Marylanders deserve better

I’m disappointed to see Governor Hogan veto progressive legislation that passed with overwhelming support in the legislature. Disappointed, but not surprised.

Once again Marylanders are going to suffer the price for Gov. Hogan’s national ambitions and his desire to placate a far-right base. Marylanders deserve a governor who will work to make our communities safer and more inclusive, which is exactly what these bold progressive bills are designed to do.

Parole reform and shifting our state’s response to addiction from an emphasis on incarceration toward a public health approach focused on treatment are necessary steps to address a broken criminal justice system. Vetoing these bills was deeply misguided.

Blocking the effort to prevent local municipalities from profiting off of the detention of immigrants is nothing but a xenophobic political stunt. Vetoing the Driver Privacy Act will increase the targeting and harassment of immigrant families.

I look forward to supporting the General Assembly as they work to override these foolish vetoes.