HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Washington County’s state legislators gathered in Hagerstown Community College’s student center on Wednesday morning, April 29, for a post-legislative session forum. Hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Jamison Doors, the event began with breakfast at 7:15, with the forum following from 8 to 9 a.m.
This event consisted of speeches from local delegates and senators about their legislative contributions to Washington County, sponsored bills, including motions that failed and those that passed. In attendance were delegates Matthew Schindler (2B-D), Terry Baker (1C-R), William Valentine (2A-R) and senators Paul Corderman (2-R), and Mike McKay (1-R).
Appearing in the audience were chamber members, County Commissioners John Barr and Randy Leatherman, Hagerstown Mayor Bill McIntire and individuals from local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. The forum was also open to non-members, for an additional fee.
First to speak on the recently ended legislative session was district 1C Delegate Terry Baker (R). Baker spoke about bills he helped pass including Mason’s Law following the tragic drowning of a Mt. Airy boy in a drainage pipe, and a bill removing the notarization requirement on the bill of sale for a vehicle. Baker also spoke about the failed Utility Relief Act, claiming the offer of a $0.41/day bill reduction felt ‘insulting’ on the prospect of increasing affordability.
In Sen. Paul Corderman’s (R) address, he highlighted not only successful legislation, but also stressed Maryland’s need to overcome economic challenges, claiming the budget moved through quickly with no new taxes or fees, but questioning how the proposed budget will be helpful devoid of tax relief. Corderman also spoke about the approved I-81 improvement project, which seeks to improve the roadway beginning in 2027.
Though in support of the project, he explained his opposition to a related failed bill — requiring the Department of Transportation to offset greenhouse gases created from major highway projects.
Matthew Schindler (D), delegate for district 2B, emphasized the smoothly passed budget, adding no new taxes or fees, as well as investments benefiting Western Maryland residents. Among state investments are $14 million to Medicaid, $2.4 million to higher education and $384 million in rental assistance.
Schindler also talked about the Fallen Heroes Act passed this session. Originally presented by Corderman, Schindler reintroduced the bill successfully with bipartisan support. This act grants free tuition to dependents of Maryland “Fallen Heroes” and in-state tuition to any children of public safety officers who died in service.
Corderman and Schindler co-sponsored several bills and funding decisions. The George Edwards Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Fund received $9 million with bipartisan support. The Truancy Reduction Pilot Program and HB1233 which removed the requirement of a lavatory for mobile food service facilities, also passed with support from Corderman and Schindler, along with Delegate William Valentine (R).
Valentine, of District 2A, said his most notable legislation this session is directed towards public safety and agriculture. Valentine sponsored bills such as HB752, which criminalizes gift card fraud and theft, and HB972, which establishes the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund — providing grants for agricultural education.
Valentine also expressed his support for HB1229, which would extend minimum wage to all workers, regardless of tips, and increase the minimum wage to $25 by 2030. However, this bill did not come up for a vote this session.
Last to address the audience was Sen. Mike McKay (R), representing Maryland’s 1st district. McKay boasted successes including the LEAD Act which implements police training regarding autism, dementia and other disabilities.
McKay also supported SB482 which establishes felony consequences for cybercrimes interfering with infrastructure and public safety. The district 1 senator has also been behind the process of establishing SB689, better known as Bri’s Law. This law would alter the requirements for a violent offender to qualify for an early release. The bill follows the heartbreaking murders and house fire of 3 Clear Spring residents in November 2025. This bill has not yet been passed into law.
Delegate William Wivell (R) was not present at the post-legislative session forum, but his post-session letter was available to attendees. A copy of that can be accessed here, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UUhWJu_42PyKSGzNKq8b3TjtzNXjaWPC/view?usp=drivesdk
All of these representatives are running for re-election. Don’t forget to vote on June 23 for the primary, and Nov. 3 in Maryland!
To see Sen. Corderman’s legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/corderman02
To see Sen. McKay’s Legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/mckay02
To see Delegate Schindler’s legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/schindler01
To see Delegate Valentine’s Legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/valentine01
To see Delegate Baker’s Legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/baker04
To see Delegate Wivell’s Legislation: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/wivell01#divLegislation
