Laura Fruge (far left) and Vidhya Amirthalingam (far right) and their daughters canvassed with my team of volunteers in Pennsylvania last weekend. They had a great time! You are never too young or too old to make a difference.
Canvassing Makes a Difference!
As the election nears, I am continuing my efforts to increase turn-out for Democrats up and down the ballot in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Please join me! Having one-on-one conversations with people is proven to be one of the most effective ways to drive turn-out in close elections.
Sign up here for these upcoming canvasses:
- Saturday, October 12th in York, PA, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, October 15th in Silver Spring, 4:00 -7:00 pm
- Sunday, October 20th in York, PA, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, October 23rd in Silver Spring, 4:00 -7:00 pm
- Sunday, Nov. 3 in PA, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Monday, Nov. 4 in PA, 9:00 am - late
- Tuesday, Nov. 5 in PA, 9:00 am - victory!
Volunteers are also needed for the Alsobrooks Campaign at Early Voting sites in Maryland from October 24 - 31. Sign up to get more details here.
Grid Resiliency and Security
I serve on the Energy Security Work Group of the National Conference of State Legislators. At recent meetings about how to improve the security and resiliency of our electricity systems, I met with officials from the National Emergency Management Association, National Governors Association, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Dept of Energy, utilities and other experts.
We learned about current strategies to bolster energy infrastructure against disaster events, improve disaster resilience through energy upgrades, and how to receive federal funding and assistance to augment state energy resilience efforts.
We also had an opportunity to visit a BGE substation to see first hand the issues we were discussing.
Southern States Energy Board
I also serve as the Maryland House of Delegates representative to the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB). SSEB helps foster collaboration and innovation between governors and state legislators from sixteen southern states and two territories. Its mission is to advance energy policies, technologies, and practices that enhance the region’s energy efficiency, affordability, and reliability.
During this year’s meeting, my resolution to support funding for the federal Weatherization Assistance Program passed unanimously. I also continued my advocacy for phasing out the use of fossil fuels, including gas appliances in buildings.
What is PJM (and why does it matter)?
A key element to understanding energy policies such as grid resilience and phasing out the use of fossil fuels is knowing where and how our energy is supplied and transmitted. PJM is the regional transmission organization in charge of our region’s electrical grid. It has a huge influence over the cost of our electricity and our ability to meet our climate goals.
To learn more about PJM, listen to an episode of “Maryland Energy Policy Explained” with me and Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Jamie DeMarco as we do a deep dive on PJM and all things electrical.
Protecting Workers From Extreme Heat—Finally!
Back in 2020, I introduced cutting-edge legislation to protect workers from extreme heat. At the time, the Hogan administration proposed regulations to implement the law that many unions and workers’ advocates considered to be too weak and that I opposed.
Nevertheless, we persisted and demanded better. With the change of administration, improved heat standards were developed. Employers in Maryland are now required to provide workers with access to shade, water, and rest breaks when temperatures go above 80 degrees, in a set of regulations considered to be the strongest in the country.
New Hampshire Avenue Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
Improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists has been a top priority for me. Nearly every week I am in contact with the State Highway Administration (SHA) to go over my list of concerns and check on projects.
I’m thrilled, therefore, that SHA is making improvements along New Hampshire Avenue between University Blvd. and Powder Mill Road. I have been advocating for comprehensive safety improvements to this corridor for five years. Find out more and provide feedback here.
Share your feedback with the Montgomery County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly
Share your ideas with state legislators from Montgomery County as we discuss plans for the 2025 General Assembly at several upcoming hearings:
- Consolidated Transportation Program with the Maryland Dept. of Transportation, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
- Joint House and Senate priorities, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.(virtual)
- Local and Bi-County bills, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. (virtual)
Find more information here.
Free COVID Tests
Once again you may order four free COVID tests, delivered by the US Post Office, at covidtests.gov.
Stay in Touch
Need help with a state issue? Please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig
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