobensmith to immediately and formally renounce sister state status between the State of Maryland and St. Petersburg of the Leningrad region of Russia.
#Boosted
- Received my 3rd shot yesterday with the
@MDHealthDept
Process was simple and quick. Took a picture afterwards to convince my kids that their vaccine shot won't be bad at all! Feeling a little slower today, but feeling even better about being protected
#GoVAX
#booster
The City doesn't need a singular savior. It's not about "Your Leader." The City needs a clear, focused vision that reforms the systems of government around clearly identified outcomes set to an objective timeline.
One person can't do this work alone.
Congrats to Sen. Melony Griffith, the new chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen.
@BrianJFeldman
, the new chair of the renamed Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment. For Pres. Pro Tem, I’m proud to recommend
@Sen_M_Augustine