The Maryland House of Delegates formally recognized members of Frederick’s Tuscarora High School Girls Soccer team and honored them for winning the 2009 3A State Title. Delegate Sue Hecht, who arranged the tribute in Annapolis, introduced the three Tuscarora team captains on the floor of the House of Delegates while the other players and coaches proudly watched from the House Gallery. The House presented the team with a resolution of congratulations.
“This is an outstanding group of young women and a tremendous soccer program. The Tuscarora High School Girls Soccer team has won three state championships in the short six-year history of the program, reflecting on the mission of the program of valuing excellence in all endeavors,” Delegate Hecht said. “It was an honor to bring the team and their coaches to Annapolis to honor them. All of us are very proud of each team member for their achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Delegate Sue Hecht has again asked the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to manage and award the legislative scholarship funds allocated to her District 3A office for the 2010-2011 academic year. The deadline for submitting applications is March 1, 2010.
“Rather than awarding scholarships directly through my office, I think it is more appropriate to have an educational agency independent of the political process make these very important decisions,” said Delegate Hecht. “I appreciate the hard work of the MHEC’s Office of Student Financial Assistance in reviewing applications and selecting recipients from our District.”
Applicants will need to complete only one application-the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at school guidance or financial aid offices. To get more information on the FAFSA application process, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov
If you want to learn more about the Delegate Scholarship program and eligibility, visit the Maryland Higher Education web site at www.mhec.state.md.us and do a search for the Delegate Scholarship Program. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Koch at the Maryland Higher Education Commission at (410) 260-4548 or email her at skoch@mhec.state.md.us. Please let her know that you are a resident of District 3A.
With the 2000 murder of 9-year old Christopher Ausherman ever on her mind, Delegate Sue Hecht is urging fellow Maryland lawmakers to again consider action during this General Assembly session on the civil commitment of violent sexual offenders.
“The recent death of an 11-year old girl in Wicomico County on the Eastern Shore should alert all elected officials to the need for civil commitment of violent child sexual predators,” Delegate Hecht said. She pointed to acceptance of this concept in other states and the U. S. Supreme Court’s upholding of a Kansas state law on civil commitment for similar offenses.
Under legislation proposed by Delegate Hecht prior to Christopher Ausherman’s murder, the state would evaluate whether persons convicted of a violent child sexual offense still poses a risk at the time of their release from prison. That legislation failed and Delegate Hecht says it is time to make some changes in the current law.
“At the very least, we need to talk about this issue and try to bring some further protections during this legislative session. I don’t know how many more children have to lose their lives before we act.”
Webmaster's note: This matter was covered by the Frederick News Post on January 19, 2010.
As the 2010 Maryland General Assembly begins its legislative year, the Speaker of the House of Delegates has appointed Delegate Hecht as one of the Deputy Majority Whips. In this position, Delegate Hecht will work closely with the Speaker and other leaders on guiding critical legislation through the House. She joins 10 other delegates named to this leadership team on January 14, 2010.
“As key bills move the legislative process, the Speaker brings this leadership team together to discuss the bills and develop strategies for successful passage. I am honored to be again named as part of this team,” Hecht stated.
Delegate Hecht brings a lot of experience to this post. She previously served as a Deputy Majority Whip from 1998-2003.
Governor Martin O’Malley joined state and local officials and many business leaders at the official opening of the new major interchange linking I-70 and downtown Frederick. Delegate Sue Hecht joined the Governor at the December 14 ceremony and called this a significant step in making Frederick more accessible to visitors, business, and residents.
The $107 million project includes a new interchange at Buckeystown Pike/East Street and an extension of East Street. This will make it safer and easier to access downtown Frederick and the MARC train station.
“We have worked towards this day for many years,” Delegate Hecht said. “This gateway promises to enhance Frederick’s economic health by supporting the Bio-Technology Corridor, opening up our downtown business district and attracting even more visitors to our historic and beautiful city. It also will reduce traffic congestion, improving the quality of life for residents. It is truly a win-win for everyone.”
The results of the Fall Survey are in, and they are interesting. In addition to the data below, I received 198 comments from individuals. Of course, because the survey is submitted anonymously, I cannot respond to each of those comments individually, but rest assured I read every one of them. Here is what you said:
Select your top THREE issues.
Respondents had a number of “other” priorities they shared. The following are some reoccurring samples:
Delegate Hecht was the guest speaker at the December meeting of the Community Improvement Project Committee of the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club. Attendees at the meeting held at the Steiner House in downtown Frederick included Club members and staff of the Frederick Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The Community Improvement Project committee sponsors year-round activities that support a child-friendly CAC facility in Frederick.
City officials met with members of the Frederick County legislative delegation on December 2, 2009, to present their top priorities for the 2010 General Assembly.
Acknowledging dire budget challenges facing local and state government, the City officials requested a statewide change to traffic citation procedures. The requested proposal would allow an opt-in procedure for traffic tickets. The City projected this would save the amount of time a police officer has to appear in court. Police Chief Kim Dine said a more pro-active court scheduling system could save the Police Department thousands of dollars in overtime costs.
Delegate Sue Hecht attended a conference last week hosted by the US Green Building Council in Washington, DC. The goal of the conference was to show what school districts across the country can do to improve the indoor environmental quality of America’s schools while making them more energy, water, and resource efficient.
A major proponent of green energy and the environment in the Maryland House of Delegates, Delegate Hecht praised the “Green Schools” concept as a way to create a healthy physical environment for students and teachers.
“Studies have shown that green schools cost less money to operate and use less energy and water,” she said. “These savings could provide much-needed funds that could be put back into the classroom.”
Delegate Sue Hecht, District 3A was honored by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) as the 2009 Advocacy Award recipient. MNADV’s Advocacy Award distinguishes its recipient as someone who provides advocacy in a caring, unselfish manner to preserve the rights or special needs of a victim.
Delegate Hecht was recognized (as the Advocacy Award recipient) along with Governor Martin O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, for their vigorous efforts during the 2009 session on behalf of domestic violence victims. Delegate Hecht made a particular contribution to safeguarding domestic violence protections by organizing and leading two floor debates. These debates successfully overcame two harmful pieces of legislation introduced in the House.
