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Bill Signings and Upcoming Events!
- Dana Jones
- May 8, 2025
- 6 min read
May 9th, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Passed Bills Become Law!
During session I spend countless hours making sure my bills make it to the Governor's desk. In addition to my own legislation, this year, my first year as the President of the Women's Caucus, I was also busy supporting 15 priority bills from the Caucus. I am incredibly proud that 11 of these 15 priority bills passed, in addition to 27 endorsed bills, making this the most successful session in the history of the Women's Caucus! Combined with the 8 bills I passed as lead sponsor, it was truly a historic session!
This week, Governor Moore signed some of these major legislative priorities sponsored by myself and fellow Women’s Caucus Members.
First, thank you to Senator Dawn Gile for partnering with me to ensure women athletes receive equitable sports officiating. Last year, our offices received word from County sports officials that referees that officiate men’s games were being paid more than those that officiated women’s games. Together, and in partnership with our constituents, we have put a stop to inequality in high school sports officiating.
My second bill of the day continues my commitment to supporting local boards of elections and the election judges that make our democracy function. In years past, I have led the charge increasing the minimum pay for election judges and ensuring returning judges were paid more for their expertise. This year, I sponsored HB 586 that will both save local boards money and ensure that judges are accurately paid for their service through the entire voting process.
Additionally, as President of the Women’s Caucus, I was proud to stand alongside Delegates Aletheia McCaskill and Delegate Jessica Feldmark as two Women’s Caucus priority bills on childcare were signed into law. These bills look at Maryland’s regulatory framework and zoning authorities to lower barriers to entry for providers and increase sorely needed supply.
Finally, I was thrilled to join members of the Maryland Commission for Women to celebrate a shared priority in Chairwoman Joseline Pena Melnyk’s legislation to advance the implementation of over-the-counter birth control coverage. These bills were a huge part of making this session the most successful in the Women Legislators of Maryland's history, and I couldn’t be prouder to partner in the work with these women!
One more bill signing to go, looking forward to sharing more legislative wins with you soon!
Pre K Applications Now Open!
ACPS provides high-quality, developmentally appropriate, early childhood programs that educate the
child in an inclusive environment honoring all children's limitless potential and individual differences.
Prekindergarten applications for 2025-2026 school year opened on May 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
AACPS provides families with the opportunity to enroll their child in the Maryland Prekindergarten Program and choose from several different settings. Prekindergarten for 4-year-olds in Anne Arundel County will be available in elementary schools and in private provider settings. A list of the private providers will be posted on this website as soon as Anne Arundel County is notified of the participating providers. The options for private providers are based on the eligible private providers who applied and received grants to participate this year from the Maryland State Department of Education. Parents may also choose a child care program: Locate: Child Care.
For family resources, please visit our Early Childhood Family Resource Page to find ways to help engage your child in all all areas of development.
Keynote with the Anne Arundel County Literacy Center
What an honor it was to be invited by the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council to deliver the keynote address at their annual Appreciation Dinner. I’m incredibly grateful to Executive Director Jane Seiss and the entire Board for the opportunity to celebrate such meaningful and life-changing work.
In a world where literacy remains a barrier for too many, the Council’s commitment to meeting learners where they are, and helping them go further than they ever imagined, is nothing short of inspiring.
This past year alone, over 250 adult learners were supported by more than 200 volunteers donating 16,000+ hours of their time. That’s what community looks like.
Congratulations on another impactful year. Your work reminds us all that literacy is a right, not a privilege, and that together, we can build a more inclusive and empowered future.
Walk With Me!
Annapolis Pride is back again and I couldn't be more excited! This day is truly one of the most special days in Annapolis. Every year, I join with community members, friends, and allies to walk in support of freedom of expression and freedom of love. I would love to have you join me this year! Please fill out the form below to join me in the parade this year!
Asian Pacific Islander Month at AACPL
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the culture, traditions and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States.
AAPI Heritage Month also provides an opportunity to recognize the important role that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in shaping American history and the challenges they have overcome. Throughout the month of May, Anne Arundel County Public Library will host events and offer a wide range of resources, including books, movies and online materials that highlight the diverse experiences, cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Join AACPL as they celebrate the rich and vibrant heritage of AAPI communities.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at your local library by attending fun, educational events!
Discover the ancient techniques of bonsai, create art inspired by Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and learn the Japanese art of gyotaku (fish printing).
Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese rhythms and songs during a captivating, interactive taiko (Japanese drumming) performance.
Learn about hula and the traditions of the Hawaiian Islands with Hula Maryland of Crofton.
Bring your little one to Armenian and Urdu bilingual storytimes to enjoy stories and sing songs while building early literacy skills.
Join Kalanidhi Dance on an exciting journey to India through the South Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi.
Are you a fan of anime and manga? Share in the love of Japanese animation and comics at our anime/manga clubs!
Enjoy a screening of Past Lives (2023), make a themed craft while watching Moana (2016) and join us for our Family Movie Night featuring Turning Red (2022).
Caught up in hallyu (the Korean Wave)? Venture through our K-Pop Escape Room and connect with other fans of East Asian culture.
Visit our Asian/Pacific American Interest events calendar for a complete list of programs.
Enrich your knowledge of Asian Pacific American history and cultures using the library’s digital resources!
Stream movies featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander actors and films highlighting AAPI history and achievements in the arts and media using Kanopy.
Trace the experiences and impact of Asian Americans as recorded by the news media using our Asian Life in America database.
Delve into the lives of historical and contemporary Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders like Duke Kahanamoku, Hazel Ying Lee and Yo-Yo Ma using our Biography database.
Explore information on Asian American and Pacific Islander identity, culture, civil rights, perspectives and more using our Diversity Studies and Opposing Viewpoints databases.
Learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander cinema, theatre, art and more using our Fine Arts database.
Discover the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions, cultural migration, societies, immigration and more using our U.S. History and World History databases.
Choose your next read from our lists of books written by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors!
Download books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors in eBook and eAudiobook formats to enjoy instantly using Overdrive/Libby.
Looking for more books written by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders? Use NoveList’s “Advanced Search” feature to generate a list of books by authors with specific ethnicities and cultural identities.
You can follow me on Facebook, Bluesky, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Stay safe and healthy,
Delegate Dana Jones
District 30A, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
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