Dear Friend,

We are at the halfway point for the 2009 Session, so I wanted to update you on what I have worked on so far. Given the current economic conditions I am focusing on bills that would have minimal fiscal impacts on the budget. Instead I have been focusing on billst that would directly impact the quality of life in Prince George’s County. Just today the county delegation moved favorably on my bill that provides police with more tools to crack down on public consumption of alcohol.  I am also sponsoring legislation which has already passed through delegation that will allow a wider variety of restaurants to serve the county’s residents.

 This week I testified in favor of my bill to make threatening someone with a noose or swastika a hate crime. In the last several years we have had a rash of incidents involving these hateful symbols.  I believe it is necessary to send a strong message to these individuals that our community will not stand by and allow these actions to happen. You can read about the bill here.

 In the upcoming weeks I will be working to secure funds for the African-American History Museum being built in Brentwood, property tax breaks for seniors living in the county, and outlawing the sale of ammunition to our children. As always, I will continue to fight for the repeal of the death penalty and for stronger environmental laws.  

 Sincerely,

Delegate Victor R. Ramirez,

47^th District

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