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January 29, 2025 Newsletter

Teresa Woorman

Hey Neighbor!


We’re already three weeks into the 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly, and I’m excited to share some updates about the work I’ve been doing since session began. From navigating the legislative process to diving into committee briefings, it’s been an incredible experience so far. In this edition of the newsletter, I’ll give you a glimpse of what I’ve been up to and introduce you to the team that’s helping me serve District 16. You can also read what I had to say about this session to Bethesda Today (formerly MoCo360) in MoCo in Annapolis: Budget angst dominates opening day of Maryland General Assembly session


First up, I want to answer the question everybody asks me: how is it going? As cliche as it sounds— walking the halls of the Maryland General Assembly as a legislator has been an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. As someone who spent years working as a staffer in the House and Senate and learning the rhythms of this historic space, stepping into this new role carries a different weight and a profound sense of responsibility. It is all different when you are the one pushing the button. Everything feels both familiar and new—like the first few weeks of a new school year, where I’m meeting seatmates, finding my schedule, and absorbing so much information. The best part so far? Getting to meet the residents of District 16 that come visit my office or that I meet serendipitously. Please stop by my office if you’re ever in Annapolis!


As a delegate, A LOT of our time is spent in committee. I’ve had the privilege of joining the Health and Government Operations Committee, where I’ve listened to important briefings from officials like Secretary of Health Laura Hererra Scott and Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques brief us on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and prescription drug affordability. The committee has also held bill hearings and had our first voting session this past Friday! I am truly enjoying diving into the topics my committee covers and getting to know my fellow committee members and their points of view.


I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined several caucuses: the Women’s Caucus, the LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Latino Caucus. I’m happy to announce that I was named Vice Chair of the Legislative Review Committee of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus during the first week of the legislative session. I vice-chaired my first meeting in this role last Friday! This position is not just a title; it represents an opportunity to shape meaningful legislation and advocate for the needs of the latino and immigrant community with an even stronger voice.

I also want to update you on the FY26 budget process, which is already underway. The Governor’s proposed operating budget (read it here) aims to address a $3 billion deficit while preserving key programs that boost our economy and support the middle class. As we begin to analyze the proposal, the House is focused on protecting investments in education, child care, health care, and transportation while ensuring fiscal sustainability for the future.


While these first weeks have been a whirlwind, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to continuing this journey together, advocating for policies that strengthen our communities and uphold the values we share.

As always, my door is open, and I’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to share your thoughts, ask a question, or just say hello, you can find me at my office at 6 Bladen Street, Office 210, Annapolis, MD. You can also reach me anytime at teresa.woorman@house.state.md.us. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable as we shape this newsletter and the work we do together for our district.


In the next edition of this newsletter, I look forward to sharing details about some of the bills I’ll be introducing this session. Until then, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Delegate, and I hope to hear from you soon!


Sincerely,




To sign up for my newsletter click HERE.

 

Meet My Team!

Ben, Natalie, Sedat, Luisa and Karen
Ben, Natalie, Sedat, Luisa and Karen

Karen Gottlieb (Chief of Staff):

Karen serves as Chief of Staff for Delegate Teresa Woorman, where she plays a vital role in driving strategic initiatives, enhancing organizational efficiency, and ensuring seamless coordination across the team. Prior to joining Delegate Woorman’s staff, Karen was an office fellow in the Montgomery County Executive’s Office. There, she worked directly with the Director of Economic and Business Development to attract businesses to Montgomery County. She also streamlined data organization processes by creating spreadsheets, forms, and documents to facilitate efficient grant management, business inquiries, and recordkeeping, leaving behind systems the office continues to use. Karen holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Analytics and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. A Montgomery County native, Karen attended Quince Orchard High School, where she was a cheerleader and an active community member. Outside of work, Karen continues her involvement in the community as a cheerleading coach at a local gym and a tumbling instructor at a nearby dance studio. She enjoys watching movies, reading, and spending time with her family, specify her two cats. 


Luisa Wayman (Legislative Secretary):

Luisa Wayman is Delegate Woorman’s new legislative secretary. As a member of the board of Reproductive Justice Maryland and her local Democratic club, organizer for the Angela Alsobrooks campaign for Senate, and activist for trans rights, she’s always been committed to advancing progressive policy goals and protecting bodily autonomy. Now she’s helping to support Teresa in her critical work in delivering wins for the people of District 16 and the state of Maryland. A fun fact about Luisa is that she’s lived in four countries and three states, and Maryland is her favorite!


Sedat Sefik (Legislative Intern):

Sedat Sefik, a session intern from Frederick, MD, is currently a freshman at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he is double majoring in Political Science and Financial Economics. He is particularly drawn to Delegate Woorman’s office due to her work in the fields of healthcare and immigration—two major issues in American and Maryland politics. During the 90-day session, Sedat looks forward to learning about the state government process, especially how change is initiated through teamwork in various committees, such as the Health and Government Operations Committee, of which Delegate Woorman is a proud member. He is also excited to gain insight into the importance of diligence and hard work, particularly within a diverse district like District 16. A fun fact about Sedat is that he is fluent in two languages: English and Turkish.


Natalie Prieto (Legislative Intern):

Natalie Prieto, who is from Long Island, NY, is currently a junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Public Health Science with a minor in Health, Humanities, and Medicine. Natalie became interested in interning at the Maryland General Assembly due to her passion for public health policy and her future plans to attend law school. She was specifically drawn to interning in Delegate Woorman’s office because of her involvement in the Health and Government Operations Committee and her dedication to addressing prominent health disparities, as well as the health and well-being of all citizens in District 16 and the state of Maryland. A fun fact about Natalie is that she has seen Billy Joel in concert ten times!


Ben Wilson (Legislative Intern):

Ben Wilson, a sophomore at UMD College Park from Bethesda, MD, is majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Economics. He is interning for Delegate Woorman's office in Montgomery County's District 16. Ben is excited to learn about the functions of the Health Committee and has a particular interest in understanding healthcare disparities, while gaining firsthand experience of the inner workings of state government. He is also very interested in winter skiing and both indoor and outdoor climbing


 

District 16 Resident Spotlight!

Page Alex Allin and Delegate Teresa Woorman
Page Alex Allin and Delegate Teresa Woorman

Hi! My name is Alex, and I am a senior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School from District 16. I play the trumpet in my school’s jazz band, serve as my school’s SGA President, and work as a Student Apprentice for MCPS in the Department of Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities. Last week, I went to Annapolis to serve in the Maryland General Assembly’s Page Program.

 

During the week, I sat in on floor sessions, met my legislators, and heard from guest speakers from the Governor and Senate President’s Office. While I have lobbied in Annapolis before, it was great to meet Delegate Woorman for the first time and better understand how bills move through the General Assembly. I am excited to revisit Annapolis for my second week as a page and am honored to be the first resident spotlight!

 

Thanks,

Alexander Allin


 

Protecting Our Communities: Know Your Rights


Many of you have shared concerns about potential changes from the new federal administration. My priority is to keep our communities informed and safe. No matter what policies are proposed, everyone living in the U.S.—regardless of immigration status—has rights and protections guaranteed by the Constitution. Knowing these rights is critical to protecting ourselves and our families.


To help, I’m sharing this Know Your Rights guide along with Red Cards, which can be printed and carried to help defend against unjust actions, such as ICE visits to homes or workplaces. You can find and print these FREE cards here. Please share this information with neighbors and loved ones. Together, we’ll stand strong and protect our community.

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By Authority: Teresa Woorman for Maryland; Matthew Woorman, Treasurer.

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