“As a society, we are judged by how we treat our most vulnerable among us,” Jennings said. He urged Marylanders to continue advocating and sharing their personal stories, adding, “Make yourself seen. Your voices matter.”

Bill advocates noted during the hearing that spacing out reserve studies can save money. Jeannie Pohlhaus, who serves on the board of her condo association in Baltimore City, said reserve studies cost between $5,000 and $7,000, and revising a reserve study costs between $1,500 and $2,500. She added that changing or extending the timeline “does not change the validity of the reserve study.”

“I’m so grateful to Senator Jennings for his willingness to listen to us and act on our concerns, as we are living this bill,” Pohlhaus said.

The proposed legislation mandates that all Public School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Police Officers carry firearms while on duty in schools. Senator Jennings emphasized that these officers are highly trained law enforcement professionals with extensive sensitivity and trauma-informed training. This equips them to make measured decisions and use non-lethal de-escalation tools, such as communication tactics or pepper spray, whenever possible. However, in situations involving critical threats, the ability to respond with a firearm could save lives.

I have received many constituent concerns about the changes that are occurring at the Developmental Disabilities Administration that is impacting critical services for the most vulnerable Marylanders. Thank you, Jack Hogan at The Daily Record for bringing additional attention to this issue.

“The unveiling of the new Key Bridge design is a major step forward in rebuilding stronger and smarter for long term recovery,” Jennings said in an emailed statement. “The bridge is more than steel and concrete it represents Maryland’s commitment to progress safety, and economic vitality.”

“These proposed tax and fee changes will have far-reaching effects on individuals, businesses and essential services. As lawmakers work through this budget crisis, the key question is whether Maryland is achieving the right balance between fiscal responsibility and economic growth or if these changes are unfairly burdening taxpayers and businesses, both already struggling with rising energy costs and inflation on essential goods.”