|
 |
|
June 19th
Maryland Juneteenth Celebrations - Honor Black history, freedom, and resilience at Juneteenth celebrations happening across the state, featuring music, food, and community connection.
|
Pride Month
Celebrate Pride in Maryland by joining communities across the state in honoring LGBTQ+ Pride with parades, festivals, and performances.
|
 |
|
Save the Date: Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women Conference is on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 |
 |
|
Save the Date: Montgomery County Women’s Legislative Briefing is on Saturday January 31st, 2026
|
2025 Legislative Session Women's Issues Report Coming Soon!
Maryland Commission for Women Staff tracked more than 50 pieces of legislation of interest to the women's rights community. Next week we will be issuing a detailed report on successful legislation. This report will explain what each bill does and when it goes into effect. The report also includes important upcoming reporting deadlines related to women's issues. It also includes bills to watch for next year! Check your in-box for your copy of the 2025 Legislative Session Women's Issues report next week.
Report from MFN finds Child care continues to be a top expense for Maryland families
Child poverty in the state decreased almost 9% between 2013 and 2023; for families with children under 5, the change is even more impressive at a 22% decrease from 2013. Child care workers earn in the bottom 24% of Maryland incomes, significantly less than their public primary and secondary counterparts. Over 50,000 children benefit from the state’s child care scholarship program. Read more HERE.
|
FAQ on Child Care Scholarships Freeze
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released an FAQ document regarding the Child Care Scholarship Enrollment Freeze. The freeze began May 1st and affects new families applying for Child Care Scholarships across the state. Families who apply and are found eligible will be added to a “frozen status” waitlist, to be enrolled if and when more funds become available. Importantly, the freeze will not affect families currently enrolled, or new families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Read more HERE.
|
New NWLC Report
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) recently released a report and accompanying policy brief, “When Women Are Deserted: The Prevalence and Intersection of Abortion Care Deserts, Pregnancy Care Deserts, Broadband Internet Deserts, and Food Deserts in the United States.”
The report shared a disturbing overlap of areas where people struggle to access healthy food, broadband internet, and both abortion care and other types of pregnancy care. All of these factors influence people’s health and pregnancy outcomes, making the intersecting deserts a reproductive justice and gender justice issue. States can work to improve access to all forms of pregnancy care, as well as broadband internet and healthy food, to improve people’s lives and health outcomes. Read more HERE.
|
HR1 (Big Beautiful Bill) Analysis from MDH and DHS
Maryland’s Department of Human Services and Department of Health have analyzed the potential impact on Marylanders of policy changes at the federal level through HR1. Potential cuts to SNAP could impact nearly 700,000 Maryland families and increase Maryland’s share of costs for this program by $480 Million. Medicaid costs to the state could go up significantly, and coverage could be reduced for the 1.5 million Marylanders who receive healthcare through Medicaid. In Maryland, Medicaid covers 40% of births, and the overwhelming majority of nursing home care. Read more HERE and HERE.
|
|
Meet Maryland’s New Secretary of Health!
Dr. Meena Seshamani was appointed Maryland Secretary of Health in April 2025 by Governor Wes Moore. A physician and health economist, Dr. Seshamani brings over two decades of experience in clinical care, public health, and health policy. She previously served as Director of the Center for Medicare at CMS, where she led efforts to expand access and lower drug costs. Secretary Seshamani has also held leadership roles at MedStar Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As Secretary, Dr. Seshamani is focused on rebuilding public trust, improving health outcomes, and advancing equity across Maryland’s healthcare system.
|
New County Exec in Prince George's!
The Maryland Commission for Women congratulates Aisha Braveboy on her election as Prince George’s County Executive. With experience as State’s Attorney and Maryland State Delegate, Braveboy brings deep experience in law, policy, and community leadership to the role. What's the one County in Maryland with an Executive that has never had a woman in the position? The answer may surprise you! To find out this, and more on women holding public office in Maryland, read the Maryland Commission for Women's 2025 Women in Elected Office Report.
|
Maryland Delegates Nicole Williams and Jheanelle Wilkins joined a powerful delegation of U.S. state legislators in Brazil from May 11–15 to build cross-border strategies for reproductive justice. Organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the Women’s Equality Center (WEC), the trip brought lawmakers together with Brazilian leaders to confront abortion criminalization, democratic backsliding, and racial injustice. In meetings across Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, Delegates Williams and Wilkins engaged in dialogue with Afro-Brazilian activists and policymakers, standing in solidarity with women and girls facing extreme barriers to abortion access. Their participation underscored the critical role Maryland plays in advancing reproductive freedom at home and abroad. To read more, click here.
|
Chair LaShaune Stitt attended the Maryland Child Trafficking Awareness Conference, an event organized by the Governor's Office on Crime Prevention and Policy in collaboration with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force. During the conference, she had the opportunity to speak with Alexandria Wall, Director of Human Trafficking Services at Safe Harbor Shelter.
|
Request a Pride Celebration Honor certificate of recognition from the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.
The Pride Celebration Honor is a recognition awarded by the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs to organizations, community groups, or local governments that host public, inclusive, and affirming Pride celebrations. This honor acknowledges the commitment of local communities to foster visibility, belonging, and equity for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors throughout Maryland. Learn more about the recognition, eligibility, and how to submit a request here.
|
Who participates in Annapolis public hearings?
Read this Baltimore Sun article by MCW Commissioner and UMD Professor Shanna Pearson Merkowitz on Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, which is designed to keep government transparent and hearings accessible. However, research from the University of Maryland shows that even with these protections and the move to online hearings during the pandemic, many people’s voices are still not being heard. Participation is not as diverse or representative as it should be, especially when it comes to women and minorities testifying in Annapolis. To read more, click here.
|
The Maryland Commission for Women is excited to welcome Camille Fabiyi to the team in her new role as Program and Policy Assistant. Camille recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies with a concentration in Black Women’s Studies. Camille joined MCW as an intern in June 2024 and quickly became a key part of our team supporting legislative priorities, managing social media, and assisting with committee work. In her full-time role, she will continue to contribute to policy research, digital communications, and community outreach. We are thrilled to have her continue with us!
|
We are also excited to welcome Hannah Breslau as a summer intern! She recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a concentration in racial and gender justice and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. Hannah is continuing in the School of Public Policy’s accelerated Master’s program to earn her Master’s in Public Policy. As an undergraduate Hannah served as the President of Students for Reproductive Justice at UMD and interned for TerpsVote, promoting student voter participation ahead of the 2024 General Election.
|
|
|
Baltimore County Women of the Year Awards
The Women of the Year Awards honor women residents of Baltimore County who have made a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities by advocating for the needs and interests of women and families, serving as inspiring role models, or enhancing the quality of life for county residents.
Woman of the Year: Divine Ayichi
Divine Ayichi conducts research at the National Institutes of Health studying developmental biology.
Woman Making a Difference: Elisha Urquhart
Elisha Urquhart is currently involved in construction projects to redevelop, renovate, & relocate historical infrastructures across the Baltimore area.
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Ginny Robertson
Ginny Robertson is the founder of the “On Purpose Woman Global Community” and publisher of “On Purpose Woman Magazine.”
Young Woman of the Year: Emily Noonan
Emily Noonan will graduate from Dulaney High School this spring in the top 10% of her class. During her time there, she has served as Student Body President, as well as a co-founder of the Mental Health Club “Not On Our Watch.”
Click here to read more about the winners
|
Charles County Commission for Women makes History at Sister City Partnership Ceremony
The Charles County Commission for Women proudly took part in the historic closing ceremony of the Sister City partnership between Waldorf, Maryland, and Matola, Mozambique. This landmark event brought together local leaders and international delegates, highlighting the importance of working together globally and the key role women play in diplomacy. During this meaningful event, CCCW members were honored to stand alongside Mozambique Ambassador to the U.S. Alfredo Nuvunga, Matola Mayor Julio Parraque, and Matola Councilwomen. This moment helped mark a new chapter in international relations for the community. In the photo, we see Ambassador Nuvunga alongside CCCW Chair Kaprece James. This partnership paves the way for cultural exchange, economic growth, and collaborative efforts that benefit both regions. The Commission’s involvement reflects our commitment to advancing women’s leadership locally and globally, and to building lasting connections that transcend borders.
|
Opportunity for Counties to Support Childcare
This session, Maryland legislators passed HB389/SB516, a Women’s Caucus priority sponsored by Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr and Senator Nancy King. The law exempts personal property used by large family child care homes from taxation and allows local governments to offer property tax credits for real estate used for child care. Counties now have a chance to directly support working families by adopting these credits.
|
|
|
Rep. Melissa Hortman, killed in targeted attack, was a champion for Minnesotan families, leader on Paid Leave and Abortion.
On June 14, 2025, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed in their Brooklyn Park home. The assailant, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, disguised himself as a police officer and fatally shot the couple. Earlier that night, Boelter also targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. Both were injured but are currently recovering. To read more, click here.
|
Maryland’s gains in maternal mental health stall as other states, nation advance, report finds
Maryland received a ‘C’ grade in the 2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card, placing it slightly above the national average of C-. While 26 states improved their scores over the past year, Maryland’s grade remained unchanged. Health experts say Maryland performs well overall but needs to improve mental health screening and data collection, especially through Medicaid. Currently, the state does not require health plans to report screening rates, making it hard to track progress. To read more, click here.
|
Maryland child support reform: parents retain payments, driver's license suspension relief
Now, Maryland is making history. Governor Wes Moore has signed House Bill 881, making Maryland only the second state in the country (after Illinois) to ensure all child support goes to families, not the government. The new law takes effect in July 2026, gradually increasing the amount families receive each year. By 2031, 100% of payments will go directly to the children they’re meant for. To read more, click here.
|
Trump Wants to Eliminate a 105-Year-Old Office That Supports Women Workers
The Department of Labor’s new budget proposes cutting the Women’s Bureau, a century-old office dedicated to supporting women in the workplace. Critics warn this could undermine efforts to address gender wage gaps and barriers women face on the job. The bureau has played a key role in promoting workplace equity, and its removal raises concerns about rolling back progress. To read more, click here.
|
Dept of Aging Grant Applications Being Accepted
MDOA is pleased to announce a competitive funding opportunity for grant awards under the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) program, funded by the approved State budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Click here for more information.
|
Click here to subscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
