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Senator Mary Washington is dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to her constituents, with these five key areas of focus that drive her work:

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Education

• Educational Equity: Ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of zip code.

• Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Supporting educators to strengthen Maryland’s schools.

• Students’ Rights: Protecting students from discrimination and ensuring safe learning environments.

• Accountability and Performance: Advocating for transparency and measurable outcomes in education.

Accomplishments:

• Supported the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future: As the only Baltimore Senator on a key committee reviewing the Blueprint, Senator Washington ensured Baltimore students were fairly treated. She continues to fight for full funding for community schools, expanded wraparound support services, and protection of Blueprint resources from budget cuts.

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Community Health, Safety, and Development

• Equitable Development: Promoting fair and inclusive growth in all communities.

• Community Participation and Opportunities: Empowering residents to shape their neighborhoods.

• Supporting Critical Infrastructure and Local Businesses: Investing in infrastructure and small businesses to strengthen local economies.

• Public Health and Safety: Ensuring access to healthcare and safe environments for all.

Accomplishments:

• Demanded Accountability on Vaccine Distribution: As one of six Senators on Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Oversight Working Group, Senator Washington fought back against false narratives about Baltimore and ensured city residents received their fair share of vaccines.

• Secured Resources for Homeless Youth: As Senate Chairperson for the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, she secured funding for new housing, created a tuition exemption waiver, and enacted Maryland’s Hunger-Free Campus program to support students at risk of homelessness and food insecurity.

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Energy and Environment

• Renewable Energy: Expanding clean energy initiatives to reduce Maryland’s carbon footprint.

• Air and Water Quality: Protecting natural resources and ensuring clean air and water for all.

• Cumulative Impact and Environmental Justice: Addressing the disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized communities.

• Natural Resources: Preserving Maryland’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Accomplishments:

• Fought Back Against Predatory Energy Companies: Senator Washington passed legislation in 2022 to regulate third-party energy suppliers, saving 30,000 families $500 a year on utilities. She continues to push for stronger environmental standards and accountability from energy companies.

• Protected Families from Unaffordable Water Bills: Senator Washington led the fight to pass the Water Taxpayer Protection Act, ending the practice of foreclosing on homes due to inaccurate or unaffordable water bills. She continues to advocate for fair water billing and affordability programs.

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Access and Justice

• Access to Healthcare and Essential Services: Ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.

• Dismantling Structural Racism: Fighting systemic inequities in all areas of public policy.

• Protections, Rights, and Equity: Advocating for civil rights and protections for all Marylanders.

• Democracy, Electoral Justice, and Government Transparency: Strengthening democracy and ensuring fair representation.

Accomplishments:

• Championed a Women’s Prerelease Facility: Senator Washington passed legislation requiring Maryland to establish its first standalone prerelease facility for women, correcting a long-standing inequity. She continues to lead efforts to expand prerelease programming and ensure women returning home have access to education, job training, and family reunification.

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Housing and Livability

• Affordable Utilities: Ensuring fair pricing and access to essential services.

• Consumer Protections: Safeguarding residents from predatory practices.

• Homelessness: Addressing homelessness through comprehensive support and housing solutions.

• Affordable Housing and Renters’ Rights: Protecting tenants and expanding access to affordable housing.

Accomplishments:

• Secured Resources for Unaccompanied and Homeless Youth: Senator Washington has fought for youth experiencing homelessness by securing funding for housing, creating tuition waivers, and enabling unaccompanied youth to make their own housing choices.

• Fought Back Against Predatory Big Energy Companies: Her 2022 legislation brought critical accountability to the energy industry, saving families hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills.