Advocacy groups voice priorities for current Maryland legislative session
MARYLAND – “There’s no way for us to be effective for our communities and ensure fairness and protection for all without connecting with legislators,” Brooks said.
Activist groups are sounding the alarming on their legislative priorities for the Maryland General Assembly’s current session. The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland told 47ABC their work is focused in areas including affordable housing, public safety, wealth, and health care. “Making sure that residents across our state know about access to prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer screenings. We’re seeing those disparities in our black community,” Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins said.
Wicomico County NAACP Branch 7028 President Monica Brooks said they’re championing many environmental causes, but strongly oppose legislation surrounding the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act of 2024. “This bill literally is designed to strip young people of their right to have an attorney present during questioning,” Brooks said.
Brooks said they’re also helping craft legislation for education reform involving a push for restorative practices to improve school culture. “We would have someone who would be placed at every school in the state who is trained in restorative practices, and they would be the person to train all staff and help change the culture in a school,” she said.
Delegate Wilkins told us that they too have their eye on education. She added that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was a deep investment in our state, but more must be done. “One of the bills helps bolster the community schools’ model. It takes a look at national best practices for community schools and makes sure that we’re implemented in our state. It also makes the community schools driven by the parents, families, and stakeholders,” Delegate Wilkins said.
Wicomico NAACP also told that they’re pleased with the work of the Moore Administration in their first year and praised the diversity of leadership.
The NAACP is also looking to advocate for more protections for incarcerated individuals.
