A look at the Tiger Pride Day legislative agenda for Monday

February 20, 2022

Towson University and its Student Government Association (SGA) are excited to host the 23^rd-annual Tiger Pride Day February 21, when students will share their thoughts and concerns with members of the Maryland General Assembly.

Like last year, this year’s Tiger Pride Day will be held completely online, but that doesn’t diminish how eager students are to speak with those who represent them in Annapolis.

“This is my fourth Tiger Pride Day, and I’m so excited to be a part of this great event,” says Olivier Ambush, SGA’s director of legislative affairs. “It was the first day of advocacy that I’d ever done, and, since then, it has inspired my love for legislative affairs.

“This event emphasizes civic engagement and political participation, and I hope it inspires future students. I hope all have fun and come out of the day with a positive experience!”

Towson University is a national leader in inclusive excellence, with a commitment to providing leadership to the public good. By fostering civic engagement and a deeper understanding of the legislative process, Tiger Pride Day aligns with multiple goals within the university’s strategic plan.  

Below is a complete list of bills supported by the SGA and members of the TU student body and the rationale behind the support. 

HB 0025 - Rehabilitation and Education for All Prisons (REAP) Act
This bill would support incarcerated people entering rehabilitation programs and receiving Pell Grants so they can further their education.

“As Towson University’s SGA, we feel that all people deserve the right to an affordable education, and we recognize the damage that the prison industrial complex has caused to various communities. Maryland should do all that it can to help incarcerated people reenter the world equipped to succeed.”

HB 0159 - Economic Justice and Racial Reconciliation Act
This bill would establish a commission to explore the historical racial disparities that resulted from state actions from the Reconstruction Era through the enactment of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. The commission would provide recommendations on compensation to African American communities.

“We recognize that many African American communities across Maryland have been harmed by racist policies. We support commissions like this, as it could start the process of healing that this state and nation need for us to move forward.”

HB 0164 - Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant Students - Policy
This bill would give more rights to students who are having/recently had children. It would prevent institutions of higher education from requiring pregnant students to take a leave of absence and would require institutions to allow students who did take a leave of absence because of a new child to return in good academic standing.

“We feel that universities should not discriminate against new and expecting parents and that having children should not prevent the pursuit of higher education.”

HB 0171 (SB 0135) - Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Act
This bill would require the state to take various measures, including altering greenhouse gas emissions standards, so that after 2040, statewide emissions are net negative. This bill also requires the Department of the Environment to adopt a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions by Dec. 31, 2022. Lastly, it establishes a climate crisis council to develop a plan to meet the reductions stated above as well as help establish other environmental initiatives.

“We understand that climate change would affect not only our students but the global population. We believe that drastic measures should be taken immediately to ensure that the effects of climate change are stemmed early on.”

HB 0255 - Maryland Internship Opportunities Program - Creation and Income Tax Credit
The bill allows certain employers a tax credit for providing opportunities for internships.

“We believe there should be more opportunities for students to gain valuable, onsite experience that is needed for post-grad career prospects and graduate school.”

SB 0152 - Institutions of Higher Education - Transcripts - Prohibition on Punitive Measures Related to Student Debt
This bill would prohibit an institution of higher education from refusing to provide a current or former student with a transcript because the student owes a debt to the institution.

“We think that one’s economic situation should not prohibit their access to the grades that they worked hard for. Transcripts are often needed to access further levels of progress and to prevent that access would hold back current and former students.”