Baltimore residents attend annual legislative evening in Annapolis

By Catherine Pugh

They came by busloads, March 4, at the invitation of their State Sen. Antonio Hayes and Delegates Marlon Amprey and Melissa Wells to “An Evening in Annapolis with District 40.” 

“This is a tradition,” said Hayes to the more than 100 Baltimore residents who attended the event. “We do this every year.”

Attendees were treated to a meal and music by the 2023 Baltimore City Public School Teacher of the Year, music teacher Jared Perry and his cadre of youthful musicians from Booker T. Washington Middle School, which is located in the 40^th district.  The group of musicians sang and played original tunes by members of the band.

“It is a great event,” said Betty Clark, who journeyed to Annapolis for the annual event.  

While many of the 40^th District constituents came by bus, some of them drove. Organization leaders from the 40^th District were also in attendance, including Chief Executive Officer of Park Heights Renaissance, Yolanda Jiggetts, and President of the Center for Urban Families (CUF), Joe Jones. 

Jones said the Center was in its 25^th year, and he thanked the 40^th District delegation for helping them procure bond bills from the Legislature.  

The Baltimore constituents were given a tour of the Senate and House chambers.

President of the Senate William “Bill” Ferguson thanked the residents for coming and praised the Baltimore lawmakers. “You all send one of the best delegations to Annapolis to fight on your behalf,” he said.

The 40th District legislators said the annual event is part of an effort to educate voters about the work their representatives are doing in the General Assembly on their behalf.

“I want to remind you all that this is a part of our effort to be accountable to you,” said Sen. Hayes. “Before we come to session we invite you to give us feedback so that we present the best agenda on your behalf.  When this session is over we will also do our end of session briefing to share with you what we were able to accomplish.” 

The end of session briefing is scheduled for May 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Delegate Marlon Amprey offered a glimpse of his focus for the session.

“I don’t have time to tell you about all the legislation I have put in this session but I am championing legislation that focuses on individuals who are incarcerated and those leaving these institutions to become whole,” he said. Among the legislation Delegate Amprey is leading is HB 92, which asks the state to help those incarcerated to access federal PELL Grants.

Delegate Melissa Wells is also leading several pieces of legislation, including HB 432 which would replace references to mental retardation with “intellectual  disability.”

“We are proud of our work and also proud to represent the 40^th District.  We work for you,” she said. “It is so good to see so many of you here tonight.  Continue to hold us accountable.” 

Maryland’s first lady Dawn Moore brought greetings on behalf of Gov. Wes Moore and also praised the delegation from the 40^th District.  She stayed at the reception and took pictures with the crowd. Hayes referred to the work of the state central committee members that were present and how grateful the 40^th District is for their volunteerism.  Also in attendance and bringing greetings were Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, Vice President Sharon Middleton and Council members James Torrence, Phylicia Porter, Eric Costello and Antonio Glover.  Several state delegates and state senators stopped by the event, including Sen. Corey McCray and Sen. Jill Carter.