In the Right Direction: Joe Vogel of Maryland

A ONE MINUTE READ

I’ve frequently thought we need more young blood, fresh ideas, and optimism in our leadership roles, especially in government. There are clearly not enough bright, compassionate minds in positions where they can address the changing world that they’ve inherited. Maryland House Delegate Joe Vogel, however, is one such individual.

Born in Uruguay, he and his family moved to the United States when he was a toddler. He became a U.S. citizen in 2016 and worked his way through degrees at both George Washington University and then Harvard where he earned a master’s degree in public policy.

Within three weeks of entering the Maryland legislature in 2023, he introduced a bill that reflects prioritizing the growing needs for mental healthcare among the student age populations. His first bill that was passed with bipartisan support last May provides up to $30,000 dollars in tuition relief for mental health professionals who work in Maryland public schools.

Within two months he’d introduced nine other bills according to “Government News.” He’s founded “Learn It Together” a non-profit where volunteers tutor disadvantaged students virtually to help fill the gaps in education. As a delegate, he’s working on important issues such as raising the minimum wage and addressing the rise in hate crimes. He is a compassionate bright young man who is using his gifts and talents for a brighter tomorrow as opposed to a thicker wallet. Those are huge wins for his state, and potentially others as he demonstrates what can be done.

He is now running to represent Maryland’s sixth district in the United States Congress. That’s a move in the right direction which we can all celebrate.