Delegate Robbyn Lewis

If you live around Patterson Park, and you want more walkable, accessible streets for all, then come to the Orleans Street Open House! One of the best ways to slow down drivers and prevent deadly crashes is to redesign our streets with human beings in mind. You can help! Meet in person at Patterson Park Library branch, 158 N Linwood Ave, or join online at https://streetsofbaltimore.com/register?next=%2Forleansst

Photo of a recent Orleans Street crash courtesy of Tia Price

Last year, in an unprecedented power grab, the White House told the state of Texas to create five new congressional seats, to increase the number of Republicans in the US House. That action set off a wave of redistricting efforts around the country. Here in Maryland, the House of Delegates tried to meet the moment, passing important redistricting bills during our regular session. Those bills did not move in the Maryland Senate. Then, in late April the US Supreme Court shredded the last protections for minority voters in the Voting Rights Act - as we all knew they would.
Well, the Maryland General Assembly is now in an special session to decide how to protect voting rights. For two days, we've debated HB 2100, which will give the people of Maryland the power to clarify how our state will address redistricting.
This bill does not draw any maps, or change any boundaries, change congressional districts, or make any changes affecting the 2026 elections. Instead, it puts a question on the November ballot for voters: shall we change our state Constitution to clarify how we may draw district lines in future.
House. Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk has masterfully led our chamber thru nearly ten hours, over two days, of intense floor debate. And that's not even counting the 5-hour long bill hearing in joint committee.

I just joined the majority of my colleagues in voting yes, to pass HB 2100. We sent the bill to the Senate, which will take it up later this afternoon. Stay tuned.

You live in Baltimore and want better transit. Light rail is essential, it's obvious - build the Red Line, right? Many Baltimoreans, myself included, have been fighting for years to build this project. Local filmmaker David Sebastio tells the history of this struggle in his brilliant documentary "Not In Service". Free public screening on Saturday July 25th at 1:30pm at Central Pratt Library. Followed by panel discussion, including your truly. Details on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-documentary-screening-not-in-service-tickets-1991519697024

You live in Baltimore and want better transit. Light rail is essential, it's obvious - build the Red Line, right? Many Baltimoreans, myself included, have been fighting for years to build this project. Local filmmaker David Sebastaio tells the history of this struggle in his brilliant documentary "Not In Service". Free public screening on Saturday July 25th at 1:30pm at Central Pratt Library. Followed by panel discussion, including your truly. Details on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-documentary-screening-not-in-service-tickets-1991519697024

I'm truly grateful to win re-election - thank you so much, District 46! It's the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Maryland. In the coming term, I will continue working for affordability, accountability and opportunity for all. Onward!

Maryland has a "citizen legislature", meaning that state lawmakers are regular people with regular jobs. Great news to share about mine: I am now the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity! Since 1982, Habitat Chesapeake built and renovated more than 800 homes in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, strengthening families and communities. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, I will develop and grow relationships that support Habitat’s mission. And I get to work with great people, including Leila Kohler-Frueh and her wonderful team. Healthy housing for Marylanders – let’s go!

Today is election day here in Maryland! This is the primary election, when voters choose their party's nominee. I'm working at my own polling station, talking with voters and asking for their support for Team46 including Senator Bill Ferguson Delegate Luke Clippinger Delegate Mark Edelson and me! Because the poll is in my neighborhood, I get to see so many of my friends. Rain or no rain, democracy in action. The polls are open til 8pm!

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Onward.

Yesterday morning, Thursday June 11th, an elementary school in my community was targeted by federal immigration agents. I represent District 46, which has long been a welcoming home to immigrant families, we boast a proud African American history as well. Video of federal agents on the property of Commodore John Roger's Elementary Middle School during morning drop off; parents pulled from their car with their children inside on a regular school day...there were reports of similar actions at other schools in my community yesterday as well. I and my colleagues in the Maryland General Assembly have passed laws to make schools and other public property safe. Federal immigration authorities gave assurances to the General Assembly and the school system. I join Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk , leader of the Maryland House of Delegates, in calling for a full accounting of what happened, and ask our congressional Delegation to use its oversight authority over federal Homeland Security for answers. Please see the Speaker's statement below. And please know that together with my Team 46 colleagues Senator Bill Ferguson Delegate Luke Clippinger and Delegate Mark Edelson I will continue working to safeguard basic human rights, due process and decency in our city and state.