Before the legislative session concluded on Monday night, Speaker Jones appointed Delegate Ben Barnes as chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. Both are Democrats that represent District 21, which is comprised of Prince George’s County and part of Anne Arundel County.
Delegate Barnes will be replacing Delegate Maggie McIntosh who is retiring after 30 years in the House, serving the last seven as Chair of Appropriations. Delegate Mark Chang will continue to serve as Vice Chair of the committee.
Earlier in the evening, Barnes was reluctant to talk about his likely ascension, noting that McIntosh, one of the most venerated state lawmakers of her generation, was still in charge.
“Let’s keep talking about Maggie for as long as possible,” he said. –Maryland Matters
Delegate Peña-Melnyk is taking over for Delegate Shane Pendergrass, who is retiring after 28 years in the General Assembly. Delegate Peña-Melnyk served alongside Delegate Pendergrass as Vice Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Arianna Kelly will become the new Vice Chair.
Now leading the Health and Government Operations Committee, Delegate Peña-Melnyk is the highest-ranking Latino in the history of the General Assembly.
“I’m very blessed and grateful,” she said in an interview moments after the announcement.
Peña-Melnyk and Pendergrass embraced in the State House lobby just after the House adjourned Sine Die.
“You taught me well, so I’m ready,” Peña-Melnyk told her departing colleague. –Maryland Matters
Their appointments will take effect immediately, rather than waiting for the next legislative term to begin.
For more information, please visit Maryland Matters.
