Steven C. Johnson (Maryland politician) explained

State Delegate:Maryland
Term Start:January 9, 2019
Birth Date:30 December 1960
Birth Place:Garrison, Kentucky, U.S.
Children:3
Serviceyears:1977-1987

Steven C. Johnson (born December 30, 1960) is an American politician who is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 34A.

Early life and education

Johnson was born on December 30, 1960, in Garrison, Kentucky. He attended Shady Spring High School[1] and Raleigh County Vocational Technical Center.[2] Johnson served in the Army National Guard from 1977 to 1987, and as an auxiliary police officer in Aberdeen from 2006 to 2016. He also worked as a construction supervisor at Locust Point Shipyard[3] and owns the Johnson Family Pharmacy in Aberdeen.

From 2005 to 2017, Johnson worked as the director of Economic Development for the city of Aberdeen, Maryland. He ran for the Aberdeen City Council in 2007, but he was disqualified shortly before the general election for not living within the city limits.[4] Johnson initially challenged his disqualification, but dropped his legal challenge, saying that he didn't "want to alter the natural outcome of the election".[5] In 2014, he unsuccessfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 34A.[6]

In the legislature

Johnson won election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2018, edging out incumbent state delegate Glen Glass by a margin of 165 votes.[7] He was sworn in on January 9, 2019, and has served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee during his entire tenure. Since 2023, Johnson has served as deputy majority whip.

Personal life

Johnson is married with three children.

Political positions

Education

In February 2021, during debate on a bill to stagger the terms of elected Harford County school board members, Johnson supported an amendment to create a fully-elected school board in the county.[8] The amendment failed in a 4-4 tie.[9]

Gun policy

During the 2020 legislative session, Johnson voted against legislation requiring background checks for sales of shotguns and rifles.[10]

Health care

During the 2020 legislative session, Johnson introduced the "Connor's Courage" Act, named for Havre de Grace High School student Connor Sheffield, which would allow students to take medical marijuana at school. The bill passed and became law.[11]

Minimum wage

During the 2019 legislative session, Johnson voted for legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.[12]

Social issues

During the 2020 legislative session, Johnson introduced legislation that would protect lemonade stands from being shut down by local permit laws.[13]

Taxes

During the 2022 legislative session, Johnson opposed an amendment to legislation to enact a 30-day gas tax holiday amid the Russo-Ukrainian War that would've extended the holiday to 90 days.[14] He also introduced legislation that would exempt oral hygiene products from the state sales tax, which passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[15] [16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Steven C. Johnson, Maryland State Delegate . Maryland Manual On-Line . . May 24, 2023 . March 16, 2024.
  2. Web site: Members - Delegate Steve Johnson . mgaleg.maryland.gov . . November 5, 2020 . July 13, 2020.
  3. News: Wiggins . Ovetta . Hernández . Arelis R. . Meet the freshman class of the Maryland General Assembly . November 17, 2023 . . January 9, 2019.
  4. News: Park . Madison . Reasons listed for disqualifying Aberdeen candidate . November 16, 2023 . . October 19, 2007.
  5. News: Park . Madison . Disqualified Aberdeen candidate drops appeal . November 16, 2023 . . October 23, 2007.
  6. News: Zumer . Bryna . Harford's Lisanti runs for legislature; Jennings, Glass, McComas hope to keep seats . November 17, 2023 . . . February 20, 2014.
  7. News: Kurtz . Josh . With Absentee Ballots Counted, Democrats Run Up Their House Majority . November 16, 2023 . . November 7, 2018.
  8. News: Carter . S. Wayne Jr. . Harford lawmakers may amend House bill to create fully elected school board . November 17, 2023 . . . February 9, 2021.
  9. News: Carter . S. Wayne Jr. . Harford delegation's effort to create all-elected school board fails, but county senators offer their own version . November 17, 2023 . . . February 18, 2021.
  10. News: DePuyt . Bruce . Democrats Challenge Hogan to Put Up Solutions on Crime . November 16, 2023 . . February 5, 2020.
  11. News: Anderson . David . Havre de Grace leaders honor teen resident who inspired law allowing students to take medical cannabis at school . November 17, 2023 . . . May 12, 2021.
  12. News: Harford County's key takeaways from the 2019 legislative session . November 16, 2023 . . . April 9, 2019.
  13. News: Little . Ryan E. . Among bills for Maryland small business, big lemonade stands out . November 17, 2023 . . January 22, 2020.
  14. News: Dance . Scott . Maryland General Assembly, wrestling to ensure relief for motorists, advances gas tax holiday proposal . November 16, 2023 . . March 15, 2022.
  15. News: Gaines . Danielle E. . House Leaders Unveil Package to Slash Sales Taxes, Expand Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit . November 16, 2023 . . February 18, 2022.
  16. News: Weiner . Deborah . Several major tax relief bills signed into law in Maryland . November 16, 2023 . . April 1, 2022 . en.