Stephanie Smith

Stephanie M. Smith is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 45th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of east Baltimore City. Born on May 20, 1981, Smith has a diverse educational background and a commitment to public service, which has informed her legislative priorities and community engagement throughout her career.

Early life and career

Stephanie Smith was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and later pursued higher education at several institutions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Hampton University in 2003. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of Delaware, where she obtained a Master of Arts degree in urban affairs and public policy in 2006. Smith continued her academic journey at the Howard University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 2009. After being admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2012, she began her legal career and public service.

Before her election to the Maryland House of Delegates, Smith held various positions that contributed to her understanding of urban planning and community engagement. She served as the assistant director for Equity, Engagement, and Communications at the Baltimore City Department of Planning, where she worked on initiatives to enhance community participation and equitable development. Additionally, she was involved with several civic organizations in Baltimore, further solidifying her commitment to public service and community advocacy. Smith also worked as general counsel for Earthjustice, an organization focused on environmental law and advocacy.

Her dedication to civic engagement is reflected in her membership in AmeriCorps, a national service program, as well as her participation in the 2017 Emerge Maryland graduating class, which trains women to run for office. These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in policy-making and community leadership, which she would later bring to her role in the Maryland legislature.

Legislative service

Stephanie Smith was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. Since taking office, she has been an active member of the legislature, participating in various committees and leadership roles. In January 2020, she was elected to lead the Baltimore City Delegation, succeeding former chairwoman Cheryl Glenn. This leadership position highlights her influence within the delegation and her commitment to representing the interests of Baltimore City residents.

In March 2022, Smith was appointed by Legislative Black Caucus chairman Darryl Barnes to serve as the caucus parliamentarian, further emphasizing her role in legislative leadership and her commitment to issues affecting the Black community in Maryland. Smith's legislative work has included a focus on education, social issues, taxation, and transportation, reflecting her diverse interests and the needs of her constituents.

During her tenure, Smith has been a member of several committees, including the Appropriations Committee, where she has served since 2021. Within this committee, she is part of the education and economic development subcommittee and the oversight committee on pensions. Prior to her current committee assignment, she was a member of the Ways and Means Committee from 2019 to 2021, where she participated in various subcommittees focused on education, local revenues, and racing and gaming.

Smith's involvement in the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus, the Women Legislators of Maryland, and the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus demonstrates her commitment to representing diverse communities and addressing a wide range of legislative issues.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Stephanie Smith has focused on several key policy areas, including education, social justice, taxation, and transportation. In education, she has been a strong advocate for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a comprehensive education reform initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes for students across the state. Smith voted in favor of this legislation in 2020, reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all Marylanders. Additionally, she has supported measures such as vaccine mandates for teachers, emphasizing the importance of public health in educational settings.

On social issues, Smith has taken a proactive stance against discrimination. During the 2020 legislative session, she introduced a bill to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, which successfully passed and became law. This legislation highlights her commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity within the state.

In the realm of fiscal policy, Smith has sought to address income inequality by introducing legislation to restructure the state's income tax brackets. Her proposal aimed to restore a higher tax bracket for individuals earning over $1 million annually, indicating her focus on progressive taxation and funding for public services.

Transportation policy has also been a point of contention for Smith. She opposed a proposal to construct a Maglev train line between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., reflecting her concerns about the project's implications for her constituents and the broader community.

As a representative of the 45th Legislative District, Smith is tasked with addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by her constituents in east Baltimore City. Her legislative priorities are informed by her background in urban affairs and public policy, as well as her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Through her work in the Maryland House of Delegates, Smith continues to strive for policies that promote equity, access, and opportunity for all residents of her district.