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Ariana Kelly

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Ariana Kelly
Kelly in August 2010
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 16th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
February 27, 2023
Appointed byWes Moore
Preceded bySusan C. Lee
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 16th district
In office
January 12, 2011 – February 27, 2023
Serving with William Frick (2011–2019) Marc Korman and Sara N. Love
Preceded byKaren Britto
Succeeded bySarah Wolek
Personal details
Born (1976-12-07) December 7, 1976 (age 48)
Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Barak Sanford
​
​
(m. 1999; div. 2012)​

Stephen Taylor
​
(m. 2022)​
Children4
Residence(s)Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison (BA)
Signature

Ariana Brannigan Kelly (born December 7, 1976) is an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. She is a member of the Maryland Senate from District 16, and was previously a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 16 from 2011 to 2023, which is located in Montgomery County.

Background

Kelly was born in Bethesda, Maryland.[1] She is the granddaughter of Maryland fire safety pioneer Francis Brannigan. .Kelly graduated from Walter Johnson High School, and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where in 2002 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.[1]

After graduating, Kelly worked as a national judicial education program associate for the National Organization for Women Legal Defense and Education Fund. She also worked as a producer for PBS' To The Contrary, a weekly news program, from 2002 to 2005,[1] before becoming the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland.[2][3] Kelly worked as the national campaign director for MomsRising.org from 2009 to 2011.[4]

In the legislature

Kelly was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 12, 2011.[1]

In December 2022, Governor-elect Wes Moore nominated state senator Susan C. Lee to serve as the Maryland Secretary of State. Kelly filed to fill the vacancy left by Lee in the Maryland Senate in January 2023.[5] Kelly won the nomination by a vote of 24–0 with one abstention.[6] She was sworn in on February 27, 2023.[7]

Committee Assignments & Leadership Positions

Maryland Senate
  • Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2023–present
  • Joint Committee on Children Youth and Families, 2023-present
  • Vice Chair, Montgomery County Delegation

[1]

Maryland House of Delegates
  • Deputy Majority Whip, 2016–2023
  • Vice-Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee, 2022–2023 (member 2011–2023; minority health disparities subcommittee, 2011–2014; insurance subcommittee, 2011–2017; estates & trusts subcommittee, 2015–2016; health facilities & occupations subcommittee, 2017; health facilities & pharmaceuticals subcommittee, 2017–2019; health occupations & long-term care subcommittee, 2017–2023, chair, 2017–2022; insurance & pharmaceuticals subcommittee, 2019–2022; chair, public health & minority health disparities subcommittee, 2023, member, 2016–2017, 2023)
  • Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 2015
  • Member, Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology, 2021–2023
  • Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 2023
  • House Chair, Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2016–2022
  • Member, Protocol Committee, 2015

[1]

Awards and Honors

Kelly has received numerous national and state awards for her legislative service.[8]

  • Planned Parenthood of Metro Washington Impact Award 2023
  • Maryland Hospital Association Legislator of the Year 2022
  • Maryland Nurses Association Legislator of the Year 2021
  • Maryland State Childcare Association, Standing Ovation Award 2020
  • Maryland Retailers Association Legislative All Star Award, 2018, 2023
  • Women Legislators of Maryland Legislative Champion Award 2018
  • Maryland Psychological Association Legislator of the Year 2017
  • Healthy Teen Network Spirit of Service Award 2017
  • NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Choice Advocate of the Year 2015 and 2016
  • Mental Health Association of Maryland Legislator of the Year 2013
  • Pathfinders for Autism Pat on the Back Award
  • Children's National Medical Center Children's Advocacy Champion
  • Women's Information Network. Young Woman of Achievement Award 2011
  • National Center for Children and Families Spirit Award for Humanitarian Leadership
  • The Treatment and Learning Centers Community Advocate Award
  • Youth for National Change Certificate of Excellence
  • Village of Friendship Heights Scull Award for Community Service
  • Wonders Child Care Public Policy Leadership Award
  • MD National Organization of Women Legislative Achievement Award

[9]

Political positions

Reproductive Rights and Gender Justice

Kelly speaks at a press conference on reproductive rights, 2023

Kelly has won numerous awards for her work on reproductive rights, including the 2023 Impact Award from Planned Parenthood of Metro Washington.[10]

Maryland Matters has described Kelly as a "leading abortion rights supporter in the legislature".[11] In 2019, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, which supports abortion, gave Kelly a 100% score. Maryland Right to Life, which opposes abortion, gave Kelly a 6% score during her third term in the Maryland House of Delegates.[12] Kelly supported efforts led by House of Delegates Speakers Michael E. Busch[11] and Adrienne A. Jones to codify the right to abortion access in the Maryland State Constitution,[13][14] and said in September 2021 that the "time is right for the legislature to pass more progressive policies" on abortion following the passage of the Texas Heartbeat Act, which banned abortions in Texas after the detection of embryonic or fetal cardiac activity.[15]

During the 2016 legislative session, Kelly introduced the Contraceptive Equity Act, making Maryland first in the nation for contraceptive access. The legislation requires insurance companies to cover vasectomies and over-the-counter emergency contraceptives at no extra cost. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan in May 2016.[16][17]

During the 2018 legislative session, Kelly introduced a bill that would include the topic of "consent" in sex education classes. The bill passed and became law.[18]

In January 2019, Kelly was one of nine Maryland lawmakers to add their names to a letter signed by 326 state legislators to reaffirm their commitment to protecting abortion rights.[19]

During the 2022 legislative session, Kelly introduced legislation to ensure abortion access and affordability in Maryland,[20] known as the Abortion Care Access Act.[13] The Abortion Care Access Act was passed by the Maryland General Assembly[21] and vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan, but it became law after the Maryland General Assembly overrode Hogan's veto.[22] In May 2022, following the leak of a draft majority opinion for the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Kelly joined 82 other legislators in signing a letter pushing Hogan to release $3.5 million in funding to support the implementation of the Abortion Care Access Act.[23]

In June 2022, following the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs, Kelly said that the end of Roe v. Wade made strong laws on the state level "even more necessary".[24]

During the 2023 legislative session, Kelly introduced successful legislation that requires public colleges to have a plan for student access to birth control, including contraception and abortion pills.[25]

During the 2023 legislative session Kelly introduced and passed legislation with Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield to end the spousal defense to sex crimes. [26]

In 2014 Kelly passed Maryland's Parental Leave Act which requires businesses with 15-50 employees to provide six weeks of parental leave.[27] During the 2016 and 2020 legislative sessions, Kelly introduced legislation to provide Maryland workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, funded by a payroll tax shared equally by the worker and employer. The 2016 legislation formed the Commission that resulted in the Time To Care Act of 2022.[4][28] IIn 2018 Kelly introduced legislation with Senator Ferguson to provide state employees with access to paid parental leave.[29] In 2022, she co-sponsored the Time To Care Act that provided paid family leave to all part- and full-time employees who have worked 680 hours in the past year.[30] Governor Hogan vetoed the legislation and the General Assembly overturned the veto. [31]

Preventing Sexual Harassment

Kelly has been open about experiencing sexual harassment throughout her career in politics. In 2017 she published a widely circulated op-ed in the Washington Post about her experiences, calling for system improvements but naming no specific legislators.[32] In February 2018, Kelly, then the president of the Women's Caucus of Maryland, released a set of policy recommendations on preventing sexual harassment in the Maryland General Assembly.[33][34] These recommendations were accompanied by a report detailing anonymous accounts of sexual harassment in the Maryland General Assembly.[35] Kelly also introduced a bill aimed at implementing these policy recommendations,[36] which was passed and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[37][38] In September 2018, Baltimore City Delegation Chair Cheryl Glenn gave a speech criticizing "white women legislators" from Montgomery County for their work on sexual harassment. Kelly accused Glenn of blocking her efforts to assist one of Curt Anderson's alleged sexual misconduct victims and of denigrating other Anderson accusers. Glenn did not comment on these accusations.[39] Glenn was sentenced to two years in federal prison for bribery and wire fraud shortly thereafter.[40] In 2018 Kelly was named a Ms. Magazine "#MeToo Shero" for her work reforming the Maryland General Assembly's treatment of sexual harassment.[41]

Taxes

In 2013, Kelly voted in favor of a bill that would raise gas taxes in Maryland to fund the state's various mass transit projects.[42]

During the 2019 legislative session, Kelly introduced a bill to expand eligibility requirements for the state's child care tax credits. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[43][44]

Elections and Appointments

In 2022 Kelly was elected for the fourth time representing District 16 in the House with 41,600 votes. She was the top vote getter in the State among House members.[45] During the 2023 Senate appointment process it was falsely alleged by a third party that Kelly called one of the other candidates and harassed him for submitting his nomination for the appointment. As noted in the article, Both Kelly and the other candidate denied the allegations. The Montgomery County Central Committee Chair indicated that the allegations were outside their purview for addressing.[46]

Personal life

Kelly is Irish-American and Jewish.[47]

Kelly and her husband have a blended family with four children.[48] She was married to Barak Sanford from 1999 to November 2012, and later married Dr. Stephen Taylor,. Together, they live in Bethesda, Maryland.[48]

Kelly and Taylor’s wedding was featured in Bethesda Magazine's 2022 Weddings of the Year.[49]

In July 2015, Kelly was arrested for trespassing and indecent exposure in an incident related to a domestic dispute.[50] The charges were dropped with a spokesperson saying that the incident was "a matter better suited for family court" and that the charges were incorrectly applied.[51]

Kelly's ex-husband and current husband have both supported her political campaigns. Her ex-husband came with their son to her Senate appointment vote and submitted a written letter of support. He also contributed financially to her 2018 and 2022 campaigns. [52]

Kelly and her daughter Maeve gained national media attention when they worked together on legislation to require consent be taught in Maryland's sexuality education programs.[53] Maeve was Chair of Maryland High School Democrats in 2022.[54]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Ariana B. Kelly, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Kohn, David (January 15, 2006). "Abortion gets wide protection in Md. law". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  3. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 13, 2022). "Leading Md. Abortion Rights Group Restructures as Legislative Fight Kicks Off". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Kraut, Aaron (March 1, 2016). "Del. Ariana Kelly Rallies Supporters of State Family and Medical Leave Fund". MoCo 360. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Ford, William J. (January 13, 2023). "Nonprofit organization plans to release comprehensive report on Maryland's parole system". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  6. ^ Gaines, Danielle E.; Kurtz, Josh (February 15, 2023). "Political Notes: Kelly gets Senate nod, Cassilly nom withdrawn, smooth sailing for Treasurer Davis, new gigs for Hogan vets, and lobbyists honor lobbyists". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (February 24, 2023). "Women's Caucus backing package of bills focused on reproductive health, criminal justice and economic issues". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  8. ^ "Ariana B. Kelly, Maryland State Senator". msa.maryland.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  9. ^ "Awards". July 24, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  10. ^ D.C, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington. "Tonya Lewis Lee to host 2023 PPMW Impact Gala". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Kurtz, Josh (May 17, 2019). "Md. Abortion Rights Supporters Mobilize in Response to Alabama Ban". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  12. ^ "Ariana Kelly's Ratings and Endorsements". VoteSmart.org. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Gaskill, Hannah (February 14, 2022). "Jones Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Strengthen Abortion Rights in Maryland". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  14. ^ Zhu, Christine (July 1, 2022). "State Del. Ariana Kelly says Maryland has strong abortion access laws — but she's hoping for a constitutional safeguard". MoCo 360. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  15. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (September 21, 2021). "Democratic Policymakers Alarmed by Texas Abortion Law, Ponder Legislative Protections in Maryland". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  16. ^ Wood, Pamela (May 9, 2016). "New law puts Maryland at 'forefront' of birth control access". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  17. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (May 10, 2016). "Hogan signs bill to make birth control cheaper". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  18. ^ Welch, Chris (October 3, 2018). "Mother-daughter duo draft bill to have 'consent' taught in sex ed". TMJ4. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  19. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 23, 2019). "Md. Lawmakers Join Legislators From Across U.S. Vowing to Protect Abortion Rights". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  20. ^ Kurtz, Josh (October 3, 2021). "Md. Advocates, Lawmakers Look Ahead to Legislative Session to Strengthen Abortion Protections". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  21. ^ DePuyt, Bruce; Gaskill, Hannah (March 29, 2022). "Roundup: Senate Passes Abortion Bill to Governor, Panel Backs Insurer Fee, Bill Honoring Slain Officer Amended". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  22. ^ Gaines, Danielle E.; Shwe, Elizabeth (May 3, 2022). "After Leak of Draft SCOTUS Opinion on Abortion Rights, Maryland Lawmakers and Candidates Pledge Action". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  23. ^ Gaines, Danielle E.; Kurtz, Josh (May 7, 2022). "News Roundup: Democrats Press Again for Abortion Care Funding, Hogan Appoints New Utility Commissioner". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  24. ^ Marbella, Jean (September 9, 2022). "Post-Roe, continuing furor over abortion rights decision looms over November election in Maryland and beyond". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  25. ^ "Gov. Wes Moore supports legislation protecting reproductive rights". WUSA9. Associated Press. February 9, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  26. ^ "Maryland will end spousal defense for rape and sexual assault". WYPR. May 29, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  27. ^ "Family & Medical Leave Act and Parental Leave Act | The Maryland People's Law Library". www.peoples-law.org. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  28. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (January 29, 2022). "Lawmakers Unveil Plan to Reintroduce Paid Family Leave Legislation". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  29. ^ "Employees and Employers - Important Guidelines - Employment Standards Service-Wage and Hour Information - Division of Labor and Industry". www.dllr.state.md.us. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  30. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (March 14, 2022). "In Setback for Advocates, House Committee Considering Establishing a Commission on Paid Family Leave". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  31. ^ "Maryland's paid family leave program passes despite Governor Hogan's veto". WMAR 2 News Baltimore. April 9, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  32. ^ "Opinion | In Maryland politics, the reckoning on sexual harassment is here". Washington Post. April 9, 2023. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  33. ^ Kurtz, Josh (February 19, 2018). "Women's Caucus Issues Recommendations for Fighting Harassment". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  34. ^ Cox, Erin (February 7, 2018). "Maryland Women's Caucus releases recommendations on sexual harassment prevention in General Assembly". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  35. ^ Cox, Erin (February 16, 2018). "New report describes scenes of sexual harassment in Maryland General Assembly". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  36. ^ Kurtz, Josh (March 7, 2018). "Lawmakers, Experts Tout Bill to Crack Down on State House Sexual Harassment". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  37. ^ Dance, Scott (March 19, 2018). "Maryland delegates approve new way to investigate sexual harassment claims in legislature". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  38. ^ "Legislation - HB1342". Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  39. ^ Kurtz, Josh (September 27, 2018). "On Eve of Kavanaugh Hearing, #MeToo and Anderson Case Still Roiling Annapolis". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "District of Maryland | Former Baltimore Delegate Cheryl Glenn Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Soliciting And Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Official Actions Taken on Legislation Related to Medical Marijuana, Opioid Therapy Clinics, and Liquor Licenses | United States Department of Justice". www.justice.gov. July 29, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  41. ^ Baker, Carrie N. (December 27, 2018). "The 10 #MeToo Sheroes Who Led the Fight Against Sexual Harassment in 2018". Ms. Magazine. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  42. ^ "House roll call on gas taxes". The Baltimore Sun. March 22, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  43. ^ Broadwater, Luke (April 3, 2019). "Maryland General Assembly passes bill expanding tax credits for child care". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  44. ^ "Legislation - HB0418". Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  45. ^ dx.doi.org http://dx.doi.org/10.17658/issn.2058-5462/issue-08/kmercer/p21. Retrieved October 10, 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  46. ^ Bohnel, Steve (February 15, 2023). "Kelly picked for District 16 state Senate seat despite concerns about phone call". MoCo360.
  47. ^ "Ariana B. Kelly, Maryland State Senator". msa.maryland.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  48. ^ a b Gerber, Dana; Schott, Kristen (January 25, 2023). "Weddings of the year: four favorite celebrations from 2022". MoCo 360. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  49. ^ Schott, Dana Gerber, Kristen (January 25, 2023). "Weddings of the year: four favorite celebrations from 2022". MoCo360. Retrieved October 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  50. ^ Metcalf, Andrew (July 14, 2015). "District 16 Del. Ariana Kelly Charged With Indecent Exposure, Trespassing". MoCo 360. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  51. ^ Turque, Bill (July 21, 2015). "Prosecutors drop trespassing, exposure charges against Md. delegate". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  52. ^ "Campaign Finance". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  53. ^ "Mom, teen draft bill to have 'consent' taught". TMJ4 News. October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  54. ^ "Maeve Sanford-Kelly". The Pitch. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
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