By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to advance this session.
The crossover deadline is March 17.
“At a time when chaos and attacks from Washington threaten the rights of our residents and the progress we’ve made in our country and state, we are stepping up to protect and deliver for our communities,” said State Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Md.-20), chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCMD).
This marks the first time in Maryland history that all six caucuses have come together in an official joint effort. The participating caucuses include LBCMD, the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus (MLLC), the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus, the Maryland Legislative Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus and the Women Legislators of Maryland.
Wilkins emphasized the caucuses’ support for each other’s priorities, highlighting two key bills: the “Maryland Second Look Act” (House Bill 853) and the abortion grant program (House Bill 930).
“Our caucus members are leading on democratic priorities like relief for our federal workers, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, as well as protecting healthcare access in Maryland,” said Wilkins.
State Del. Ashanti Martinez (D-Md.-22), chair of MLLC, addressed initiatives centered on protecting immigrants.
“House Bill 1006, the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act led by Del. Wilkins ensures that places like schools, hospitals and places of worship remain safe havens, not hunting grounds for immigration enforcement,” said Martinez.
He also referenced House Bill 1431, the Maryland Data Privacy Act, which aims to prevent state and local agencies from sharing personal information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“No one should have to fear that a simple government interaction could lead to their deportation,” he said.
Critics have suggested that diversity and equity initiatives create division, but caucus leaders rejected that claim.
“Diversity is not a pie that when you enhance the lives of some Marylanders, you somehow disclude or discount the lived experiences of other people in Maryland,” said State Del. Kristopher G. “Kris” Fai (D-Md.-3A), chair of the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus. “Diversity is about creating a system that identifies, recognizes and affirms all people that live in our society.”
When questioned about the cost of implementing this expansive list of priorities Wilkins assured that “most of these priorities actually don’t cost the state much of anything.”
“Understanding this budget crisis, I think that all of our caucuses have been thoughtful in the budgetary decisions that are before us,” added Wilkins.