ANNAPOLIS, Md. (December 16, 2025) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today issued this statement congratulating Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk on her election as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates:
“Joseline Peña-Melnyk is a champion for Marylanders, a relentless representative for her constituents, and a consensus-builder among her colleagues. During her tenure in the House of Delegates, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk has addressed some of the state’s most complex issues, including reproductive rights, assisted outpatient treatment, and promoting health equity for all Maryland communities.?She has successfully navigated the House Health and Government Operations Committee through the COVID-19 pandemic and a major healthcare provider shortage with steady leadership and expertise. She founded the Maryland Latino Caucus and has also strongly advocated for expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to help working families achieve financial stability.
“I had the pleasure of working with her during my time in the House of Delegates and have continued to seek her counsel - Joseline Peña-Melnyk has always been a tenacious and principled colleague and a loyal friend. Maryland is fortunate to have her leadership and I commend the House for selecting her as its new Speaker - the first immigrant or Latina to serve in that role.
“Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk is the leader we need at this moment in our state’s history, and I look forward to partnering with her in the years to come as we work to build a better Maryland for all residents."
