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Dear Friends,
As we enter the third week of the federal government shutdown, I’ve been hearing from more and more voters throughout District 12 who are frustrated by the lack of progress from Washington. While canvassing throughout our community, I’ve spoken to many federal workers who are furloughed as they await an opportunity to return to work. Others are contractors who are concerned that their jobs may no longer exist when the government reopens. And some are small business owners who are struggling to pay their bills because their income depended on business from federal workers. While the shutdown we’re currently experiencing is expected to be temporary, the paralysis we’re seeing in Washington will likely continue into the foreseeable future. As a result, we’ll need torely more on state and local governments to make progress in advancing the policies and programs that are important to us. Here in Maryland over the last few years, we’ve passed a common-sense gun violence prevention law, banned the death penalty so that innocent people no longer risk being executed, created a medical marijuana program for sick and dying patients, passed the Dream Act for students, and ensured marriage equality for everyone--all measures that have stalled or faced inaction in Congress. I believe that sensible, responsive government as well as strong leadership will allow us to continue to advance the values, policies, and programs that are important to us. We can’t wait for Washington to address our concerns, and that’s why we need to elect state and local officials who can govern, lead, and are willing to take on the challenges facing our state. The ongoing partisan gridlock in Washington is a powerful reminder why state and local elections matter now more than ever. I appreciate your continued support and encourage you to convey to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues the importance of electing good, responsible leaders to the Maryland General Assembly. 
Authority: Friends of Clarence Lam | Melissa A. Tarkett, Treasurer
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