Talmadge Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Talmadge Branch
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| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 45th district |
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| In office January 11, 1995 – January 11, 2023 Serving with Clarence "Tiger" Davis (D), Hattie N. Harrison (D), Cheryl Glenn (D), Cory V. McCray (D), Stephanie M. Smith (D), and Chanel Branch (D)
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| Preceded by | John Douglass |
| Succeeded by | Jackie Addison |
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| Born | January 30, 1956 Northampton County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 3, including Chanel Branch |
| Alma mater | Essex Community College (AA) Salisbury University (BA) |
Talmadge Branch, born on January 30, 1956, is an American politician. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 2023. This group of lawmakers helps create laws for the state of Maryland.
Mr. Branch represented the 45th legislative district. He was also a leader of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. This group works to make sure the voices of African Americans are heard in the state government. He even started a foundation for this caucus.
In 2020, Talmadge Branch tried to become a member of the U.S. Congress. He ran in a special election for Maryland's 7th congressional district. This election was held to fill the seat of a lawmaker who had passed away. However, he did not win this election. He later decided not to run in the regular election for the same seat that year.
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Early Life and Education
Talmadge Branch was born in Northampton County, North Carolina. This was on January 30, 1956. He grew up and went to Northern High School in Baltimore.
After high school, he continued his education. He attended Essex Community College. There, he earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in 1978. He then went on to Salisbury State College. In 1980, he received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in liberal studies.
Political Career in Maryland
Talmadge Branch became a member of the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 1995. He worked there for many years, helping to make important decisions for the state.
He was part of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee is very important because it decides how the state's money is spent. From 2003 to 2007, he was the vice-chairman of this committee. He also served on the Ways and Means Committee, which deals with taxes and other money matters.
Mr. Branch was involved in many other important groups. These included the Legislative Policy Committee and the Special Joint Committee on Pensions. He also worked on a task force that studied health insurance for retired state workers.
In April 2022, Talmadge Branch announced he would not run for re-election. This meant he would leave the House of Delegates in 2023. He shared that he planned to start a consulting business in the Baltimore area.
Important Laws and Votes
During his time as a delegate, Talmadge Branch supported many laws. Here are some examples:
- He helped create the Baltimore City Public Schools Construction and Revitalization Act of 2013. This law provided over a billion dollars to build new schools in Baltimore City.
- He voted for the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007. This law helped make public places smoke-free.
- He also voted for the Healthy Air Act in 2006. This law aimed to improve air quality.
- He was a main supporter of a law in 2006 to use surveillance cameras to stop illegal dumping in Baltimore City.
- He voted for laws related to gambling, often called "slots," in 2005 and 2007.
- He supported a program in 2003 to help with child support enforcement.
- He voted against electric deregulation in 1999. This was about how electricity companies were managed.
- He voted for a law to reduce income taxes in 1998.
- He also voted for the Tax Reform Act of 2007.
Awards and Recognition
Talmadge Branch was recognized for his work as a lawmaker. In 2010, he was named one of the "Most Influential Maryland Legislators." He was among the top 20 lawmakers on this list.
