Ariana Kelly

Ariana B. Kelly (born December 7, 1976) is an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. She currently serves in the Maryland House of Delegates. She represents District 16, which is located in Montgomery County, and includes Bethesda, Cabin John, Glen Echo and parts of Chevy Chase, Potomac and Rockville.

Education and professional background

Kelly grew up in Bethesda where she attended Walter Johnson High School. Kelly also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied History, Women's Studies, and TV/Film Production.

Kelly has an extensive background in nonprofit management, media, and social service. In her early career, Kelly worked at Travelers Aid International, Girls Inc, and Legal Momentum. Kelly also produced PBS’ To The Contrary, a weekly news program. She covered a wide range of issues including state and federal legislation, business, education, health, and the environment. After leaving PBS, Kelly served as Executive Director at NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, and as Environmental Health Campaign Director for MomsRising.org.^[1]

Personal

Delegate Kelly has a daughter and a son. She is the granddaughter of Maryland fire safety pioneer Francis Brannigan. Her parents, Anne Brannigan-Kelly and Richard Kelly, reside in Colorado. Her sister, Meghan Kelly resides in North Carolina. Kelly's brother, Jonathan Blum, and sister-in-law Kate Orman are Australian science fiction authors.

On June 27, 2015, Delegate Kelly was charged for indecent exposure and trespassing at the home of her ex-husband in Bethesda, Maryland when she was there to drop off their children, and she saw his fiance. On July 21, 2015, the charges were dropped with the State's Attorney saying in a statement that the alleged incident was "a matter better suited for family court."^[2][3]

Awards and honors

• Legislator of the Year award from the Mental Health Association of Maryland
• Pat on the Back award from Pathfinders for Autism
• Children's Advocacy Champion from Children's National Medical Center
• Young Woman of Achievement Award from the Women's Information Network.^[4]
• Spirit Award for Humanitarian Leadership from National Center for Children and Families
• Community Advocate Award from The Treatment and Learning Centers
• Certificate of Excellence from Youth for National Change

In the Legislature

Delegate Kelly serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee. She also serves on the Insurance Subcommittee and Estates & Trusts Subcommittee. Delegate Kelly is also the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and Democratic Caucus Chair of the Montgomery County Delegation.

Legislative notes

• Lead sponsor of House Bill 1026, providing job protected parental leave at the birth or adoption of a child for those working at small businesses, who were not previously covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act^[5]
• Lead sponsor of House Bill 963, makes obtaining access to forensic medical services easier for sexual assault survivors^[6]
• Lead sponsor of House Bill 1191, requiring labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in raw and packaged food^[7]
• Lead sponsor of HB 798, provides parents of children with disabilities access information on habilitative services, including the Parents' Guide to Habilitative Services
• Lead Sponsor on bill to expand insurance coverage for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for young adults with birth defects including cerebral palsy and autism. (HB 235)
• Authored bill to establish a Green Chemistry Task Force in Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development (HB 811).
• Lead Co-Sponsor for House Bill 235 in 2011, regarding preventing discrimination in housing and employment based on gender identity or expression^[8]
• Co-Sponsor for House Bill 175 in 2011, regarding marriage equality^[9]

References

External links

• Ariana Kelly at delegatearianakelly.com