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Track: Government Relations

2023 Maryland Session Updates

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

We are almost halfway through Maryland’s 90-Day Session. Here’s what Maryland is tracking, and what’s coming up:

Cannabis

  • Cannabis is a blazing topic this session after voters legalized recreational marijuana via referendum on November’s ballot. Starting July 1st, anyone over the age of 21 will be able to possess marijuana for personal use. The question before the legislature in this session is how to implement this throughout the state. Co-sponsors of the Cannabis Reform bill held a workgroup last Friday to discuss how much of the implementation would work. Highlights of the hearing included the prioritization of social equity throughout each implementation step.
Gun Control
  • After the Supreme Court ruling on New York v Bruen, key legislators in Maryland have decided to revisit gun control laws. The SCOTUS ruling changed the way courts evaluate the constitutionality of state gun control laws. The bills before the Maryland Legislature attempt to continue to restrict gun access and concealed carry permits while attempting to follow the new standard by the Supreme Court. A number of bills came before the Senate Committee for a contentious 11-hour hearing on February 7th. The next step is for the Senate committee to vote on bills.
Budget Process
  • The budget process is underway in Maryland with new excitement as the Legislature has more say in Budget negotiations. Previously under Republican Governor Larry Hogan, the party divide between the Governor’s office and state legislature meant that legislators had to fight for what they wanted in Hogan’s budget. Now, with new Democratic Governor Wes Moore, the legislator has an easier path to prioritizing their agendas in this year’s budget. Subcommittees that unpack the budget have already started meeting, but we are anticipating more discussions in the coming weeks.
Mental Health Funding
  • While all of these issues will continue to be debated throughout the coming months, we wanted to highlight the stand the Senate took regarding the first bill they passed. Senate Bill 003 also known as the 9-8-8 Trust Fund – Funding was passed on January 30th. The 988 Trust Fund was created by legislation passed last session with stipulations that it would receive around $5 million in funding. This bill, if passed by the House, will more than double the required funding to $12 million by 2025. This is an important message from the Senate about prioritizing mental health and could be an indicator of the success of other mental health bills coming before the body.

Team Spotlight: Addison Pruitt, GR Partner

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

This past weekend, Addison was awarded by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus at the Chairman’s Farewell Reception for his service to the caucus. Addison previously served three years as Chief of Staff for Legislative Black Caucus Chairman, Delegate Daryl Barnes.
The reception was a part of the 27th Annual Legislative Weekend hosted by the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation at Live Casino & Hotel.

We are so proud to have Addison on our team!

Elly Colmers

For nearly a decade, Elly has been lobbying at the state, local, and federal levels on a wide range of topics including tax credit policy, environmental and land use issues, and budget priorities. Prior to joining Compass, Elly advocated on behalf of historic preservation, smart growth, and land conservation non-profits, and she has forged strong relationships with General Assembly leadership and other key players during her time in Annapolis.

Her years of experience in all aspects of advocacy – from public policy development to coalition building to grassroots organizing- ensure a wholistic approach to lobbying for her clients.

A Baltimore native, Elly lives in the City with her son, and three cats. When not working, she enjoys cooking, reading, and supporting small businesses in her neighborhood.

General Elections Preview

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

The Maryland General Election this year is a rare opportunity to see the “big four” up for election: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General. With a new gubernatorial administration comes opportunity for increased legislative movement. Select legislators could move into the administration, allowing for some committee shakeups.

In Delaware, all seats are up for re-election due to redistricting. Compass will keep a pulse on contentious races that could impact the composition of the leadership in the General Assembly. This is not an election year for Governor Carney, so we do anticipate general consistency in the make up of the Administration.

District of Columbia will also hold their General Election on November 8th. We expect to see a few new faces in the coming year. Compass is monitoring contentious At-Large race between Kenyan McDuffie and Elissa Silverman.

This election lends the Compass team an opportunity to facilitate working relationships from freshman delegates to Governors’ offices, while strengthening the relationships we currently hold.

We will hold a call on November 9th to deliver a live update from our government relations team about election results in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.

Budget Changes

Posted on by Tyler Bennett

The 2023 Session will bring a significant change to the state budget process. Prior to 2023, once the Governor submits the operating budget to the General Assembly in January, the legislature could only make cuts. They could not add money to the budget and could not shift money from one program to another. Beginning in 2023, the legislature will be able to add money to sections of the operating budget, as long as the Governor’s overall level of spending is not exceeded. The Governor maintains some power as they will be able to veto these individual budget actions. This creates additional advocacy opportunities should money not make it into the Governor’s proposed operating budget.

The Compass Government Relations team is here to help you navigate these changes. Contact us today!

Addison Pruitt

Addison is a Principal of Government Relations and Director of Public Relations at Compass Advocacy. Wearing both hats, Addison connects the dots between government advocacy and brand strategy, helping clients on projects ranging from lobbying to logo design.

Government Relations

Prior to joining Compass in 2021, he served as the Communications Specialist for the U.S. Architect of the Capitol’s historic Cannon Renewal Project, where he coordinated messaging and outreach initiatives to House Members, staff, and key congressional stakeholders.

Addison also spent three years in the Maryland General Assembly as Chief of Staff to Delegate Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In this role, he worked on legislation to improve equity, procurement, and funding opportunities for minority businesses and disadvantaged communities across the state of Maryland.

Public Relations

Aside from his political experience, Addison has helped several nonprofits and businesses in the Greater Washington Region, providing consulting services in branding, graphic design, website development, and multimedia. With a spirit for community and collaboration, he launched a creative pop-up event series in 2017 for young professionals to connect through arts and music.

Additional Background

Addison studied Marketing with a concentration in Product and Brand Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alex Shull McKitrick

Maryland

With a decade of experience in legislative, lobbying, and advocacy roles, Alex has built strong relationships within the Maryland General Assembly, particularly in the Baltimore/Annapolis region, and on the Eastern Shore. Her long-standing relationships enable Alex to effectively advance client goals at both the state and local levels. Her expertise spans across several key policy areas, including business, tax, health, and transportation. Alex’s deep connections within Maryland’s transportation, natural resources, technology, and health departments ensure that clients gain early access to critical decision-makers. Additionally, she has extensive experience helping clients navigate procurement opportunities at both the state and local levels.

Delaware

In addition to her work in Maryland, Alex manages Compass’ Government Relations’ practice in Delaware. She plays a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the legislative and procurement processes in Dover and Wilmington. Alex’s deep understanding of Delaware’s policy landscape, combined with her extensive network within Legislative Hall, makes her a valuable resource for advancing client objectives. Her work in Delaware spans several sectors, with particular expertise in energy, health, and procurement-related matters.

Pennsylvania

Alex’s experience also extends into Pennsylvania, where she assists clients with procurement pursuits and legislative advocacy. Her strong ties in Harrisburg within the Shapiro Administration and the legislature to key state departments allow her to help clients stay ahead of valuable procurement opportunities and track crucial policy matters. Alex’s strategic approach in Pennsylvania ensures that clients can effectively engage with decision-makers across state and local levels.

Additional Background

When she’s not in the halls of Annapolis, Dover, or Harrisburg, Alex enjoys hiking with her husband, James and Labrador Retriever, Annie. A strong advocate for community engagement, she believes in giving back and supporting local initiatives that make a positive impact.

Morgan Mills

Morgan brings a deep understanding of political landscapes, policy issues, and an unwavering commitment to effective advocacy. She offers insightful policy analysis and political strategy for our clients in Maryland and on the federal level, navigating the intricacies of varying levels of government to champion the interests of our clients.

Government Relations

During her time with Compass, Morgan has spearheaded initiatives across various levels of government, from the federal arena to the State level to local governments in DC and Maryland. Whether advocating for legislative changes, forging strategic partnerships, coalition building, or mobilizing grassroots efforts, Morgan is dedicated to driving impactful outcomes for our clients.

She has experience across a broad range of legislative issues including civil justice, cannabis, youth services, healthcare, and non-profits.

Prior to joining Compass, she spent two years gaining invaluable experience in Delegate Williams’ office, gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process, and developing a keen understanding of policymaking.

Public Relations

Aside from her lobbying efforts, Morgan also assists clients navigate coalition building, communication, and political campaign strategies to help shape public opinion on an array of topics. She has assisted several non-profits and businesses get through to key-decision makers through various grassroots campaigns, substantially impacting legislative decisions.

Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Morgan lives in the Annapolis area with her fiancé and dog. When not working, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her family.

Robert J. Garagiola

A triple threat for Compass, former Maryland state Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola serves as a Principal of Compass Government Relations and as the President of Compass Public Relations and Compass Law. With over 30 years of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government, and nearly 25 years practicing law in D.C. and MD, Rob plays a leading role in managing the Compass leadership team and nurturing the firm’s enterprise growth and innovation.

Government Relations

As a former state Senator who served on the energy and health committees, including as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee and as Chair of the Joint Committee on Healthcare Delivery and Financing, Rob is an expert on energy, tax, healthcare, business regulation, and procurement matters, Rob lobbies for clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. As a former elected official, he understands the inner workings of government. Prior to becoming a state Senator, he spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill – both as a lobbyist and senior staffer for U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., who is now the top Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Law Practice 

Rob is a business attorney and a business owner. He uses his legal and practical experiences to benefit his corporate clients and has represented clients on business law matters in nearly every sector, ranging from accounting firms to physician practices and restaurants to consulting firms, as well as trade associations and nonprofits. Rob advises clients on general business, employment, and commercial leasing matters, helping them form and grow companies, draft corporate governance documents, and provide counsel on various contract issues. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2016.

Public Relations

Having run for office at the state and federal levels, Rob has extensive media and communications experience. For over a decade, he has helped clients with various grassroots advocacy efforts to affect and shape public opinion on a range of issues. Rob has also worked with clients to develop innovative strategies to convey their message before traditional media, digital media, and other venues.

Additional Background

Rob served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1995 to 2003 and received his jump wings in 2000. He is a member of various nonprofit boards, including those with a focus on the arts, healthcare, renewable energy, and public safety. He is married to Hannah Powers Garagiola, the founder of Compass Advocacy, and has five children and a Jack Russell Terrier named Oyster. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, traveling, reading, and cooking.

Practice Areas

Government Relations

  • Business Regulation
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Procurement
  • Taxation & Fees

Public Relations

  • Communications
  • Grassroots & Political Campaign Strategy
  • Public Affairs & Coalition Building

Law

  • Business Law
  • Contracts & Commercial Leases
  • Employment/Labor Law
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