The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has declared a winter shelter warning for Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 4 pm until Thursday, January 14, 2025, at 9 am. Call 211 (available 24/7) or 443-984-9540 to connect with shelter. Get more info here.

X
LOBBY DAY 2017: A glimpse into the issues

02.08.17

Lobby Day 2017: Getting to know the issues

Each year, we focus on a few, key legislative goals that drive our lobby day activities. And as we gear up for Lobby Day 2017, we’re making sure to hit the advocacy priorities that are also the cornerstone of our mission: comprehensive health care, affordable housing and adequate incomes.

While there will be specific bills in Annapolis that we’ll be championing come Thursday, February 23, here’s a quick peak at what to expect…

Affordable housing takes center stage

We’ve always known it to be true. But this year we’re saying it loud and clear: housing is health care. Whether it’s during lawmaker meetings or at the rally, we’ll be pushing on affordable housing. Among the bills you’ll want to keep an eye on is the HOME Act of 2017 (HB172 legislative summary), which prevents discrimination against people seeking housing based on source of income.

Comprehensive health care remains square on the radar

This is a big one and that’s why our lobbying efforts will prioritize making sure funding for vital health programs isn’t on the chopping block. Our partners in the Behavioral Health Coalition are championing the Keep the Door Open Act (HB580 legislative summary) to ensure access to high-quality behavioral health care by making sure the rate of reimbursement for community providers keeps pace year the rate adjustment included in the State budget each fiscal year—and we’ll be at their side every step of the way. We’re also looking forward to rallying behind harm reduction bills to keep people safe and healthy. More to come on that front!

This could be a key year for adequate income

Without livable wages, we’ll never be able to tackle poverty head on. We expect some important income-related bills get real traction this session, including paid sick leave and the earned income tax credit. In tandem with our partners, friends and neighbors, we’ll help champion these bills in both the house and the senate.

But that’s not all. Whether it’s criminal justice reform or bringing greater efficiency to vital housing or health programs, various initiatives are taking shape and we’ll continue to keep an eye on things as they unfold in Annapolis—and keep you up to date. As we get closer to February 23 and hone in our legislative priorities for the day, we’ll reach out to care teams to share bill specifics and key talking points.

So keep your eyes peeled and get your rally signs ready!

More Recent News


Two people laugh sitting at a table in an office
12.17.24

Have you ever felt like throwing up your hands in frustration? Sometimes it can feel like “nothing” is working or “everything” is against you. Each of us has strengths. Even if the odds are truly against us, there are actions we can take. 

2693
12.12.24

Send one email today to advocate for housing that serves all Marylanders. Let Governor Moore know that more permanent supportive housing is a good thing—and urge him to stay the course. 

2691
12.10.24

At our annual staff holiday party, we take time to honor and celebrate staff members who best represent our Core Values and one HCH-er at Heart.

2687
11.27.24

Larrice is a mother, grandmother, teacher, cook and storyteller who was recently featured in our original documentary, “Taking Care: Portraits from Baltimore.”

2683

View All News

Copyright © 2025 Health Care for the Homeless.

All Rights Reserved.

OUR HEADQUARTERS

421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: 410-837-5533

FOLLOW US

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram