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House of Delegates District 27B

DUTIES: Maryland State Delegates enact laws, raise revenue through taxes and fees, and approve the spending of money by state agencies in an annual budget. They may propose amendments to the state Constitution for ratification by the voters and oversee the operation of all state government departments. TERM: Four years, no term limitSALARY: $55,636HOW ELECTED: Elected by residents of each of Maryland's 47 legislative districts. Voters in each district may vote for three delegates.WEBSITE: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

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    Rachel R. Jones
    (Dem)

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    Jeffrie E. Long, Jr.
    (Dem)

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    Dan L. Thomas
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

DATA CENTERS: Data centers can bring some economic benefit, but also have a negative impact on the power grid, water supply, and land use. Do you support the establishment of additional data centers in Maryland? Why or why not?

UTILITY COSTS: What do you see as the factors contributing to escalating utility costs in Maryland? How will you address them?

TRANSPORTATION: Should the availability of public transportation be improved across the state? Why or why not?

BUDGET: Maryland is required to balance the budget every year. What will be your three top budget priorities, and what programs will you fight for?

IMMIGRATION: Immigrants are an important part of our community and make significant contributions, including to Maryland's economy. What will you do to support immigrant communities in Maryland?

Campaign Website http://www.rachelr.jones.com
Campaign Instagram delegate_racheljones27b
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 188
Owings, MD 20736
While the decision on whether or not to site additional data centers in MD rests with County governments, I believe states with a larger land mass are better suited for data centers. Given our current challenges with energy demand, lack of supply, and increased rates, data centers will only put an additional strain on the grid and increase costs for consumers.
The factors were mentioned above. The demand for energy currently exceeds the supply. We must have a structural plan for purchase of energy from the PJM in the future, one that more properly accounts for the projected demand based on development of large projects like data centers, solar installations, increase of electric vehicle charging stations, etc.
Yes. In order to provide residents with greater access to jobs, healthcare, and recreation, public transportation should be increased. This applies to both rural and urban parts of our state. Upgrades to the purple line of Metro are in progress and will make a huge difference for Central MD. However, not to be forgotten, are the rural parts of our state where shuttles with limited run times and lines that don't reach areas of greatest need must also be invested in.
My top three priorities will be environment/agriculture, education, and transportation. Agriculture is MD's #1 commercial industry. Advocating for MD farmers and protecting our natural resources like the Chesapeake Bay are critical for the MD's success economically and environmentally. Ensuring that the next generation of Marylanders is well equipped to lead, while supporting our educators and reducing the burden on local government budgets is critical as well. Improving transportation is key.
Ensuring that they have dignity and basic human rights is the bare minimum. I'll continue to support equal access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment for our immigrant community. I will work to protect the rights of immigrant families.
Campaign Twitter twitter.com/jeffrielongjr
Campaign Website http://www.jeffrielong.com
Campaign Phone 443-624-7788
Campaign Email fojlong@gmail.com
Campaign Instagram www.instagram.com/jeffrielongjr
Campaign Twitter Handle @jeffrielongjr
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 333
Cheltenham, MD 20623
Through my work in Annapolis, I’ve seen how important it is to balance economic development with protecting our communities and resources. I do not support additional data centers without meaningful public input. Communities must have a real voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods. If residents oppose a proposal after a transparent review process, their decision should be respected. Economic development should never override the will of the community.
Utility costs in Maryland are rising due to increasing electricity demand and the cost of maintaining and upgrading our power grid. In Annapolis, I have sponsored legislation to help lower costs, including the Retail Energy Modernization and Consumer Choice Act, which increases competition, modernizes our energy market, and gives Maryland families more tools to reduce their monthly utility bills.
Yes. Access to reliable transportation should be improved across Maryland. In communities like Calvert County and Prince George’s County, limited sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit options make it harder for residents to safely reach work, school, parks, and community centers. As a member of the Environment and Transportation Committee, I will continue fighting for funding to deliver the drivable, bikable, and walkable infrastructure our communities deserve.
My top budget priorities are education, healthcare, and infrastructure. I will fight to fully fund our public schools, support libraries, invest in modern healthcare facilities, and maintain safe learning environments. I will work to keep healthcare affordable and expand telehealth access for rural communities. I will also prioritize infrastructure investments that keep our communities connected and support economic growth.
Immigrant communities are an important part of Maryland’s workforce, economy, and culture. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home and community. In Annapolis, I have proudly supported legislation that protects immigrant families and strengthens trust between communities and law enforcement. I will continue working with local organizations to ensure families understand their rights and have access to trusted community resources.
Campaign Website http://thomas4md.com
Campaign Phone 4109008272
Campaign Email dan.thomas@thomas4md.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @thomas4md
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 24
Dunkirk, MD 20754
I do not support the expansion of data centers in Maryland. The residents in my district have been very concerned about energy usage, environmental impacts, and noise pollution. I also do not support the data centers because they do not create long term jobs to the area they are built. The majority of the jobs are short term construction jobs.
The energy costs have skyrocketed due to the closure of the coal burning power plants and the reliance of outside electric producers. I would work with the owners of the closed power plants to establish a plan to convert the power plants to natural gas. I would also support the expansion of clean nuclear energy.
Yes, public transportation is dealing with an aging infrastructure and higher costs to operate which leads to reliability issues and limits job access. By improving public transportation, we would reduce traffic and pollution and give better options to people living in rural areas who can’t drive or do not own a vehicle.
My top three budget priorities would be spending cuts and fiscal responsibility, reducing taxes and fees with no new taxes, and economic growth. The programs I will fight for is affordable energy, public safety, public education, and fiscal responsibility. The Governor must take the lead on reducing the deficit and balancing the budget.
My support for immigrant communities would be to promote self-reliance, economic freedom, rule of law, and family values while respecting federal immigration authority and protecting Maryland taxpayers. I believe in welcoming legal immigrants who contribute to our state, but we must prioritize secure borders and fair a process to ensure sustainability.