Access to affordable, reliable child care is essential for working families and for Maryland’s economy. This week, the House of Delegates advanced a package designed to expand access to care.

HB849 reopens enrollment in the Child Care Scholarship Program while ensuring long-term sustainability. It prioritizes families with the greatest financial need, including children experiencing homelessness, and creates a clearer process for families on the waitlist. HB1321 protects affordability by ensuring families pay no more than 7% of their household income toward care, with no payments required for families living at or below the federal poverty level.

In addition, HB561 permanently funds the state’s Child Care Credentialing Program, helping providers receive training and professional development. Together, these measures support working parents, strengthen early childhood education, and will ensure Maryland families can access the quality care they need.

House members voted in favor of my HB10/SB64-- Legal Advertisement or Legal Notice - Publication in Newspaper or Newspaper in General Circulation - Digital Newspapers, which would allow required legal notices to be published in both print and online format.

HB141/SB84-- State Personnel - Collective Bargaining - Graduate Assistants-- allows them the right to form a union and bargain for better pay and working conditions. This bill received a favorable vote from Government, Labor, and Elections last week and Appropriations today.

HB1071/SB861-- Environment - Stormwater Management - Agricultural Land-- requires the Department of the Environment to create regulations and a model ordinance for local programs to enforce stormwater rules on agricultural lands. This bill passed Environment and Transportation and will be on the House floor next week.

Sharon Brackett (1962-2021) was an engineer, entrepreneur, and transgender rights advocate. After earning a computer engineering degree from Syracuse University, she built a successful career in technology and was recognized by the Maryland Department of Commerce as one of Maryland’s Top Women in Tech in 2016.

In 2011, she pushed Howard County to pass a bill that added gender identity to its anti-discrimination laws, before similar protections were enacted at the state level. In 2018, she made history as the first openly transgender person elected to public office in Maryland, serving on the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee.

She also served as chair of the LGBTQ+ Diversity Leadership Council of the Maryland Democratic Party.

Through her advocacy and leadership, Sharon Brackett left a lasting legacy in Maryland’s fight for equality. 

When you file your tax return this year, you could qualify for up to $4,000 through the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). That's money you've earned through your work that can help you reduce what you owe in taxes or increase your tax refund.

Visit MarylandComptroller.gov/Earnedlt to find out if you're eligible and find help filing your taxes for free.

Starting January 2027, the Public Service Commission will offer lower utility rates for recipients of the Office of Home Energy Programs. Enroll in OHEP now to access current utility assistance and qualify for next year’s reduced rates.

Do you know someone attending college or graduate school this fall? If they live in District 15, encourage them to apply for my scholarship! Applications will be accepted here through April 30th.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me at Linda.Foley@house.maryland.gov

with any questions or concerns, or if you wish to meet with me.

You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram, plus Threads, TikTok and Bluesky.

Thank you for the privilege and honor to represent you and the other residents of District 15 in Annapolis. 

Linda Foley

Delegate, District 15, Maryland General Assembly

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