Pippy is running for a third term in the House
Jesse Pippy wears several hats in Annapolis.
Along with his role as a delegate from Frederick County's District 4, Pippy is chairman of the Frederick County delegation to the General Assembly, and the House of Delegates' minority whip, helping to organize the chamber's Republicans.
Pippy is running for his third term in the House.
This year's session was challenging, with a new House speaker and the restructuring of several committees, Pippy said in an interview.
Along with his work in the Republican leadership, Pippy said he was able to introduce and pass a bill providing a tax credit for disabled veterans, and work with other members of the county's delegation to pass a bill requiring Frederick Community College's Board of Trustees to accept public comment at its meetings.
Both measures passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously, Pippy said.
He also worked to restructure Maryland's foster care program, after a state audit found significant problems with the system.
The bipartisan bill created an ombudsman position to oversee the system, and revamped the system in general, Pippy said. He said he was proud the House Republican caucus took the lead in pushing the bill through the legislature.
Frederick County also received significant funding for capital projects, including money to advance a replacement for Brunswick High School and help Middletown fund a replacement of one of its wastewater treatment plants.
Republicans also helped secure $100,000 in funding for Future Farmers of America programs in the state, and another $100,000 for agricultural education.
That funding is important, with Frederick County having more working farms than any county in the state, Pippy said.
"This was a good year for [agriculture]," he said.
Pippy said that, overall, he's focusing his reelection campaign around the issues of affordability, accountability, and public safety.
Affordability is the key issue for Marylanders, and the state has become significantly less affordable in the past three years, Pippy said. He cited increases in vehicle registration and emissions fees as two examples.
In his role as the minority whip, Pippy has a key role leading arguments on the floor of the House against legislation that Republicans oppose.
With his party outnumbered in the legislature by Democrats, he said getting things accomplished requires a balancing act.
"The job of a legislator is to know when to fight and when to work collaboratively with those across the aisle," he said.
The increased funding for agricultural programs came as a result of a deal with Democrats, he said.
Even with the Democratic majority, he represents a Republican district and has to work to pass legislation that helps his constituents.
"Our citizens deserve a voice in Annapolis," he said.
Pippy said he believes that over his eight years in the legislature, he's developed a reputation among his Democratic colleagues as someone who will work collaboratively on issues that help everyone, and respectfully disagree when he feels he has to.
"In Annapolis, your reputation is everything," he said.
By Ryan Marshal
Pippy looks to continue various roles in Annapolis | Election Coverage | fredericknewspost.com