RichardMadaleno

BIO

A lifelong resident of Montgomery County and an effective legislative force in Annapolis for the past 20 years, Rich Madaleno has proven himself to be a knowledgeable and determined advocate for the people of District 18 and Montgomery County. Rich served in the House of Delegates from 2002-2006, and just completed his third session in the State Senate. He is well-regarded for his extensive budget expertise and is a valued member of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. This year, Rich was elected by his colleagues as Chair of the Montgomery County Senate Delegation.

Rich plays a vital role as an advocate for the county government. He secured passage of the education funding package that brought the county schools $450 million in annual state aid – an increase of 50% over previous levels. The Washington Post labeled this package as a “huge victory for the county,” and the Gazette described it as “stunning.” Former County Executive Duncan simply said, “We couldn’t have done it without him.”

Further, Rich has been a key player in the county’s successful efforts to secure $300 million in state aid for public school construction projects in the county. He managed to dramatically increase state support for our mass transit system. Rich has helped the County obtain more than $600 million in state funding for capital projects, including the revitalization of downtown Silver Spring and Wheaton.

In the Maryland Senate, Rich is a recognized civil rights leader. He is the lead sponsor and primary champion of legislation to achieve equal marriage rights in Maryland, as well as legislation to ban discrimination in housing and employment against transgender persons. In 2009, he successfully sponsored legislation with his colleague, Sen. James Robey, to eliminate the inheritance tax paid by domestic partners on jointly-owned primary residences, thereby allowing couples of all ages and genders to remain in their homes after the death of their loved ones.

Rich is also known for his progressive leadership. He sponsored legislation to increase the value of the Maryland Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, an anti-poverty tool. During the critical 2007 special session, this measure was incorporated as a key piece of a larger tax package and became law.

In addition, he helped close a tax loophole that was costing Maryland roughly $10 million a year annually by passing legislation that stops a common business practice of artificially lowering taxable profits by paying rent, a deductible business expense, to shell companies controlled by the same parent company.

Outside of work, Rich is active in the community. He has been a Sunday school teacher and social justice chair at his church in Bethesda and is a regular volunteer at a local food bank.

Rich lives in Kensington with his partner, Mark, and their two children. He is an ever-optimistic fan of the Washington Capitals.

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