Dear Friend,

We are in the midst of a busy, but productive legislative session in Annapolis. I would like to give you a brief update on three issues that are important to many Marylanders and have drawn public attention.

Increasing the Minimum Wage: the federal minimum wage has been $5.15 since 1997. We need to make it easier for the working poor in Maryland to support their families. That is why I support raising the minimum wage in Maryland to $6.15.
Read about the issue in the Washington Post.

Making sure the introduction of Asian Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay is based upon sound science: Senator Joan Carter Conway and I proposed an emergency bill to ensure that the introduction of non-native Asian oysters in the Bay does not get out ahead of the science. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to introduce this alien species, despite the fact that the National Academy of Sciences and others recommend several more years of research about the potential for unintended, adverse consequences. Bearing in mind the destruction wrought by gypsy moths, zebra mussels and the discovery of snakehead fish in the Potomac River, my colleagues in the Senate passed the bill this week.

Visit my website to view a presentation about the Asian oyster issue

Conserving Energy through an Energy-Saving Investment Program: I recently introduced a bill to encourage energy efficiency among Maryland's residential electric and gas customers. The heart of the program is an energy savings plan developed and administered by the Maryland Energy Administration, approved by the PSC, and financed by an Energy-Savings Investment Fund. The cost of energy has skyrocketed since deregulation in 1999, but this legislation will help to control these costs and to reduce energy usage.
Read the legislation.

Sincerely,
BRIAN E. FROSH