Danielle J. Brown

2 weeks ago | marylandmatters.org | Danielle J. Brown

Dr. Meena Seshamani officially took over as Maryland’s new secretary of health Wednesday, taking the helm of a department that has been mired in controversy in recent years. Advocates say they are antsy to begin working with the secretary on some of those challenges, and to improve relationships between the department and the people it affects. “We’re looking to meet with the new secretary soon and hope to right that ship,” Ande Kolp, executive director with the Arc Maryland, said Tuesday.

2 weeks ago | baltimoresun.com | Danielle J. Brown

After it was stalled for most of the day, a watered-down package of protections for Maryland's immigrant community was rushed through by lawmakers with just minutes to spare before the midnight end of the legislative session Monday.

2 weeks ago | southernmarylandchronicle.com | Danielle J. Brown |David Higgins

After it was stalled for most of the day, a watered-down package of protections for Maryland’s immigrant community was rushed through by lawmakers with just minutes to spare before the midnight end of the legislative session Monday.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Danielle J. Brown

Renter advocates gather in Annapolis to call on lawmakers to pass Good Cause Eviction legislation in mid-February. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters). Jessica Brady Reader and Lauren Petit told lawmakers the heart-wrenching stories of  their experiences with stillbirth and the emotional and financial toll it takes on a family, urging support for a bill that would grant a $1,000 tax credit to such families.

2 weeks ago | southernmarylandchronicle.com | Bryan P. Sears |Danielle J. Brown |David Higgins

Passing a budget took longer than usual this year. This time, however, it was ongoing federal budget cuts and a congressional debate over spending that dragged on and had fiscal leaders making corrections in real time. The House and then the Senate on Monday ratified a conference committee agreement on a $67 billion overall spending plan for fiscal 2026 over the objections of Republican members, who could do little to stop the package.