Sarah Elfreth
Sarah Elfreth | |
---|---|
Member of the Maryland Senate from the 30th district | |
Assumed office January 9, 2019 | |
Preceded by | John Astle |
Personal details | |
Born | Barrington, New Jersey, U.S. | September 9, 1988
Political party | Democratic |
Education | Towson University (BA) Johns Hopkins University (MPP) |
Signature | |
Website | Official website |
Sarah Kelly Elfreth[1] (born September 9, 1988)[2] is a Democratic member of the Maryland Senate representing the 30th district.[3]
Background
Elfreth was born and raised in
Political involvement
Elfreth became active in politics while attending Towson University, when she became involved with student government and began traveling to
After moving to Annapolis, Elfreth became involved with local politics, becoming a member of the Ward 1 Residents Association and serving on the District 30 Democratic Club. In June 2017, Elfreth filed to run for Maryland Senate, seeking to succeed state Senator John Astle, who did not seek re-election to run for Mayor of Annapolis.[10] During the Democratic primary, she ran on a slate with House Speaker Michael E. Busch.[5] Elfreth was elected to the Maryland Senate with 53.8 percent of the vote against former Delegate Ron George.[12]
Maryland Senate
Elfreth was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019.[3] She is currently the youngest woman ever to serve in the Maryland Senate.[13][14] Elfreth is a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee—including as the chair of its Pensions and Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment subcommittee and as a member of its Capital Budget subcommittee—and is the chair of the Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay Critical Areas and Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation.[2]
In 2020, Elfreth served as an at-large delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[15]
In 2022, Elfreth served as the chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council.[16]
2024 congressional campaign
On November 4, 2023, Elfreth announced that she would run for the
Political positions
Crime
During debate on a bill to give the
In June 2023, following a shooting in Annapolis that left three dead and another three injured, Elfreth attended a vigil to honor the victims of the attack and endorsed calls for accountability from state legislators.[26]
Education
During her tenure as the student member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, Elfreth voted against a three percent tuition increase[27] and spoke in support of Governor Martin O'Malley's four-year tuition freeze.[28] She also voted for a resolution recommending against a policy on pornographic films following the screening of Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge at the University of Maryland, College Park.[29]
Electoral and ethics reform
During the 2019 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to expand the Board of Regents' membership and implement additional oversight reforms.[30] The bill passed both chambers unanimously[31] and was signed into law by Governor Hogan on April 30, 2019.[32]
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to create an "Office of Digital Inclusion" in the
Also in 2021, Elfreth introduced the "Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act", which would require
Environment
During the 2020 legislative session, Elfreth proposed legislation to allow jurisdictions to create Resilience Authorities to provide funding to large infrastructure projects related to
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced various environmental bills, including:[43]
- Senate Bill 62, which would create the position of Chief Resilience Officer within the Maryland Emergency Management Agency
- Senate Bill 319, which would expand the state's clean energy loan program to include water efficiency projects, environmental remediation projects, and climate resilience projects
- Senate Bill 119, which would establish a fund to reduce pollution in Maryland waterways
- Senate Bill 195, which would require Maryland to switch to safer alternatives in firefighting foam and ban PFAS chemicals in food packaging
During the 2022 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation that would require the Maryland State Retirement and Pensions System to consider climate change as a financial factor when making investment decisions.[44] The bill passed and became law on April 9, 2022.[45][46]
In 2023, Elfreth introduced a bill to establish a State Disaster Recovery Fund to help jurisdictions recover from natural disasters. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.[47][48]
Gun policy
In June 2023, Elfreth spoke in support of the Gun Safety Act, which increased the requirements and fees to obtain handgun permits and limited where gun owners could carry their weapons.[49] During the 2024 legislative session, Elfreth introduced a bill to levy an eleven percent excise tax on firearm sales to fund the state's trauma system.[50]
Israel
Elfreth supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and opposes conditioning U.S. aid to Israel, saying that she believed that "all nations have a responsibility in supporting humanitarian aid to the region as the only way to begin the very long road towards a peaceful two-state solution". During her 2024 congressional campaign, she supported a permanent ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war conditioned on the return of Hamas-held hostages and the provision of additional humanitarian aid, but criticized "unbalanced and nuanced" state and local resolutions calling for a ceasefire. She also expressed concerns with some of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public statements during the war, but said that conversations on Israel's leadership and governance should be handled in private between it and the United States.[51]
Elfreth traveled to Israel for the first time in July 2023, visiting locations including an Iron Dome battery, the West Bank, religious sites, and a Hezbollah tunnel on the Lebanese border. She met with a Palestinian National Authority official during her visit, after which she expressed concerns with "some verbiage" used by the official and an evasive answer about the authority's failure to hold elections in the region.[51]
Elfreth supported an amendment introduced by U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen that would condition U.S. foreign aid on a country's compliance with international law.[52]
National politics
Elfreth condemned the January 6 United States Capitol attack, saying that those who participated in the attack should be referred to as terrorists.[53]
Paid family leave
During the 2020 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to provide Maryland workers with up to 12 weeks of
Social issues
Elfreth supports
During the 2019 legislative session, Elfreth introduced a resolution to designate June 28 as "Freedom of the Press Day" in honor of the five killed at the Capital Gazette shooting.[58] The bill passed unanimously[59] and became law on April 18, 2019.[60] In June 2019, Governor Hogan signed a proclamation declaring June 28 to be "Freedom of the Press Day" in Maryland.[61]
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to provide students access to
During the 2022 legislative session, Elfreth introduced the "Great Maryland Outdoors Act", which would increase staffing, expand recreational amenities, and improve equity of access for
Taxes
In March 2023, Elfreth was one of five Democrats to vote for an amendment to decouple the state's
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Sarah K. Elfreth | 6,482 | 58.8 | |
Democratic | Chrissy Holt | 4,547 | 41.2 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Sarah K. Elfreth | 29,736 | 53.8 | |
Republican | Ron George | 24,639 | 44.6 | |
Libertarian | Christopher Wallace, Sr. | 826 | 1.5 | |
Write-in | 38 | 0.1 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Sarah K. Elfreth (incumbent) | 30,359 | 57.4 | |
Republican | Stacie MacDonald | 22,489 | 42.5 | |
Write-in | 49 | 0.1 |
References
- ^ "2012 Commencement" (PDF). Johns Hopkins University. May 24, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Members - Senator Sarah K. Elfreth". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. May 14, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ a b "Sarah K. Elfreth, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. February 20, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ Arnold, Peter (December 9, 2019). "State Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth Discusses Environmental Issues Facing State Legislature". Baltimore Jewish Living. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Kirkman, Rebecca (Spring 2020). "Tiger of the Senate". TU Magazine. Towson University. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
- ^ Yousefi, Sheariah (November 14, 2017). "Alumni Feature: Sarah Elfreth" (PDF). Towson.edu. Towson University Honors College. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ISBN 1-889143-16-2. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
- ^ "Candidate for state Senate: Sarah Elfreth". The Capital. June 1, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ^ Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "USM Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Regents". www.usmd.edu (Press release). University System of Maryland. June 29, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (December 22, 2018). "A big wave of female lawmakers is about to land in Annapolis". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Maryland Democratic Party - National Convention Delegates". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Kurtz, Josh (October 12, 2022). "Chesapeake Bay leaders resolute even as cleanup targets become more elusive". Maryland Matters. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ Loock, Megan (November 4, 2023). "Maryland State Sen. Sarah Elfreth launches campaign for 3rd Congressional District seat". The Capital. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Wood, Pamela (October 27, 2023). "Maryland's 3rd Congressional District is open in 2024. Who is running?". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Hutzell, Rick (November 7, 2023). "Congress is a train wreck. These Marylanders want the job anyway". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Engel, Amanda (November 2, 2023). "State Senator Sarah Elfreth to launch campaign for MD-3". WMAR-TV. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ Janesch, Sam (June 18, 2023). "Annapolis remembers three fathers killed in shooting with Father's Day vigil: 'What happened here wasn't just'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - SB0719". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - SB0066". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - SB0674". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - HB0156". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 28, 2021). "Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill — And More Modest Measures".
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Dance, Scott (April 22, 2022). "Maryland set to 'transform' its state park system amid record usage, making massive investment in rangers, new sites". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - HB0740". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ Ritzel, Rebecca (May 9, 2023). "Gov. Wes Moore signs bill creating state disaster recovery fund sponsored by Annapolis legislators". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ Foreback, Caroline (June 21, 2023). "Anne Arundel County officials discuss gun violence reduction strategies - CBS Baltimore". WJZ-TV. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Bush, Matt (March 19, 2024). "Gun & ammunition tax passes Maryland Senate ahead of Crossover Day". WYPR. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Jewish Insider. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- Jewish Insider. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ Ohl, Danielle; Mongilio, Heather; Sanchez, Olivia; Felice, Selene San (January 6, 2021). "From Washington to Annapolis, dismay, anger and disbelief follow insurrection on Capitol Hill". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- NBC Washington. Associated Press. February 3, 2019. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Broadwater, Luke (March 28, 2019). "Maryland General Assembly votes to name June 28 'Freedom of the Press Day' in honor of victims of Capital Gazette shooting". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - SJ0002". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Fulginiti, Jenny (June 27, 2019). "June 28 named Freedom of the Press Day in Maryland". WBAL-TV. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ Sanchez, Olivia (February 12, 2021). "Annapolis state senator pushes for free menstrual products in public schools statewide". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ "Legislation - SB0427". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- ^ James, Acacia (April 24, 2022). "Great Maryland Outdoors Act to invest millions into state park budget". WTOP-FM. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
- Maryland Matters. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022.
External links
- "Sarah Elfreth for Senate District 30". Retrieved October 26, 2023.
- "Members - Senator Sarah K. Elfreth". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved October 27, 2023.