This week I’m spending time with some of my Maryland colleagues at a national forum sponsored by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). The conference brings together state lawmakers from across the country to share ideas and learn about successful solutions we can put into action in our own states. We tackle a wide variety of issues including energy, climate change, transportation, clean water and wildlife. Click here for more on NCEL.
🔶 I’ll also be attending the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) summit where I’ll be connecting with more lawmakers from around the U.S. to discuss policy and strategies for success. Here is more about NCSL.
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I joined Montgomery County Council members to speak in support of new county regulations on for-profit house parties. The measure stems from a raucous pool party that brought excessive noise and traffic to a Potomac neighborhood last summer. After that party, I introduced a bill in the 2025 General Assembly to control such events. Here is a local TV news report on the Potomac party and the new law.
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The Council is now considering a plan to fight invasive bamboo that threatens native plants and takes over our yards. The proposal builds on my 2023 bill authorizing counties to adopt laws to control bamboo. Find details here. A separate bill I sponsored streamlining the state's process for fighting invasive species became law in 2024.
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My work for the House Environment and Transportation Committee recently took me on an interesting field trip as the House Transit Caucus toured Metro's training facility in Landover. We learned about the work of safely operating buses and trains. It was all fascinating, but I have to admit the highlight was getting a seat in the simulator and trying my hand at running a Metro train.
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I'm about to start work on a new assignment. House Speaker Adrienne Jones just appointed me to the Green and Healthy Task Force. I'll be working with the Department of Housing and Community Development to find ways of providing green and healthy housing for low-income residents. Here is more on the task force.
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We all had fun and ate VERY well at the 2025 Governor's Buy Local Cookout in Annapolis. Guests feasted on Maryland delicacies including crab, oysters, BBQ chicken and blue catfish--finished off with farm fresh ice cream. If you want to support our state's products and producers, click here for the Maryland's Best website to find locally produced foods, locate a farmer's market and check out some recipes and restaurants.
🔶 Just this week, the Governor signed an executive order aimed at expanded economic opportunities for Maryland farmers. Here is more about his Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture.
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The Baltimore Banner recently threw a launch party in Chevy Chase to announce a new Montgomery County edition. I'm thrilled to welcome the Banner and it's coverage of schools, local politics, food and recreation. It's especially important to me as a journalist and former President of the NewsGuild-CWA, a nationwide union representing journalists. The Banner was launched in Baltimore three years ago and has quickly become known for quality reporting. The Montgomery County edition debuts in September.
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The state is making it easier for Marylanders to apply for needed benefits with this month's launch of the Maryland Benefits One Application. People can now seek benefits including Medicaid, SNAP, WIC and energy assistance with one application filed from a computer or smartphone. Here is a press release from the Governor about the new initiative and here is the Maryland Benefits website.
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Time is short for state employees who want to take a buyout Governor Moore is offering to help cut the state budget.. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Monday, August 4. Eligible employees are being offered $20,000 plus $300 for each year of service. Here is more information on the Voluntary Separation Program.
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Earlier this week, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks were denied entry to an ICE facility in Baltimore, along with several other members of the Maryland congressional delegation. The lawmakers say they were exercising their legal oversight responsibility to investigate reports that people are sometimes being held for several days inside the office while awaiting court hearings or deportation. Here is more on the issue.
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12,700 federal workers in Maryland have lost their jobs since President Trump took office in January, not including contractors. The Maryland Department of Labor says that number is the highest of all the states. More information can be found here.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has plans to reduce its workforce in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. by about 2,500 employees. They are being reassigned to regional offices in other parts of the country. The USDA plan will also shut down the Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville. Here are more details.
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🔶 X-energy will be expanding in both Montgomery and Frederick Counties. The company has plans to consolidate it's headquarters at a new location in Gaithersburg and says it will add more than 500 jobs in the next five years. Here are details.
🔶 AeroVironment (AV) just opened a $12.5 million defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown. The company is expected to add about 200 high-tech jobs. Read more here.
🔶 Liatris just opened an expanded manufacturing facility in Rockville. The company makes cutting-edge thermal insulation products. Details here.
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Earlier this month I got a look at a food forest in Takoma Park. The event highlighted food security and community resources. A food forest involves growing edible plants under a canopy of trees, mimicking the natural layers of a forest ecosystem. I also helped to welcome the SANTE Wellness and Recovery Center to Germantown. The center provides outpatient services for adults and seniors working to overcome mental health and substance abuse challenges. More information here.
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The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair starts just one week from today in Gaithersburg with fun, food, farm animals and much more to entertain people of all ages. Get the information you need about transportation, parking and special attractions here and have a great time at the fair. It runs from August 8-16.
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Don't hesitate to reach out to me at linda.foley@house.state.md.us with any questions or concerns, or if you wish to meet with me.
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram, plus Threads and Bluesky.
Thank you for the privilege and honor to represent you and the other residents of District 15 in Annapolis. I look forward to working with you and your neighbors in the future as we continue to improve our state.
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Linda Foley
Delegate, District 15, Maryland General Assembly
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