Alonzo T. Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alonzo T. Washington
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Washington in 2023
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| Member of the Maryland Senate from the 22nd district |
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| Assumed office January 30, 2023 |
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| Appointed by | Wes Moore |
| Preceded by | Paul G. Pinsky |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 22nd district |
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| In office December 19, 2012 – January 27, 2023 Serving with Tawanna P. Gaines (2012–2019), Anne Healey (2012–2023), and Nicole A. Williams (2019–2023)
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| Appointed by | Martin O'Malley |
| Preceded by | Justin D. Ross |
| Succeeded by | Ashanti Martinez |
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Alonzo T. Washington
September 2, 1983 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S. |
| Profession | Politician |
| Signature |  |
Alonzo T. Washington (born September 2, 1983) is an American politician. He currently serves in the Maryland Senate, representing District 22 in Prince George's County. He was appointed to this role in 2023.
Before becoming a state senator, Mr. Washington was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He represented the same district from 2012 to 2023. He was first appointed to the House of Delegates by Governor Martin O'Malley.
Contents
Early Life and Journey to Politics
Growing Up and Education
Alonzo Washington was born in Washington, D.C.. His mother, Elizabeth Washington, raised him and his five siblings. When he was eight years old, his family lived in a homeless shelter in College Park, Maryland.
He graduated from Laurel High School in Laurel, Maryland. While there, he was active in both the track and football teams. He then attended the University of Maryland, College Park. He received help from a group called First Generation College Bound. In 2007, he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He played football during his first year of college. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Alonzo Washington was the first person in his family to graduate from both high school and college.
Starting His Career
After college, Mr. Washington worked as a paralegal for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In 2008, he started working for the Prince George's County Council. He was a community liaison and chief of staff for councilmember William A. Campos.
First Steps in Politics
Alonzo Washington became involved in politics in 2005. He joined the Prince George's County Young Democrats association. From 2010 to 2014, he was part of the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee. He served as its secretary from 2012 to 2014. He has also been a member of the Roosevelt Democratic Club since 2012.
When Delegate Justin D. Ross resigned, the Prince George's County Democratic Committee suggested Mr. Washington to the Governor. Governor Martin O'Malley then appointed him to fill the open seat on December 4, 2012.
Serving in the Legislature
Joining the House of Delegates
Alonzo Washington officially became a member of the Maryland House of Delegates on December 19, 2012.
In 2016, he ran to be a delegate for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. He was an "uncommitted" delegate, meaning he didn't support a specific candidate yet. He also served as a delegate for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, supporting Kamala Harris.
Leading Police Reform Efforts
In July 2020, Prince George's County executive Angela Alsobrooks asked Mr. Washington to lead a special group. This group's job was to look at ways to improve the county's police department. On December 4, 2020, the group shared its ideas. These ideas included changing certain police laws and increasing police diversity. Most of their suggestions were put into action.
Moving to the State Senate
In December 2022, Governor-elect Wes Moore chose state senator Paul G. Pinsky for a new role. This left an open spot in the Maryland Senate. Alonzo Washington decided to seek this position. On January 21, 2023, the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee nominated him. Governor Moore then appointed Mr. Washington to the Maryland Senate on January 27.
On December 11, 2024, Mr. Washington announced he would run for Prince George's County Executive. This is for a special election in 2025.
What Committees Does He Serve On?
Committees are smaller groups of lawmakers who focus on specific topics.
- Maryland House of Delegates
- Ways and Means Committee: He was the Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2023. This committee deals with money matters, like taxes and how the state spends its funds.
- Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families: This committee looks at issues affecting young people.
- Joint Committee on Federal Relations: This group works on how Maryland connects with the federal government.
- Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds: This committee oversees how public money is handled.
- Rules and Executive Nominations Committee: This group helps set the rules for the House and approves appointments.
- Spending Affordability Committee: This committee looks at how much the state can afford to spend.
- He also served as a Deputy Majority Whip and Parliamentarian. These roles help keep the legislative process running smoothly.
Other Groups He Belongs To
- Prince George's County Delegation: He was the 1st Vice-Chair from 2018 to 2023. This group represents Prince George's County in the state legislature.
- Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland: He has been a member since 2013 and was 1st Vice-Chair from 2015 to 2016. This group focuses on issues important to the Black community.
- Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus: He joined this group in 2019.
- Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus: He joined this group in 2019.
What Alonzo Washington Cares About
Education
In 2015, Mr. Washington helped create a program to help low-income students go to college. This idea became a law.
In 2021, he proposed a law to let students take a day off for mental health once every three months. The House of Delegates approved it, but it didn't become law that year. He also supported a bill allowing teachers to teach from home during the COVID-19 pandemic if they weren't vaccinated. This bill passed, even after the Governor tried to stop it.
Elections
In 2018, Mr. Washington helped pass a law about political ads on social media. This law made companies share more information about who paid for these ads.
In 2021, he helped pass a law to make early voting centers open longer. This means people have more time to vote before election day.
Healthcare
In 2018, he supported the Healthy Maryland Act. This act aimed to create a single-payer healthcare system in Maryland. This means the state would manage healthcare for everyone.
Housing
In 2019, Mr. Washington helped change a rule about the Glenn Dale Hospital. This old hospital closed in 1981. The change allows the property to be used for new housing.
Government
In 2014, he worked to stop the Prince George's County Board of Education from giving credit cards to its members. The Board later voted to ban this practice.
In 2015, he suggested creating an "inspector general's office" for public schools. This office would look into complaints about schools.
In 2021, he proposed a law that would require the Maryland Senate to approve the governor's choice for state superintendent. This bill passed the House of Delegates but did not become law.
Policing
In 2021, Mr. Washington introduced a bill to expand training for school resource officers. This training would include "restorative approaches," which focus on fixing harm and building relationships.
Taxes
In 2022, Mr. Washington helped pass a law that removes sales tax from products for people with diabetes. This makes these important items more affordable.
