Malcolm Augustine

Malcolm Augustine is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland State Senate, representing the 47th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been in office since 2019 and has held the position of president pro tempore of the Maryland Senate since 2023. Augustine's legislative work encompasses various areas, including healthcare, environmental policy, housing, and transportation, reflecting his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and the broader Maryland community.

Early life and career

Malcolm Augustine was born on March 10, 1969, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He later moved to New York, where he graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School in Pittsford. Augustine pursued higher education at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earning an A.B. degree in government in 1991. His academic background laid a foundation for his future involvement in public service and politics. Augustine is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, which is known for its commitment to community service and leadership development.

Augustine's political career began in 2012 when he took on the role of co-chair for Progressive Cheverly, a local political organization focused on progressive issues. Concurrently, he served as the chair of the Cable Television Commission in Prince George's County, Maryland. His initial foray into electoral politics came in 2014 when he ran for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates for District 47A. Although he did not win the election, finishing fourth behind other candidates, this experience helped him gain visibility and experience in the political arena.

In 2015, Augustine was appointed by Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker to represent the county on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors. This position allowed him to engage with transportation issues and regional transit policies, further shaping his legislative priorities. Augustine's commitment to public service culminated in his candidacy for the Maryland Senate in 2017, where he sought to succeed state senator Victor Ramirez, who was pursuing a position as Prince George's County State's Attorney. Augustine won the Democratic primary decisively and subsequently secured victory in the general election, marking the beginning of his tenure in the Maryland Senate.

Legislative service

Malcolm Augustine was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019. Since then, he has been an active member of several key committees, contributing to various legislative initiatives. Augustine serves on the Finance Committee, where he is involved in discussions related to energy and public utilities. He also chairs the Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, overseeing the management of state financial resources. His involvement extends to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review, the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, and the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, among others.

In addition to his committee assignments, Augustine is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, reflecting his commitment to representing diverse communities within the state. He co-chairs the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus, emphasizing his focus on transportation issues and the importance of effective transit systems for Maryland residents.

Augustine's leadership was recognized when he was appointed president pro tempore of the Maryland Senate in 2023, a role that involves presiding over Senate sessions and representing the Senate in various capacities. This position underscores his influence within the legislative body and his ability to shape policy discussions.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Malcolm Augustine has prioritized a range of policy issues that resonate with his constituents in the 47th district and the broader Maryland community. His focus on environmental issues is evident in his efforts to introduce legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste. In the 2020 legislative session, he proposed a bill to ban plastic carryout bags and require stores to charge for paper bags. Although the bill garnered support in the House of Delegates, it did not receive a vote in the Senate. Augustine reintroduced the legislation in 2021, which again passed the House, indicating his ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

In the area of healthcare, Augustine has championed measures to improve access to mental health services. He introduced legislation allowing minors over the age of 12 to seek mental health treatment without parental consent, which passed the State Senate and became law. Additionally, he has advocated for workplace safety and health measures, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for protective equipment and paid leave for workers.

Housing policy is another significant focus for Augustine. He introduced legislation aimed at granting developers vested rights on zoning and deferring development fees until after construction is completed. This approach reflects his interest in facilitating development while balancing the needs of the community.

Augustine has also addressed immigration issues, supporting legislation that would prevent counties from entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He has expressed concerns about the implications of such agreements, advocating for policies that protect the rights of individuals.

In the realm of policing, Augustine has taken a stance against practices he deems oppressive, such as law enforcement officers wearing face coverings. He has articulated the belief that such practices can intimidate and terrorize individuals, aligning his legislative efforts with broader discussions about police reform.

Transportation remains a critical area of concern for Augustine, particularly during his time on the WMATA Board of Directors. He has opposed fare hikes and service cuts, arguing that they could negatively impact ridership. In the Senate, he has voiced skepticism about large-scale transportation projects, advocating instead for investment in existing transit initiatives, such as the Red Line project.

Malcolm Augustine's legislative work is characterized by a commitment to addressing pressing issues within his district and the state of Maryland. His diverse policy focus reflects his engagement with the needs of his constituents, as well as his broader vision for a sustainable and equitable future.