Economic and criminal justice, education and health care are among the top priorities of the Legislative Black Caucus for the burgeoning 2020 session.
During a Wednesday morning news conference, Del. Darryl Barnes (D-Prince George’s), the LBC chairman, opened with an acknowledgment of the historical significance of the day: the first House session to be led by Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County), who took over on May 1.
“For the first time ever in 441 sessions, we have our first African American woman — first African American person — to be the speaker of the House,” said Barnes. “We are excited to support her and stand with her 100 percent.”
Barnes also addressed challenges that the caucus has had with the establishment of the medical marijuana industry in the state, saying he feels confident the legislature is moving in a direction that will ensure more African Americans are eligible to participate.
Before pivoting to a new speaker, Barnes acknowledged the indictment of former Del. Cheryl D. Glenn (D-Baltimore City), a one-time LBC leader who was charged late last month with bribery and federal wire fraud for pushing medical marijuana legislation for financial gain from a medical marijuana firm. Barnes described Glenn’s legal peril as the “elephant in the room.”
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