DEFENDING IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES

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Federal immigration enforcement has eroded public trust, making our communities less safe. ICE agents operate outside the norms of local law enforcement—concealing their identities, wearing masks, and using unmarked vehicles. These tactics create fear and confusion, while families are detained without transparency and, too often, without basic due process.

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• CO-SPONSORED the Community Trust Act closing a loophole that has allowed Maryland law enforcement to detain individuals solely based on immigration status and transfer them to ICE before they’ve been convicted of any crime.

 

• CO-SPONSORED ban on 287(G) agreements ending formal partnerships between ICE and Maryland law enforcement to enforce federal civil immigration law.

 

• VOTED FOR legislation restricting use of face coverings by ICE agents in Maryland.  

 

• VOTED FOR legislation prohibiting public school personnel from supporting ICE enforcement actions in schools, or sharing personal information on students.

 

MARYLAND MATTERS: FOR LATINO CAUCUS, IMMIGRANT PROTECTIONS ARE PRIORITY

Among the caucus members seven are of Latino heritage. ‘I’m coming into this session with a comprehensive agenda around affordability and workers’ rights,” said JOE VOGEL (D-Montgomery), whose parents brought him to the United States from Uruguay at age 3 in 2000.

 

MAKING MARYLAND MORE AFFORDABLE

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Grocery bills are up, energy costs are rising, childcare is less affordable as the scholarship program remains frozen, and healthcare premiums are climbing due to federal actions. This session, we took meaningful steps to bring costs down for Maryland families.

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• INTRODUCED AND CO-SPONSORED legislation to ban dynamic pricing and the use of surveillance data for individualized pricing in Maryland. These practices are already being used by supermarkets and grocery delivery companies to drive up costs. The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act has passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature.

 

WYPR: MARYLAND LAWMAKERS WORK ON BANNING SURVEILLANCE PRICING 

JOE VOGEL (D-Montgomery County) brought the bill forward out of concern that companies are using surveillance pricing to selectively price gouge customers based on their spending habits.  “There was an investigation into Instacart recently that found they were actually grouping consumers into different buckets depending on different characteristics of personal data, and then charging them different prices depending on their personal characteristics,” Vogel said during his opening remarks.

 

• INTRODUCED the Maryland Fair Pricing and Competition Act to crack down on the monopolization of grocery stores, which leave consumers with fewer options and higher prices.

 

• VOTED FOR the Utility Relief Act building on the progress of the 2025 Next Generation Energy Act to further protect ratepayers and reduce energy bills.

 

• VOTED FOR House Bill 1, consumer protection legislation ensuring that Maryland’s ratepayers are not responsible for paying the massive bonus compensation packages of executives at PEPCO and Exelon.

 

• SUPPORTED legislation to require data centers to provide their own energy or pay for their own infrastructure costs, recognizing how the growth of data centers is leading to higher energy bills for Maryland families.

 

• CO-SPONSORED House Bill 849 establishing clearer policies for how families access the Child Care Scholarship Program while the current waitlist is in place, prioritizing families with the greatest financial need.

 

• CO-SPONSORED Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr’s House Bill 1321 implements a partial scholarship system that gradually adjusts family contributions based on income while ensuring that childcare costs remain affordable.

 

MARYLAND MATTERS: NINE MONTHS LATER, FREEZE ON CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIP

“JOE VOGEL worried that even with a budget increase, his constituents may continue to struggle. He said the state should consider universal child care to make care free for all Maryland residents.”

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 80 requiring corporate landlords to clearly display all mandatory fees in the lease agreement to end the practice of surprise rental junk fees. This bill passed the House of Delegates.

 

• VOTED FOR the Maryland Housing Certainty Act to reform housing permit processes in the state to accelerate housing production, boost supply, and bring down the cost of housing in Maryland. 

 

• SUPPORTED the work of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, whose authority we expanded in 2025, and is leading to lower costs for prescription medication.

 

• ADVOCATED for the restoration of the federal Affordable Care Act premium tax credits which expired earlier this year. Last session, I VOTED FOR legislation to establish a premium assistance subsidy in Maryland to lower the cost of healthcare plans.

 

TAKING ON POLITICAL CORRUPTION

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Marylanders deserve a government that puts them first. That means we need to reduce the influence of corporate lobbyists and the impact of corporate contributions. That influence does not benefit Maryland families, and makes it more challenging to advance legislation to lower costs and improve the quality of life for Maryland families. 

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• INTRODUCED House Bill 136 to ban so-called ‘committee dinners’ paid for by lobbyists. Lobbyists, businesses, and industry groups collectively spent more than $589,000 on lavish dinners for legislators in the last legislative session. PEPCO, BG&E, and Exelon – the state’s publicly regulated utilities – spent $49,000 on these dinners.​

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WASHINGTON POST: LOBBYISTS SPEND BIG ON ‘COMMITTEE DINNERS’ WITH MARYLAND LAWMAKERS 

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“JOE VOGEL, a Democrat from Montgomery County who joined the General Assembly in 2023, is taking aim at the longtime legislative perk with a bill that would bar lobbyists, corporations and special interest groups from taking lawmakers out on the town...”

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 509 prohibiting political contributions by publicly regulated corporate utilities – PEPCO and BG&E. Corporate utilities have spent upwards of $300,000 on political contributions just this election cycle alone, buying influence with the very legislators responsible for regulating them and lowering utility costs.

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 207 requiring the State Board of Elections to include a disclosure question on the certificate of candidacy form for candidates for federal office, asking them to indicate whether they intend to trade individual stocks during the candidate's term of office.

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 1099 to establish term limits in the State of Maryland, limiting the number of terms a legislator can serve beginning in the 2030 election cycle. 

 

FULLY FUNDING METRO & PUBLIC TRANSIT

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This legislative session, we built on years of sustained investment to strengthen Metro as a safe, reliable, and accessible backbone of our region’s transportation system. By continuing to fund critical operations, maintenance, and service improvements, we’re ensuring that Metro remains a dependable option for commuters, reduces congestion on our roads, and supports the economic vitality of our communities.

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• VOTED FOR Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026 increasing Maryland’s funding for the Metro system by creating a new annual capital grant of at least $150 million starting in 2029, while requiring a workforce transition plan for rail automation and allowing the state to withhold funding if worker protections are not met.

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STRENGTHENING OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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I believe Maryland should have the best public schools in the country. That’s why I’ve supported targeted, accountable investments through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. As a member of the Education Subcommittee, I have the responsibility of helping shape education policy for our state. That means demanding accountability from our school systems, and ensuring these historic investments translate into better outcomes in the classroom.

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• VOTED FOR historic levels of funding for public education through the Blueprint For Maryland's Future, strengthening early childhood education, improving educator pay and training, and expanding resources for students.

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 109 to designate Title VI coordinators at schools and colleges to clarify processes for reporting and navigating incidents of discrimination. 

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 57, establishing the Maryland Civic Excellence Program to promote civic engagement among public school students in Maryland. This bill is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

 

• CO-SPONSORED the Maryland Phone Free Schools Act to establish stricter regulations on the use of cell phones in classrooms, preventing student distraction and promoting student safety.  This bill is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 168, to incentivize construction of educator workforce housing – so early career educators are able to afford to live where they teach. This bill is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

 

KEEPING MARYLANDERS HEALTHY AND SAFE

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We took action this session to strengthen public health, expand access to lifesaving care, and protect Marylanders from emerging threats. From combating the opioid crisis to improving emergency response systems, we are making our communities safer and more resilient.

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• CO-SPONSORED the Maryland Vaccine Act, requiring the Maryland Secretary of Health to issue a statewide vaccine schedule with proof of science-backed recommendations – as the federal government creates confusion around vaccines.

 

• INTRODUCED the Supporting Our 911 Specialists Act alongside Senator Cheryl Kagan, to promote recruitment and retention of 9-1-1 specialists in Maryland, addressing staffing shortages which can lead to dangerous delays when calling for help. This bill is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

 

“This bill acknowledges and shows respect for the important and essential work that our 9-1-1 specialists do on a daily basis during emergency situations. Including 9-1-1 specialists in this bill is a decision that the MCPA and MSA see as valuable and necessary.” – Samira Jackson, MD Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association

 

THE DIAMONDBACK: FOUR HIGHER EDUCATION BILLS TO LOOK OUT FOR

“Maryland lawmakers hope to set consistent policies for Naloxone use and education through the Naloxone Access Act. Primary bill sponsor Del. JOE VOGEL (D-Montgomery) said there’s inconsistent policies about the medication’s administration and whether students can carry it.”

 

• VOTED FOR House Bill 1367 establishing a Commission on Re-Imagining Health Care to envision and make recommendations regarding establishing a comprehensive, patient-centered health care system in Maryland. 

 

• VOTED FOR the Vulnerable Adult Banking Protection Act, co-sponsored by Delegate Ryan Spiegel, to set new guidelines for financial institutions to protect Marylanders from complex financial scams. 

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 202 creating a pilot grant program to support programming to alleviate the negative health effects caused by social isolation and loneliness.

 

ADVOCATING FOR MARYLAND WORKERS

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This session, we advanced policies to strengthen worker protections, raise wages, and push back against corporate practices that exploit working Marylanders.

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• INTRODUCED the Maryland Worker Freedom Act to ban forced political and religious “captive audience” meetings in the workplace. As federal protections are rolled back, this bill safeguards workers’ freedom to hold their own beliefs and make decisions about unionization without employer coercion. It passed the House and Senate and is now on the Governor’s desk.

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• INTRODUCED House Bill 18 which creates a minimum pay standard for Uber and Lyft drivers. This comes as Uber and Lyft have significantly increased the profit they take for every ride, reducing driver earnings to below minimum wage.

  

BALTIMORE BANNER: Uber, Lyft drivers in Maryland — already struggling —

hit with rising gas prices

 

“JOE VOGEL introduced a bill this session that would have established a minimum payment for each Uber and Lyft trip based on mileage and time and rising with inflation.”  

 

HONORING MARYLAND’S VETERANS & SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES

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We are committed to supporting those who have served our country and their families. This session, we worked to expand access to education, strengthen emergency support programs, and ensure Veterans receive the care and opportunities they have earned.

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• INTRODUCED House Bill 151 to fully fund the Veterans Trust Fund to support Veterans and military families experiencing financial hardship.

 

• VOTED FOR House Bill 720 extending the Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship, providing long-term certainty for eligible service members and their families.

 

• VOTED FOR House Bill 102 to allow eligible military-connected students to enroll in Maryland public schools remotely, without fees or in-person requirements.

 

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

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We continued Maryland’s leadership on climate and environmental protection by advancing policies that reduce pollution, expand clean energy, and invest in sustainability. These efforts will lower costs for families while protecting our planet for future generations.

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• INTRODUCED House Bill 87 to restore energy efficient home improvement incentives in Maryland after federal incentives were terminated by the Congressional Budget Bill.

 

• INTRODUCED House Bill 119 to establish regional navigators through the Maryland Clean Energy Center to support state agencies, local governments, and school systems in efforts to invest in energy efficiency, saving taxpayers money while cutting emissions.

 

• VOTED FOR the Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act ensuring that new buildings being built in Maryland comply with existing law for large buildings to reduce emissions.

 

• VOTED FOR House Bill 925 reducing the amount of PFAS making its way into our air, water, land, and food.

 

• OPPOSED extreme cuts to the EmPOWER program, Maryland’s premier energy conservation program. 

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INVESTING IN GAITHERSBURG AND ROCKVILLE

 

We passed a balanced budget that closed a $1.5 billion shortfall—without raising taxes or fees. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Revenues Committee, I remain focused on protecting taxpayer dollars while making smart, targeted investments to grow Maryland’s economy, support Maryland families, and prepare for future uncertainty. 

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Alongside my District 17 colleagues, we secured key investments for Gaithersburg and Rockville. Here are some of the most significant local and statewide priorities funded this year:

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$11,210,586 for the new Crown High School in Gaithersburg

$74,640,855 in financial support for Montgomery College

$1,500,000 for a new Young Artists of America community arts space in Rockville

$650,000 for renovations of the Sheppard Pratt School in Gaithersburg

$350,000 to fund the rebuild of the Montgomery County History Center

$50,000 in support for the new Identity Youth Community Center in Gaithersburg

$325,000 to build new pedestrian bridges at Twinbrook and Dogwood Parks

$200,000 in funding for the renovation of Lincoln High School in Lincoln Park

$100,000 for improvements to the Stonestreet Corridor in Rockville

$75,000 to support Community Reach’s Rockland House in Rockville

$434,000,000 to Maryland Child Care Scholarship program

$4,175,000 for the Montgomery College Rockville Campus Theatre Arts Building

$950,000 in renovations for the Ring House Senior Living Community

$150,000 for playground infrastructure improvements at Beall Elementary School 

$2,756,000 in support for Rockville’s Community Sewer Infrastructure

$5,489,000 for the Montgomery College Rockville Campus Library

$10,200,000,000 in funding for Maryland public schools

$2,500,000,000 in Maryland higher education institutions

$1,700,000,000 for SNAP food assistance, supporting 687,000 recipients

$3,300,000,000 to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living – we successfully fought for a significant funding restoration in this year's budget

$47,100,000 in funding for local law enforcement

$463,000,000 for safety improvements under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan

$250,000 for the reopening of Adolescent Drug Treatment at Noyes Center