Six Maryland General Assembly legislative caucuses joined together on Monday to share their priorities for the remainder of the session and denounce federal attacks on diversity.

The joint conference, titled “We Are Maryland,” comes amid President Donald Trump’s slew of executive actions targeting immigration, the size of the federal workforce and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Throughout the conference, lawmakers emphasized the importance of the caucuses standing together against Trump’s actions by using legislation aimed to protect Marylanders.

“Together, our caucuses are building a stronger, more just Maryland,” Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery), the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland chair, said during the press conference. “We call for urgent passage of our critical priority bills.”

The press conference in Annapolis included members of the:

  • Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland
  • Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus
  • Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus
  • Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus
  • Maryland Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus
  • Women Legislators of Maryland

The caucasus together represent “living proof that diversity endures,” despite Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, Wilkins said.

[Maryland expected to lose more than 28,000 federal jobs due to Trump administration]

“We are a tapestry of cultures, stories and dreams. This rich diversity makes our state and our nation truly great,” Del. Harry Bhandari (D-Baltimore County), the Maryland Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus chair, said. “Our commitment is unwavering to confront hate and discrimination wherever it exists.”

Two pieces of priority legislation among all six caucuses are House Bill 930, which would create the Public Health Abortion Grant Program to provide grants for improved abortion access, and the Second Look Act, which would ease the process for reducing prison sentences.

Some of the other legislation sponsored by the caucuses’ members includes bills to improve health care, education, child care, prescription drug prices, protection for immigrants and public safety.

“These aren’t just words on paper,” Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus chair Del. Ashanti Martinez (D-Prince George’s) said. “These are bills about safety, dignity and the fundamental rights of Marylanders who deserve to live free from fear.”

[Maryland Democrats push bills, legal action to combat Trump’s executive orders]

All six caucus chairs also signed House and Senate Joint Resolution 5, which would create a “culturally inclusive” curriculum in school systems throughout the state, Del. Kristopher Fair (D-Frederick), chair of the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, said during the press conference.

The caucuses represent a majority of the General Assembly’s 188 delegates and state senators. Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County), senate chair of the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus, told the audience it’s important for the caucuses to unite together and show strength.

Lawmakers are working against a “Crossover Day” deadline of March 17 — the date by which bills must pass either the House of Delegates or the Senate to be guaranteed consideration in the other chamber.

“We’re not backing down,” Del. Dana Jones (D-Anne Arundel), Women Legislators of Maryland president, said at the press conference. “We will never get tired of fighting for our constituents and our state.”