As the 43rd District's voice in Annapolis, Senator Washington has accomplished the following priorities:
PROTECTED FAMILIES FROM UNAFFORDABLE WATER BILLS
In her first year in the Maryland Senate, Senator Washington led a successful fight to pass the Water Taxpayer Protection Act. The law put an end to the practice of the city foreclosing on homes and putting them up for tax sale because of inaccurate or unaffordable water bills. Since then, she has continued to advocate for fair water billing and affordability programs to keep families in their homes.
SUPPORTED THE BLUEPRINT, EXPANSIVE INVESTMENTS IN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
As the only Baltimore Senator on a key committee that reviewed the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Senator Washington ensured Baltimore students would be fairly treated. She has continued that fight to fully fund community schools, expand expand comprehensive wraparound support services, and protect Blueprint resources from budget cuts.
DEMANDED ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE VACCINE OVERSIGHT WORKING GROUP
Senator Washington was appointed by the Senate President as only one of six Senators to oversee Maryland's COVID-19 vaccine distribution. She fought back against the Hogan Administration's false narratives about Baltimore and demanded that Baltimore city residents get their fair share.
SECURED RESOURCES FOR UNACCOMPANIED AND HOMELESS YOUTH
As Senate Chairperson for the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, Senator Washington has fought for youth experiencing homelessness by securing funding for new housing, creating a tuition exemption waiver, and enabling unaccompanied youth to make their own housing choices. She also enacted Maryland’s Hunger-Free Campus program, ensuring more students, including those at risk of homelessness and food insecurity, have access to the support they need to succeed.
CHAMPIONED A WOMEN’S PRERELEASE FACILITY
After years of advocacy, Senator Washington passed legislation requiring Maryland to establish its first standalone prerelease facility for women – correcting a long-standing inequity, since the state operates multiple facilities for men but none for women. While the facility has not yet been built, she continues to lead efforts to expand prerelease programming and push for full implementation, ensuring that women returning home have equal access to education, job training, and family reunification.
FOUGHT BACK AGAINST PREDATORY BIG ENERGY COMPANIES
After hearing many complaints from District 43 residents about exorbitant utility bills from third-party energy suppliers, Senator Washington fought to bring critical accountability and regulation to this industry. The law she passed in 2022 is saving 30,000 families $500 a year on utilities. She has since pressed for stronger environmental standards in permitting and accountability from energy companies.