The 2011 Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly has closed with the passage and signing into law of a new Congressional district map for the State. Some groups remain unhappy with the new map and some may challenge the new districting plan in the courts. In the meantime, a number of people have announced their intentions or considerations for running for various Congressional seats based on this plan. Maryland’s primary election will take place on April 3, 2012. The filing deadline for candidates is January 11th which is also the opening day of the 2012 Maryland General Assembly Session.
The work of the Health Benefit Exchange is in full swing. The Board of the Exchange must report to the General Assembly by December 23rd on a comprehensive range of policy issues, including the structure of the Navigator Program and the use of selective contracting. To develop this report, the Board has tasked its four advisory committees to work with its consultants and the public to outline the pros and cons of issues under consideration. It is expected that the report will result in legislation this upcoming session.
A recent training conducted by Michele Douglas of Public Policy Partners in Southern Maryland on the need for grassroots advocacy and demystifying the legislative and budget processes in Annapolis inspired the 30+ seniors attending from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties to form their own coalition to work collectively on issues of importance to seniors at the state level. Congratulations to Joann Jensen for her foresight to request the training and to all of the participants for understanding the need to use their voices to advocate for issues of importance. This success story is a perfect illustration of why Public Policy Partners offers advocacy training and believes strongly in providing organizations and people with the necessary tools to be effective advocates in Annapolis.ts.
Public Policy Partners’ Michele Douglas will be presenting at the League of Women Voters of Maryland Advocacy Course on Effective Lobbying Techniques on Saturday, November 5th. For more information on the course, or to sign up to attend, please contact the League of Women Voters of Maryland at 410-269-0232.
Rhonda Lipkin, an attorney formerly with the Public Justice Center, has been named the new Independent Verification Agent on the L.J. v. Dallas case, the Baltimore City foster care class action lawsuit. Rhonda has been a champion in ensuring the education rights of children in the foster care system and those experiencing homelessness. In this new position she will continue to work for the benefit of children involved with the child welfare system in Baltimore City. Public Policy Partners wishes Rhonda great success.
Patrick Murray starts his new position as Director of State Government Affairs for Johns Hopkins. Pat has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Maryland Senate President Mike Miller and prior to that as Senior Policy Analyst for House Speaker Mike Busch. While his talents will be missed in the State House, we look forward to working with him in his new role in Annapolis.
Sandy Kick has joined the growing Maryland Women’s Coalition for Health Care Reform as the Program Manager and Health Policy Analyst. Sandy is a proud alumnus of the School of Public Health of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She brings substantial experience in health insurance and health care management to the Coalition. We wish Sandy and the Coalition the best of luck in their important work.
The Women’s Law Center has awarded Planned Parenthood of Maryland the Dorothy Beatty Memorial Award to honor significant contributions to the advancement of women’s rights.
Wendy Kronmiller, former chief of staff to DHMH’s Secretary Joshua Sharfstein has been named to the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter.
The Housing Justice Network honored Public Justice Center attorney Matthew Hill with its 2011 Housing Justice Award. Matt was recognized for his impressive talent in the field of affordable housing and low-income housing rights.
More recognition for the Public Justice Center: The Maryland Legal Aid Bureau honored three PJC attorneys among their 100 Champions of Human Rights and Justice. Congratulations go to Deb Garner, Rhonda Lipkin and Ronnie Reno. These 100 Champions were named in a celebration of
Legal Aid’s 100th anniversary celebration. Congratulations to Legal Aid and to all the Champions for the recognition of their outstanding work.
Finally, we’d like to congratulate Public Policy Partners’ Michele Douglas on being honored by the Maryland Respite Care Coalition with their 2011 Respite Advocacy Award. Michele was selected for her outstanding support and advocacy to the provision of respite care to caregivers throughout the state. Michele received the award at the Coalition’s 14th Annual Maryland Respite Awareness Day Conference.
