A Resilient Leader and Advocate for Baltimore's 45th District
Helped keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Marylanders
Helped create vibrant community hubs where knowledge and opportunity flourish
Invested in the health and safety of our community
Ensured that sacrifices made by those who serve our country are recognized and respected.
Record of Accomplishments
Championing Community Development
and Economic Growth
Chanel Branch’s tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates was marked by a fierce dedication to improving the lives of her constituents. She didn’t just talk about change; she made it happen. With a keen understanding of the economic challenges facing Baltimore City and the state at large, Chanel rolled up her sleeves and got to work.
Her efforts to provide tax relief weren’t just about numbers on a page. They were about real people – the elderly couple struggling to stay in their family home, the veteran trying to make ends meet, and the small business owner dreaming of expansion. Chanel’s advocacy touched lives across her district, bringing hope and opportunity to those who needed it most.
From exemptions for diabetic care products to property tax credits for our seniors and veterans, her initiatives aimed to keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Marylanders.
HB0642 - Homestead Property Tax Credit Notices in Baltimore City
- Improved transparency for homeowners about available tax credits
- Increased awareness of potential savings for eligible residents
- Streamlined the process for claiming property tax credits
HB0268 - Tax Exemptions on Business Personal Property
- Reduced tax burden on small businesses
- Encouraged business growth and expansion in Maryland
- Improved competitiveness of Maryland's business environment
HB0076 - Tax Exemptions for Community Solar Energy Systems
- Promoted the adoption of clean, renewable energy
- Reduced energy costs for participating community members
- Supported local job creation in the green energy sector
Advancing Education and Youth Support
Education wasn’t just a talking point for Chanel Branch – it was a passion. She understood that a strong educational foundation is the key to unlocking a brighter future for our community. With this vision in mind, Chanel championed initiatives that went beyond the classroom, reaching into every corner of her district.
Imagine walking into a library bustling with activity, children engrossed in books, and adults accessing resources to better their lives. This was Chanel’s dream, and she fought tirelessly to make it a reality. Her efforts to increase funding for regional resource centers and libraries weren’t just about buildings and books – they were about creating vibrant community hubs where knowledge and opportunity flourish.
From financial literacy programs in high schools to support for military families through the Purple Star Schools Program, Chanel’s work touched lives across generations, sowing seeds of success for years to come.
HB0685 - Increased Funding for Regional Resource Centers and Libraries
- Enhanced access to educational materials and resources
- Supported lifelong learning opportunities for community members
- Improved literacy rates and academic performance
HB0630/HB0985 - Financial Literacy Programs in Public High Schools
- Equipped students with essential money management skills
- Prepared youth for financial independence and responsibility
- Reduced future financial hardships through early education
HB0277 - Purple Star Schools Program
- Provided specialized support for military children in schools
- Eased transitions for students from military families
- Recognized schools that prioritize the needs of military-connected students
Promoting Public Health and Safety
When it came to the safety and well-being of her community, Chanel Branch was a force to be reckoned with. She didn’t shy away from the tough issues; instead, she faced them head-on with innovative solutions and unwavering determination. Her approach to public health and safety was as multifaceted as the challenges themselves.
Picture a Baltimore where families feel safe walking their streets, where justice is swift and fair, and where everyone has access to the healthcare they need. This was the vision that drove Chanel’s work.
Her groundbreaking legislation to establish specialized gun courts in Baltimore wasn’t just about punishing criminals – it was about creating a safer, more just community for all. And her efforts didn’t stop there. From fighting for universal healthcare to making diabetic care products more affordable, Chanel’s initiatives aimed to create a healthier, stronger Baltimore. Her work reminds us that when we invest in the health and safety of our community, we invest in our future.
HB1430 - Specialized Gun Courts in Baltimore
- Streamlined the judicial process for gun-related crimes
- Provided more consistent and appropriate sentencing
- Aimed to reduce gun violence through targeted interventions
HB1151 - Tax Exemptions for Diabetic Care Products
- Reduced financial burden on individuals managing diabetes
- Improved access to essential medical supplies
- Encouraged better health outcomes for diabetic patients
HB0610 - Universal Health Care Initiative
- Aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Marylanders
- Potentially reduced healthcare costs through a unified system
- Addressed healthcare disparities in underserved communities
Fighting for Social Justice and Equity
During her time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Chanel Branch demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice and equity. She recognized that true progress requires addressing systemic inequalities and championing legislation that promotes fairness and equal treatment under the law.
One of Branch’s most significant contributions was her co-sponsorship of the Harriet Tubman Community Investment Act. This groundbreaking legislation aimed to study and address the long-lasting impacts of slavery in Maryland, proposing programs for community reinvestment and development.
Branch also stood at the forefront of the fight against discrimination, co-sponsoring legislation to prohibit hair texture discrimination. This law, part of the CROWN Act movement, expanded the definition of race in Maryland’s anti-discrimination statutes to include traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. By championing this cause, Branch helped ensure that Marylanders could not be discriminated against in employment, housing, or public accommodations based on their natural hair or cultural hairstyles.
HB1201 - Harriet Tubman Community Investment Act
- Proposed studying and addressing the impacts of slavery in Maryland
- Aimed to create programs for community reinvestment and development
- Sought to address long-standing economic disparities
HB1444 - Legislation Against Hair Texture Discrimination
- Protected individuals from discrimination based on natural hair textures
- Promoted workplace and educational equity
- Affirmed cultural identity and expression
HB1442 - Expungement of Criminal Records
- Provided opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration
- Improved employment prospects for individuals with past convictions
- Addressed systemic inequities in the criminal justice system
Supporting Veterans and Military Families
Chanel Branch’s legislative record reflects a deep respect and appreciation for those who have served our country. Her efforts to support veterans and military families went beyond mere words of gratitude, translating into concrete actions to improve their lives and honor their sacrifices.
A cornerstone of Branch’s advocacy for veterans was her introduction of legislation to expand burial rights for veterans’ spouses and dependents in state veterans’ cemeteries. This bill sought to ensure that those who stood by our service members in life could rest beside them in death, recognizing the sacrifices made not just by veterans themselves, but by their entire families.
Branch also co-sponsored a bill to establish Montford Point Marines Commemoration Day in Maryland. This legislation aimed to honor the legacy of the first African American Marines, who trained at Montford Point in North Carolina during a time of racial segregation in the military. This bill helped ensure that the contributions of these pioneering Marines would not be forgotten and that their story would continue to inspire future generations.
Through these initiatives, Chanel Branch demonstrated her commitment to honoring the service of veterans, supporting military families, and ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who serve our country are recognized and respected.
HB0277 - Purple Star Schools Program
- Provided specialized support for military children in schools
- Eased transitions for students from military families
- Recognized schools that prioritize the needs of military-connected students
HB1251 - Burial Rights for Veterans' Spouses and Dependents
- Extended burial benefits to families of veterans
- Honored the sacrifices of military families
- Ensured dignified final resting places for veterans and their loved ones
HB0548 - Montford Point Marines Commemoration Day
- Recognized the contributions of African American Marines
- Promoted awareness of military history and diversity
- Honored the legacy of service and sacrifice of these veterans