AFT Maryland is proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible leadership and support of the following Maryland legislators, who stood with the federation and our members through the 2025 legislative session:
Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Ben Barnes, chairs of the Senate Budget & Taxation and House Appropriations Committees respectively, demonstrated outstanding fiscal leadership. In the face of a billion-dollar deficit, they worked to deliver a balanced budget that protected education funding and preserved state employee jobs. Their leadership helped to ensure that public schools, services, and our members were not left behind.
Delegates Jessica Feldmark, Jazz Lewis, Stephanie Smith, and Jared Solomon were fierce advocates for AFT Maryland’s budget priorities. Their interventions were crucial in defending our members and safeguarding the resources needed for our schools, public health institutions, and communities.
Senator Ben Kramer and Delegate Linda Foley led the charge for higher education justice, sponsoring AFT Maryland’s bill (SB 750/HB 661) to grant collective bargaining rights to University of Maryland faculty.
Senator Cheryl Kagan and Delegates Joe Vogel and Mike Griffith stood up for our emergency communications professionals by sponsoring SB 759/HB 590 to include 911 specialists in the Hometown Heroes Act, to provide tax relief on their pensions.
Senator Clarence Lam shepherded SB 813 through challenging negotiations, to adjust the Howard Community College board of trustees. In addition, his consistent support for collective bargaining rights at the University of Maryland makes him a true ally.
Senator Craig Zucker has long been a fighter for education support professionals, this year sponsoring SB 892/HB 1369 to push for a living wage. Though the bill didn’t pass, his efforts secured a budget workgroup to study the issue, a vital step forward.
Senator Shelly Hettleman and Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr once again championed the Fair Share bill (SB 859/HB 1014), that requires the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share of state taxes. While the bill did not pass, one provision, a restructuring of the tax brackets did pass. Another incremental step forward.
Delegate Eric Ebersole remained a fierce defender of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, opposing unfunded mandates and burdensome regulations that threaten our public schools. His deep commitment to students and educators is unmatched.
Senator Jack Bailey went to bat for correctional officers, sponsoring SB 690 to include them in the police scholarship program. When the House slashed the funding, he fought back - and got it restored!
Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Jennifer White Holland led the way on the Safe Staffing Act (SB 720/HB 905), that would have called for committees to recommend safe and supportive staffing levels in healthcare to protect both workers and patients.
Senator Shaneka Henson and Delegate Jackie Addison sponsored HB 1144/SB 852, a bill that will help to protect public transit workers and passengers.
Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Mary Lehman delivered a big win for 911 specialists, passing SB 396/HB 76 to expand benefits for these unsung heroes on the frontlines of emergency response.
These lawmakers are true partners in progress, and their work this session reflects a deep commitment to working families, public servants, and the future of Maryland. AFT Maryland salutes their leadership and looks forward to continuing the fight together.
Article by AFT Maryland
May 2025