Honoring Women’s History Month and Fighting for Women in Maryland
This Women’s History Month, I’m reminded of the strong women who came before us and paved the way for greater opportunity. It is a time not only to reflect on the progress we have made, but also to recognize the work that still lies ahead.
Over the years, I have been humbled by the incredible women I’ve had the privilege of knowing, women like my mother who lifted so many others over the years, and my daughter who is caring and kind and focused on creating a space for herself in a world that too often fails to embrace and encourage women.
I have also been especially honored to connect with the many powerful women I’ve met throughout this campaign, including Eleanor Smeal, who has spent her life fighting for women’s rights and advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment, and Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, a tireless advocate and consensus-builder for Maryland families, who has played a key role in shaping Maryland laws on healthcare, education, and public policy. Their leadership, resilience, and advocacy continue to shape our communities and inspire the work we are committed to doing.
This legislative session, several bills are advancing policies that strengthen economic opportunity, expand access to health care, and provide critical protections for women and families across Maryland. While we have made meaningful progress, there is still much work to do.
Below are a few pieces of legislation I want to highlight this week:
HB1280 / SB 809 - Supporting Our Caregiver Infrastructure Program - Feasibility Study. This bill directs the Office of the Comptroller, with support from the Department of Human Services, to study the feasibility of creating the Supporting Our Caregiver Infrastructure Program, which would provide monthly stipends to family caregivers. Maryland’s 1.16 million caregivers provide essential support to older adults and people with disabilities, often at significant financial cost. The study will examine how caregiver support could strengthen families, help caregivers stay in the workforce, and reduce costly institutional care. HB 1280 ensures Maryland gathers the data needed to design an effective caregiver support system.
HB278 / SB113 – The Longevity Ready Maryland Act. This bill codifies a coordinated statewide plan to modernize services the state provides its aging population and incorporate innovative approaches to supporting older adults. Women represent a majority of Maryland’s aging population, including nearly 65% of residents over the age of 85, and 60% of those caring for Maryland’s elders.
HB465 / SB295 – Stop Silencing Survivors. This bill protects survivors of sexual assault from being sued for defamation or other claims when reporting allegations in good faith and provides legal immunity while covering attorney fees for such disclosures.
HB450 / SB294 – Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking. This bill expands confidentiality protections for victims of sexual assault and stalking in criminal and juvenile proceedings, helping protect survivors' privacy throughout the legal process.
HB329 / SB81 – Protection of Students from Sexual Exploitation in Schools. This bill strengthens protections for students by prohibiting sexual activity between school resource officers and students.
HB1076 / SB532 – Higher Education Institutions – Over-the-Counter Contraception – Access and Reporting. This bill aligns program requirements for two and four-year colleges and clarifies the forms of over-the-counter contraception students must be able to access on campus, helping expand reproductive healthcare for students.
HB536 – Employment Discrimination – Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities Due to Childbirth, Menopause, and Related Medical Conditions. This bill expands workplace protections by requiring reasonable accommodations for temporary disabilities related to childbirth, menopause, and related medical conditions while allowing employers to consider operational impacts when evaluating certain accommodation requests.
As your Delegate, I promise to champion policies that expand opportunity, protect women’s rights, and ensure Maryland remains a place where women and families can thrive.
As always, if you have thoughts or questions, please reach out to me at tazeen@tazeenformaryland.com. Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
We have several upcoming opportunities for us to talk in-person and for you to meet my team. Please join us for one of our upcoming events or sign up to volunteer with the campaign.
Finally, we can’t do this without you. Please consider making a financial contribution HERE.
With heart and purpose,
Tazeen Ahmad
Candidate for Delegate
Leading with Heart, Delivering with Purpose