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March 14th, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
We Are Maryland!
Six Caucuses, One Powerful Message: Maryland thrives when ALL Marylanders thrive.
For the first time, the @blackcaucusmd, @mdlatinocaucus, @aapicaucus.md, @marylandlgbtqcaucus, and the @mdjewishcaucus united to advocate for legislative priorities that protect Marylanders and reflect the state’s commitment to equity, economic stability, access to healthcare, and diversity.
As President of the Maryland Women's Caucus, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these caucuses to show our unity and strength. The Women Legislators of Maryland are championing legislative priorities for Women’s Healthcare, addressing the Childcare Crisis throughout the state, and advocating for a Women’s pre-release center.
If you would like to watch the press conference and hear about our collective mission, the video is available on my Facebook here!
Bills on the Move!
With this year’s legislative session now past the halfway mark, I’m charging full speed ahead to pass key bills for Marylanders! I want to share some of the amazing legislation that I have now passed in the House and sent on to the Senate. I looking forward to updating you as these bills continue on!
🗳 HB 586 saves local boards of election money, and will allow students in public schools the opportunity to receive student service learning hours and pay for their work as an election judge. Our elections are the bedrock of our country, and making this change will encourage more young Americans to get involved in our democracy!
🎣 HB 397 will help reduce government red tape and make it more accessible for Oyster Shucking houses to obtain small business loans across Maryland! This legislation will ensure previously appropriated dollars are actually able to be accessed by these facilities to grow their Maryland business. Helping business AND putting more oyster shells back in the bay!
🚲 HB 375 will help save Maryland lives and keep children safe! This legislation will make sure that bicyclists are legally able to operate their bikes on sidewalks statewide, keeping them safe from vehicular traffic. I am proud to say this common sense and safety focused legislation was passed by the House unanimously!
🤱 HB 1344 helps to address Maryland's child care crisis through identifying possible locations where child care centers can be established in State facilities. As the Comptroller noted in her recent child care report, a lack of providers is one of the top contributing factors to the crisis. There is no solution to this without increasing supply, and this bill will help identify possible locations to help solve this issue.
🌪️ HB 865 will help to accelerate and streamline the process to get vital aid to our communities in the event of natural disasters and catastrophic events. Disasters happen without warning, and delaying relief and assistance can cause additional damages that span years into the future. This legislation will ensure relief will be delivered quickly and effectively to those in need!
Standing United with Federal Workers
As a legislator, I cannot and will not stay silent against the unjust and unmerited actions of the Trump-Musk administration towards our federal workforce!
This past weekend I stood hand in hand with countless federal workers, families, and peers to rally for solidarity and support of our federal workers in the wake of illegal layoffs and mistreatments. United in our outrage, I addressed over a hundred passionate advocates to demand justice, defend workers’ rights, and make it clear that we will not back down for the state of Maryland.
Happy St. Patty’s Day! 🍀
🍀🇮🇪🎩 This past weekend, my family and I enjoyed one of our favorite traditions—the Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
I’m thrilled to say we’ve been walking in this parade for a decade, and every year, I’m amazed by the incredible spirit and excitement. There’s nothing like marching down West Street that’s transformed into a sea of green, surrounded by the love and energy of our wonderful community.
A huge thank you to the @cityofannapolismd and everyone who made this beloved event possible. It was a truly gorgeous day. Annapolis eyes were smiling!
Raising Our Voices for Inclusion 🏳️🌈
I was proud to stand with my friends, colleagues, and fellow allies to support and give remarks at the LGBTQIA+ Night in Annapolis. Hundreds gathered at our State's Capitol to raise their voices against the federal administration's injustices and discriminatory actions, standing united for equality and inclusion.
Thank you to everyone who joined in solidarity. I am constantly inspired by the unwavering commitment of our advocates, who work relentlessly to protect and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community in Maryland.
As a legislator, I will continue using my voice to ensure that everyone in Maryland is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Women at the Forefront!
Truly an inspiring week highlighting amazing women in Maryland!! From the annual Maryland Women’s Caucus Breakfast hosted by Governor Wes Moore, to the Maryland Hall of Fame & Young Women Leaders Awards, I am so proud to recognize the strength, impact, and leadership of women in our state.
This past Monday, trailblazing women from the House of Delegates, Chair Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Chair Maggie McIntosh, were inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame for their unwavering dedication, lifelong service, and lasting contributions. Congratulations to all the evening's deserving honorees and to the Maryland Commission for Women for organizing this wonderful event! 👏
As President of the Women Legislators of Maryland, it was an honor to attend this year's Maryland Women’s Caucus Breakfast alongside prior President, and current honorary member, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, in addition to honorary member First Lady Dawn Moore. I also want to thank Governor Moore for his partnership and support for Maryland women. I look forward to working together towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all women in Maryland, and thank you to our generous hosts.
A New Chapter for Truxtun Skatepark
🛹 I was delighted to attend the groundbreaking of the new Truxtun Skate Park! Since 2021, I’ve been overjoyed to help bring this project to fruition, and I’m incredibly happy that I could secure $50,000 in State funding to help make this possible. A heartfelt thank you to the Barish family, especially Teegan, who are the driving force for this project.
When they suffered the unimaginable tragedy of Tameron Barish's passing in 2021, an avid skater who frequently went to the park, Teegan and the Barish family successfully raised over $50,000 to renovate the park their son loved so much.
Because of their remarkable commitment, this skatepark will be a lasting memory of his life and bring together countless people to discover or enrich the passion they share with Tameron.
I look forward to the unveiling later this year, and to seeing kids from around the City and County flock here to skate and enjoy!
District 30 Shows Up!
Thank you to everyone who came out for our annual District Night for district 30!! This year’s gathering not only highlighted important community conversations but also showcased the incredible talents within our district. With big challenges ahead— from difficult budget choices to federal-level uncertainty— it is more important than ever to stay engaged and support one another.
It is always a joy to see so many friends, and neighbors who are passionate about our community's future. A huge thank you to APEX Commercial Band for their fantastic performance, which truly brought our District Night to life!
2025-2026 Scholarship Opportunity Alert! 🎓
I am now accepting applications for my annual legislative scholarship! If you are a committed student living in District 30A and plan on attending a Maryland college or university, visit danajones30a.com/apply to apply and see all qualifications. Applications must be submitted by April 1st, 2025 and include a completed FAFSA!
Please remember that late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Reapplying? You're eligible too!
If you have any questions, reach out to me here: Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us.
Fighting Period Poverty Together 💪
THANK YOU to everyone in the state who contributed to the Women’s Caucus February Period Poverty Drive! Because of your generosity, we were able to provide essential menstrual products to people who desperately need them in shelters in Maryland.
This was an astounding success, collecting hundreds of necessary products and we could not have done it without all those who came out to support this worthy cause!
Happy Women’s History Month!
For my first Women’s History Month spotlight, I would like to honor Geraldine Whittington, the first African American Secretary to a United States President in the White House.
Geraldine was born in Lothian, in Southern Anne Arundel County, and attended Wiley H. Bates High School in Annapolis, the only public high school available to black students in Anne Arundel County at the time. After graduating Virginia State College in 1950, she immediately began federal service with the Agency for International Development (AID) in the State Department, eventually receiving an invitation to work at the White House under the administration of President John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
A pivotal moment in history, President Johnson called her to reassign her as his personal secretary in the White House. If you would like to listen to the remarkable call, it can be heard here: https://millercenter.org/.../conversation-gerri....
As the first African American Secretary to a US President, Geraldine represented a pivotal moment in the fight to end segregation. During Geraldine’s time as Secretary, she oversaw many pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and even was the first to learn of Thurgood Marshall’s appointment as the first Black Supreme Court Justice!
Geraldine Whittington’s exemplary dedication as a public servant serves as an inspiration to us all, and a pivotal moment in American History.
To learn more, visit here: https://www.aacounty.org/.../history.../local-women-1
AACPL Women’s History Month Events!
To celebrate Women's History Month, Anne Arundel Public Library is hosting a collection of engaging events, thought-provoking reads, and resources. Check out the list below as we learn, reflect, and celebrate the power of women’s stories!
Discover, learn, and celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history with interactive events at your local library!
Explore the lasting impact of remarkable women in Annapolis history with Women Transforming Annapolis.
Enjoy fun game nights like Man! I Feel Like a Woman! Trivia Night or play Women's History Month Bingo to learn about trailblazing women in a fun way.
Experience inspiring performances that highlight extraordinary women throughout history, with Grace O'Malley: The Pirate Queen and Women Take the Lead.
Get creative with Crafternoon: Women’s History Month, Make Art, and Paint like Georgia O’Keeffe.
Celebrate Women's History Month by exploring the incredible stories and achievements of women through the library’s digital resources!
Stream powerful films about women's history and groundbreaking female directors with Kanopy, and check out curated films for Women's History Month.
Get to know remarkable women like Frida Kahlo, Ella Fitzgerald, Grace O'Malley, and Sally Ride through the Biography database.
Uncover the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, explore diverse female voices from around the world, and discover even more in our U.S. History and World History databases.
Find your next great read from curated lists of books celebrating women's history for kids, teens, or adults. Instantly enjoy books by women in eBook and eAudiobook formats through Overdrive/Libby.
You can follow me on Facebook, Bluesky, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Stay safe and healthy,
Delegate Dana Jones
District 30A, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
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