We advocate for the public interest in Annapolis This year there are hundreds of policies being discussed which could safeguard public health, protect consumers in the marketplace, transform our energy and transportation systems, remove toxic threats, stop wasteful spending, revitalize our democracy, and protect Maryland’s environment. Our job is to make sure that any decisions that get made during this laregly remote legislative session are made in the public’s best interest.
During the largely remote legislative sessions – and always – it’s vital that when the bills and policies that could impact our common interests are being debated, those discussions aren’t conducted behind closed doors, or without citizen involvement. We know our leaders will be hearing from powerful interests, and their lobbyists won’t be afraid to try and use their access and influence to push for decisions which benefit their narrow agenda, instead of what is best for the people of Maryland. That’s where we come in.
Maryland PIRG’s advocates closely monitor the public interest policies being debated in Annapolis. We propose and analyze legislation, provide independent research, and expert testimony so that our leaders can make informed decisions. Our staff watchdog how our elected officials are leaning and what political calculations they are making. And we make sure that our leaders hear from the public, by bringing the voices of our members and Maryland residents into the meeting rooms, public hearings, or these days the Zoom calls, where critical public interest decisions are being made.
Maryland PIRG’s top priorities this legislative session include:
- The George “Walter” Taylor Act – Stop Toxic PFAS, Sen. Elfreth and Del. Love (SB273/HB275): We are exposed to PFAS chemicals, which are linked to cancer and other illnesses, in water, food, and consumer products. This bill stops their use in firefighting foam, food packaging and rugs and carpets. It also prevents the mass incineration or landfilling of PFAS chemicals.
- Campaign Finance Right to Know, Sen. Smith (SB895): An amendment to the Maryland Constitution to protect the right to know in an open, timely, and transparent manner about how, when, and by whom money is spent and from whom money is raised to influence the vote of the individual for candidates for office and ballot questions; and establishing that a publicly financed election is a right of the people.
- Climate Solutions, Sen. Pinsky (SB528) Del. Barve (HB708) and Del. Stein (HB831, HB806): This family of bills updates Maryland emissions reductions goals to reduce gross emissions to 60% by 2030 (compared to 2006) and net-zero by 2045, lays out plans for building electrification and building emissions standards, school bus electrification and net-zero k-12 schools, and helps move utility companies away from fossil fuels.
- Smart Infrastructure Investments: The national bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act directs historic investments to Maryland, and provides an opportunity to protect Marylanders’ health and our environment. We’re calling on Gov. Hogan and the General Assembly to swiftly make investments to reduce lead in drinking water, electrify our transportation, expand access to broadband, and improve our transportation syste
We have an incredible opportunity to move the ball forward on these issues and others in Maryland. To ensure progress we need to give our public interest champions the support they need to to take bold action and reach out to those who could be swayed by the right facts, persuasive arguments and public opinion.
And we can’t do it without you. Your support and attention help to keep our elected officials accountable.