Sen. Alsobrooks Hits the Ground Running on Capitol Hill

In her first few weeks on the Hill, Maryland’s first Black senator has received her committee assignments and has pledged to defend Maryland’s many federal workers. 

“I am also gravely concerned about what we’ve seen so far as targeting of federal employees†said . “It should be very clear that these are dedicated, hardworking civil servants—the people that we rely on to ensure that we have clean drinking water and that we are protected. So, it will be our objective that they are never forgotten.â€

The newly minted senator has been quite busy working to protect Marylanders.

During her first week, Alsobrooks took part in three Senate hearings where she questioned Trump nominees and on what they would do in their roles leading the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development respectively.

On Jan. 23, Alsobrooks was named to three subcommittees:  Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection; Housing, Transportation, and Community Development; and the Securities, Insurance, and Investment subcommittees. 

“These subcommittees provide a platform to fight on behalf of everyday people,†she said. “From consumer protection to infrastructure, I look forward to moving our economy forward and building wealth for hardworking Marylanders.†

Alsobrooks also pledged to fight the Trump administration’s plan to significantly raise the cost of lifesaving prescription medications. 

During an August rally at Prince George’s Community College, former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris announced their administration’s efforts to lower medicine costs, and Alsobrooks, then in her role as county executive, served as a speaker at the event. She’s continued her dedication to the efforts in her role in the Senate.

“I will continue to fight, along with my colleagues, and I encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to also center in everything we do the lives of those who depend on us, who don’t care— to be honest with you—one way or the other, whether we are from a red or blue state; who don’t care, whether we are Democrat or Republican,†Alsobrooks said. 

She emphasized the true priority citizens have in addressing costs of medicine.

“When someone you love is sick,†Alsobrooks continued, “you want them to have the lifesaving medications that they need— be it for your grandchild or your spouse—it is most important.â€

County Executive Campaigns Continue: New Endorsements for Hawkins, Ivey

As the primary election for the next Prince George’s county executive gets closer, some major leaders have come out in support of various candidates, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), who most recently held the elected role.

Alsbrooks endorsed County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large) to fill her former seat, which she vacated in December in preparation for her new role as senator. 

“I am proud to support Calvin Hawkins to be the next county executive of Prince George’s County,†Alsobrooks in a statement. “Calvin is a lifelong Prince Georgian who understands the people of our county, their needs, and their values. He will grow our economy, manage our budget, and provide the services that Prince Georgians need and deserve. I trust Calvin to provide the leadership that puts people first and moves Prince George’s forward.â€

Meanwhile, former Senator Ben Cardin and Del. Adrian Boafo has thrown his support behind County Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D- At Large), citing her past experience at multiple levels of government.

“Jolene Ivey doesn’t sit on the sidelines. She takes action and leads the way, which is why I’m proud to endorse her for Prince George’s County Executive,†Cardin said in his endorsement on Jan. 27. 

Boafo emphasized the high responsibility that comes with the county executive role.

“Our next county executive will inherit a county government that has benefited greatly from the leadership of our former county executive and current U.S. Senator, Angela Alsobrooks. However, he or she will also have to confront those natural challenges that face such a large and dynamic county – from protecting our neighborhoods from crime and violence, and making the dream of home ownership a reality for working families, to providing our children with the skills they need to compete in a global economy,†Boafo said. “Furthermore, these priorities must be sustained in a time of fiscal uncertainty in Annapolis and profound political volatility in º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½.â€

In addition to endorsement, candidates are working to make their cases clear as to why they believe they are best suited for the county executive position.

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy will be holding a Feb. 4 meeting at PJs Coffee in Bowie with Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6), one of her early supporters, will be in attendance. 

State Senator Alonzo º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ (D) sent a mass text announcing his plans to increase community policing, expand childcare and pre-K, and improve the recently-passed senior tax credit. He also noted how his past experiences have helped shape his desire to improve the county he calls home.

“Prince George’s County gave me the opportunity to dream beyond my circumstances. From experiencing homelessness to leading the fight on the defining issues in my community, I know firsthand the power of opportunity—and I’m running to make sure every family in our county has access to the same chance to succeed,†the text read. “I believe pursuing equity isn’t just a moral issue – it’s a strategy for prosperity.â€

Richard is a contributing writer with the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Informer, focusing on Prince George’s county’s political and business updates alongside sports. He graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore...

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