Tonight I met with the Citizens for a Better Charles county and spoke to them about the bill of require an upgrade to nitrogen eliminating systems when a septic system is replaced or upgraded. This bill is a tool toward chipping away at all the issues that affect the Chesapeake Bay. The issue is so big that it is impossible to come up with one solution that will address all of the pollution problems.

I had the pleasure tonight to attend the NAACP Dinner and see so many of my friends. I appreciated the opportunity to catch up with what they are doing this spring. I am always grateful to Dottie Bush for inviting me.

The Piscataway-Conoy Family held a picnic at Piscataway State Park and invited me to update them on the progress of my bill HB691 – Native American Recognition. This bill passed the House of Delegates but ran out of time and did not have a hearing in the Senate. Native Americans have waited a long time for an official recognition of their place in our society and their contribution to our rich heritage.

The 2009 Truman Kennedy Dinner was held by the Charles County Democratic Central Committee at the Waldorf Jaycees. Sheriff Rex Coffey received the John Thomas Parran Award for his career and commitment to law enforcement. Union activist Jeff Guido of the Plumbers and Gas Fitters, Local 5 was presented with the Truman Award for his commitment to the betterment of working people everywhere and supporting labor issues – overtime protection, prevailing wage and health care. Colonel Donald Wade, Chair of the Charles County Board of Education for his service and dedication to the education of Charles County students. I was honored to attend the dinner.

Tonight was the 2009 Graduation Ceremony at the College of Southern Maryland. It was a pleasure to see the support and encouragement that families give to the graduates. With the present economic trials, the importance of education is on each family’s mind and I truly believe that all parents want to make sure their children get a good start in life. It was good to see Judge Noland at the ceremonies.