The Maryland Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association thanks you for your outstanding support for people with dementia during the 2005 legislative session. Specifically, we want to thank you for your leadership in sponsoring and passing Senate Bill 339, which limits liability for rent when a person needs to move to a facility for a higher level of care. Your efforts were instrumental in the passage of this important piece of legislation.---Michele Douglas, Director of Public Policy, Alzheimer's Association

On behalf of the Hospice Network of Maryland I would like to thank you for your participation during our recent event, "Day in Annapolis," held February 9, 2005.

Your participation in our workshop gave the hospice staff members and volunteers present a better understanding of some of the vital issues that their appointed officials deal with during session. It also allowed them to learn the attention you have given to important health care matters and your leadership in promoting high quality, accessible and affordable health care.--Erwin E. Abrams, President Hospice Network of Maryland

Oh behalf of the Maryland Association of Community Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (MACS), I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to receive the 2004 MACS Outstanding Leadership Award. You have been a longtime champion for people with developmental disabilities, and we applaud your extraordinary leadership this year.--Laura Howell, Executive Director, MACS

Thank you very much for your support of the Read Across America program. The books you donated will be forwarded to one of the schools in your district. We appreciate your support of this important program for students--Pat Foerster, President, Maryland State Teachers Association

On behalf of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association, we would like to present you with a plaque expressing our appreciation for your leadership and steadfast support for our efforts to pass anti-discrimination legislation. While it took us 3 years to get the bill passed, you stood with us knowing that we would ultimately prevail. The community of podiatrists and their patients appreciate all your hard work.--Robin Shaivitz, MD Podiatric Medical Association

You did a magnificent job with your remarks to the bankers who participated in the Maryland Bankers Association's Annual Day in Annapolis. What an inspiration to all. Your unique perspective as a bank director and member of the Senate Finance Committee was apparent, as was your understanding of the issues and concerns for our industry.--Kathleen Murphy, President and CEO, Maryland Bankers Association

On behalf of our Juvenile Justice Steering Committee and our juvenile defenders, we thank you for and congratulate you on the successful passage of Senate Bill 163— Juvenile Law— Waiver of Counsel. Thanks to your swift, targeted response to the American Bar Association's assessment of Maryland's juvenile justice system and the Public Defender's accompanying Call to Action, children will no longer navigate the juvenile justice system alone, without an advocate, and the State of Maryland can take credit for immediately enacting the first and most important of the Report's recommendations. Stephen E. Harris, Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender

On behalf of the Maryland State Builders Association (MSBA), I'd like to thank you for your support of the industry during the 2005 Legislative session. Your help was invaluable to our success this year.—Kathleen L. McHugh, Executive Vice President, MD State Builders Association