Constituent Service

More than anything else Delegate Kipke enjoys using the access of the office to work on your behalf to solve problems.  This could be as simple as filling a troublesome pot holes, working to resolve a dispute with an insurance company, navigating state agencies, addressing community concerns, etc.  The issues are broad ranged and while not all are resolved Delegate Kipke and his staff will work with you to the best of their ability to see what can be done.  If you would like to request assistance please email Delegate Kipke at Nicholaus.Kipke@house.state.md.us.

Legislative Scholarship Program

Who may apply: Current high school seniors and full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. Students attending a private career school may also apply.

How to apply: Each State Delegate has their own scholarship program and students may apply to each representative of their district. To apply for a scholarship from State Delegate Kipke, complete the online scholarship application through the Scholarship tab on the home page of www.Kipke.com.

When to apply: Complete and file the FAFSA by March 1st. Complete the online scholarship application between January 1st and April 1st.  Late applicants will be placed on a wait list.  

Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.  You may use this scholarship at an out-of-state school if your major is not available at any Maryland institution and if your delegate agrees. In order to verify your major as unique, you must complete the Unique Major Application and submit it to MHEC with the required documentation. Allow 8 weeks for processing.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents and reside in District 31b. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester), degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student, or attend certain private career schools.

AWARD AMOUNT

The minimum annual award is $250.

RENEWING AN AWARD
Awards are not automatically renewed.  You must re-apply each year.  If required, you must complete and file the FAFSA by March 1st and complete the online renewal application by April 1st

Legislative Intern Program for College Students

Each legislative session during January – April I have the opportunity to hire college students for work in my office at the General Assembly. The student earns college credit and receives an insider’s look at the legislative process. If you are interested or might know of anyone who would please have them contact me at nicholaus.kipke@house.state.md.us

Additional information:  

The General Assembly’s Legislative Intern Program offers approximately 100 of Maryland’s college and university students the opportunity to provide research and staff assistance to legislators during each session and to have both an educational and practical work experience in the Legislative Branch of State government. Upon acceptance into the program, students interview for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses of the Maryland General Assembly.

Students must be presently enrolled in a public or independent Maryland college or university are eligible to apply. Students must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. (A student with a lower G.P.A. may participate in the program if recommended by the sponsoring professor and accepted by the Intern Office);
  • Have proof of competency in college composition;
  • Receive academic credit for the internship; and
  • Be able to work in Annapolis at least two days each week during the 13-week legislative session.

Many of the interns are political science majors; however, students working toward degrees in other areas who are interested in learning firsthand about the process of State government are encouraged to apply.

Academic credits granted to interns by their colleges and universities range from three to 16, depending on the number of days per week the interns work in Annapolis and on the amount of additional academic work that is required by the sponsoring professors.

The type of work assigned to interns is mainly legislative, although some duties are clerical in nature. Legislative responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting research;
  • Drafting correspondence;
  • Preparing, recording, and reporting testimony;
  • Contacting witnesses;
  • Attending committee hearings;
  • Tracking bills;
  • Working on mailings;
  • Responding to constituent’s inquiries; and,
  • Writing newsletters.

Each intern is awarded a stipend to help defray the costs of participating in the program. The total session stipend varies, depending on the number of days per week the intern works in Annapolis.  To be eligible for the program, a student must be able to work a minimum of two full days each week of session.

  • $600 per session = 2 days per week
  • $700 per session = 2.5 to 3 days per week
  • $1000 per session = 4 to 5 days per week

The General Assembly meets annually for a period of 90 calendar days, beginning the second Wednesday in January and continuing through early April.  During the initial months, the busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with few or no committee hearings scheduled for Mondays or Fridays.  Most legislators would like their interns to work the three days from Tuesday through Thursday or full-time.  However, realizing the demands of college scheduling, the General Assembly accepts students who are able to work only two days per week.

Since the legislature does not take any holidays during its 90-day session, interns are required to commit themselves to a weekly work schedule and to take no holidays or spring break.

To apply, contact your college or university intern coordinator, career counselor, or department dean for an application. All placements are usually made during the fall semester, and applications should be received by the Maryland General Assembly Human Resources Office by October 31 with some exceptions. If you do not know the contact person for your college/university, contact:

Peggy Schmeltzer

Intern Coordinator

Human Resources Office

311 Legislative Services Building

90 State Circle

Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

Phone: 410-946-5124

Washington Area: 301-970-5124

Toll Free: 1-800-492-7122

Coffee with Kipke

Have a cup of coffee with Delegate Kipke

Each week Delegate Kipke sets aside time when he can meet with constituents of District 31.  These are informal meetings.  The topics of discussion typically involve an issue of concern related to a state agency, local community problems, or political discussions.  

If you would like to request a meeting with Delegate Kipke email nicholaus.kipke@house.state.md.us.

Neighborhood Tours

Since being elected Delegate Kipke has knocked on the door of every registered voter (often more than once) in the hopes of chatting with each citizen.  

From time to time Delegate Kipke will walk with concerned residents or neighborhood leaders to look at issues like unsatisfactory road conditions, pot holes, environmental concerns, stormwater problems, to better understand specific crime problems, and other local issues.

Delegate Kipke Prioritizes Pubic Safety 

“Nothing get’s me more fired up than working with residents and the police department to root out crime in a neighborhood.  If you have a crime related concern please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am personally committed to doing everything possible to rid your neighborhood of this problem as a good quality of life begins with public safety.” – Delegate Kipke

Kipke becomes Public Policy Dispute Resolution Fellow

Nic Kipke participated in the 2016 Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellows Program with other leaders from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of State and local government, as well as leaders of faith-based, business, education, and the non-profit sectors.

The Maryland Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellows Program is an innovative initiative sponsored by the Maryland Judiciary, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law that brings together a diverse group of influential Maryland leaders to expand their negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus building skills. The Program aims to achieve more effective and sustainable solutions to Maryland’s critical public policy issues.

Delegate Nic Kipke Receives Public Service Award

Delegate Nic Kipke Receives Public Service AwardFrom the Maryland House of Delegates Delegate Nic Kipke was awarded The Casper R. Taylor, Jr. Founder’s Award.

This award is presented annually to a sitting member of the House of Delegates for steadfast commitment to public service and the integrity of the House of Delegates.   The award is given to “someone who participates in this body and elevates everyone,” House Speaker Michael E. Busch explained.

“The award goes to an individual who has risen to be the Minority Leader, and he has conducted himself in such a way that he has elevated the stature of the house, by his debate and demeanor on the House floor.”

Delegate Kipke said, “It was a surprise to receive the honor and when I saw my wife and kids walking out to join me to receive this I felt very sentimental.” He was joined by his wife Susannah, son James, and daughter Evelyn who were secretly informed of the award so that they could join him in receiving the honor. His sister Marygrace and father Ken Kipke joined them in the gallery. Kipke went on, “As Delegate and Minority Leader I strive to bring dignity to our debates and do all I can to diminish partisan foolishness so that we can actually focus on solving problems.  To be acknowledged by the members and Speaker in this way it is personally rewarding and I am very grateful.”