November 2019 Newsletter

Fifth Annual Expungement Fair A Success

When I was first elected, I expressed a desire to help people to gain employment. One of the ways I have helped to make this a reality was to host expungement clinics. The benefits this clinic can create for people, from expanding employment opportunities and housing options, are very meaningful.

Expungement is the removal of records from public inspection. In Maryland, records may be expunged from 1) Motor Vehicle Administration files, 2) police files and 3) court and police files. Each process removes very specific files and must be done through the proper agency. At our expungement clinic, men and women are able to come and receive help removing court records.  You must apply for expungement of each arrest based on the date of arrest and according to the disposition. 

Last month, my office co-sponsored its fifth annual expungement clinic at the Morning Star Baptist Church Family Life Center in Baltimore. This annual event invites community members to speak with legal professionals about the expungement process and to secure paperwork to help them expunge their own records.   

The impact of this event is made possible with support from several dedicated individuals and organizations. I am grateful to the officials from Morning Star, the Maryland Legal Aid Office, the Legal Aid Bureau, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, the Northwest Voice, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc’s. Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter, and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc’s Epsilon Nu Sigma Chapter, for their sponsoring support. I particularly want to thank my colleagues Senators Dolores Kelley and Shirley Nancy Pulliam, and Delegate Pat Young for all of their contributions to this initiative. 

Additional information about this process can be obtained here.

In The News

Remembering Representative Elijah Cummings

As the nation continues to reflect on the loss of Representative Elijah Cummings, an iconic legislator and ambassador for our great state, I am honored to be listed among several distinguished public servants who could embrace the task of continuing his legacy of advocacy. (Baltimore Sun)

Genetic Genealogy Gaining Traction

A recent edition of Retro Report examines the use of DNA information in criminal investigations, and specifically data collected by third-party sources. This feature is one of several several interviews I’ve recently given about legislation that I introduced last year on genetic genealogy in law enforcement and investigation. You can read or listen to my most recent interviews with the ABA Journal, Reveal and WTOP. 

2018 Baltimore County Traffic Stop Data Raise Concern

This summer, I reached out to the Maryland State Police for data on traffic stops by Baltimore County’s Police department.  Around the time that I received the data, whose disproportionality concerned me, I had conversations with those in Baltimore County government that could look at this issue.  The data reveals that 57 percent of all 2018 traffic stops in Baltimore County involved African American motorists, and minorities received citations at rates 10 percent higher than the rate of citation of white motorists. The data reminded me of statewide data published some years ago involving the state police, and deserved a closer look at trends which may be unintentional, but which can also have widespread impact to citizens along racial lines.  

Within a few weeks of receiving this data the County Executive Johnny Olszewski held a press conference announcing the creation of the Baltimore County Workgroup on Equitable Policing.  I applaud County Executive Johnny Olszewski for his swift action in forming this workgroup to study this issue, and look forward to serving on it and supporting remedies which ensure fairness and safety for all motorists. 

A recent Baltimore Sun article provides additional detail.

Career Opportunities With BCPS

Are you seeking employment?  There are job openings with schools within or serving students from District 44B!  Check out the links below to see if one of the positions is right for you or someone you know:

• Bedford Elementary)
• Chadwick Elementary)
• Dogwood Elementary)
• Powhatan Elementary)
• Woodmoor Elementary)
• Lansdowne Middle)
• Southwest Academy)
• Sudbrook Magnet Middle)
• Windsor Mill Middle)
• Woodlawn Middle)
• Milford Mill Academy)
• Woodlawn High)

In The Community

UMBC Opens New State of the Art Life Sciences Facility

Last month I joined state and county elected officials at my alma mater, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, to celebrate the grand opening of the university’s Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB). According to school officials, the $123 million ILSB a center for interdisciplinary research, and learning, and will provide students new opportunities for integrating research, teaching, and learning across departments and colleges in support of our mission of student success and expanding research in areas of strategic importance to the state.

Catonsville Rails to Trails Annual Festivus

We had a great time visiting with the Catonsville neighborhoods at the third annual Rails to Trails Trolley Festivus. Organizers say that this annual festival celebrates local bike/hike trails, the history of transportation in Catonsville and the community’s involvement in developing and maintaining these trails.

100% Rating from Maryland Environmental Advocacy Organization

I was honored to receive a 100% rating from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters’ annual legislative scorecard. I am committed to leading conversations and supporting legislation which ensures healthier living environments for all Maryland citizens and wildlife.

Celebrating Taiwanese National Day

I joined members of the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates to celebrate the 108th Taiwanese National Day last month at Martin’s West. National Day celebrates the establishment of the Chinese Republic, which began in earnest with an uprising in Hubei, China on October 10, 1911.