Dear Friends,
I hope your summer is off to a smooth start! It’s wonderful to be outside and to reconnect with people; it feels like time is once again measurable. The past 16 months have been challenging for the world, our nation, our state, and our lives. It feels like many institutions in our society are undergoing significant changes that may upend the way we work, educate, heal, and interact.
As we make the transition from a world of COVID-related restrictions to one that is more open, we can celebrate the success of vaccinations that are bringing down the instances of illness and death, yet many Marylanders remain in desperate need. Summer is a challenging time for children who do not get enough food to eat during the school year, and we’ve included resources for summer meals below. Utility payments have been a struggle for many and we were able to provide funding through the RELIEF Act (passed by the General Assembly this session) to cover them for the most vulnerable. Many continue to struggle with unemployment insurance issues. Our staff remains steadfast in their advocacy and has helped over 447 constituents navigate the complex process through the Department of Labor, as well as support for rent relief and providing job seeker resources.
During the interim, I spend time in the community, meeting with constituents and visiting businesses and organizations. We also take the time to consider legislative initiatives for the upcoming session and welcome ideas for bills. Next legislative session we will consider redistricting, so that remains an important issue to follow as we receive critical census data back from the federal government later this summer.
We continue to work on behalf of constituents who are struggling to get answers from state agencies or programs. If you have any questions or concerns or would like our assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office – we’re ready and willing to help!
Wishing you a peaceful and restful summer. We’ll be back next month with additional updates. In the meantime, thank you for the opportunity to serve and all the best for a relaxing 4th of July!!
Sincerely,
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In this issue:
- In the Community
- Post Session Town Hall Recording
- MDLC Scorecard
- Cancel COVID-Vaccine Updates
- Scholarship Deadline- Extended
- Maryland Redistricting Hearings
- Child Tax Credits
- Resources and Information- Summer Meals, Rent & Financial Relief, Utilities, Transit and More...
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There's nothing I love more than meeting with and listening to folks in District 11! If you have an event, meeting, or just want to grab a coffee and share your perspectives- contact my office so we can set something up. |
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Watch the Post-Session Town Hall |
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Thanks to so many District 11 residents who were able to join the virtual town hall after the legislative session ended. If you missed it and would like to catch up, you can view the recording here. Want to know what bills passed and read the end of session letter? Click here Have a question, concern, or idea for legislation for 2022- contact us!
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I was honored to receive A ratings from the Maryland Legislative Coalition. Despite the challenging year, our legislation in Annapolis focused on crucial, long-term issues. This interim, I will continue to work on legislative priorities that matter to you. If you'd like to share your insights, please reach out to my office. |
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Safely gather this summer when you protect yourself and our community. Vaccines are widely available to everyone 12 and older- stop in to the Fairgrounds on Sat. (walk ins welcome) or by appointment here.
Residents can call the Maryland Health Department 877-319-1525 with any feedback and specific questions related to the virus or the vaccine. For individuals who need additional assistance click here, call 311 or use the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline 410-887-3816. TTY users please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
Already Vaccinated?
Helpful Links & Information:
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Deadline Extended- 2021 Senatorial Scholarships |
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Each year, Delegates and Senators in the Maryland General Assembly award thousands of Maryland students millions of dollars in financial aid to attend a Maryland institution of higher education. Please note that Senatorial Scholarships are awarded for 4 years and are automatically renewed each year. Upon graduation, students may re-apply for graduate studies. You must be a resident of District 11 to receive a scholarship. Congrats to all our students on their accomplishments during this challenging year!
The application deadline has been extended to August 1st and can be accessed here. Please contact Janet at jeckman@senate.state.md.us for all questions.
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MD Redistricting- Have Your Voice Heard July 12th! |
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The Governor's appointed Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission is charged with drawing fair legislative and congressional maps for the 2022 elections. They will be holding virtual listening sessions throughout the state, you can join Baltimore County's on July 12th here. Meetings are open to all, closed captioned, and have live Spanish interpreters. You may listen, speak, or provide advance testimony for this important process. The General Assembly will provide an opportunity for public input later this year. More information can be found here.
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The American Rescue Plan includes a generous Child Tax Credit. Single-parent households earning less than $75,000 or married joint filers whose household income is less than $150,000, are eligible to receive this benefit. Moreover, instead of having to wait until filing taxes next year, families will see monthly portions of their child tax credit payments deposited directly into their bank accounts to help them put food on the table, pay for daily necessities, afford child care, cover health care expenses and save for their children’s future throughout the year
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Resources, Assistance & Information |
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Need help?:
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Housing & utilities, access to food, healthcare, mental health
- Consumer and legal assistance
- Substance abuse or domestic violence issues
- Worker and Small Business Assistance
- Internet access
- Senior and General Community Resources
Thank you to the Baltimore County Government for the comprehensive Resource Guide - please check out recently announced programs by clicking on the button above. Please don't hesitate to call or email my office if we can be of assistance.
Summer Meals: Summer is one of the hungriest times of the year for many kids and families facing challenges. Summer meals are served by organizations like schools, libraries, faith-based organizations, and community groups, who all help make sure that kids under have access to nutritious meals at no cost when school is out of session. To find a summer meals site near you, text FOOD to 877-877, call 211, or visit MDsummermeals.org. No registration or identification required.
Baltimore County Public Library Grab N' Go Meal information here!
BGE Grants: The Maryland Relief Act Grant provides funds to reduce or pay off past due charges or arrearages of some utility customers statewide. Customers who are eligible for these grants do not need to take any action to receive them. More information is available in our latest here.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: Verizon customers who meet income-based requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission can apply to temporarily receive monthly discounts up to $50 per month towards Verizon’s internet service and related equipment through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. For more information, click here.
Baltimore County Independence Day Grant: Due this Fri 6/25! The Department of Economic and Workforce Development is awarding one-time grants of up to $3,000 to provide support activities including parades, festivals, and/or fireworks, within Baltimore County. Eligible applicants must have filed a special event permit with Baltimore County. Full details on how to apply can be found here or at baltimorecountymd.gov/independencedaygrant
Beware of Scammers! The Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division put out a press release about telephone scammers spoofing local hospitals and public utilities to steal personal information and threaten to terminate Medicare Benefits. Because these incoming calls appear to be legitimate on the recipient’s Caller ID, these scams are a particularly dangerous type of deception. Never give any personal information to a caller you do not know or on a call you did not initiate. For more information- click here.
Foreclosure: Free brief legal consultations for homeowners facing foreclosure are offered virtually by Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services. Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Attorneys will:
- Answer questions about foreclosure mediation
- Give legal advice regarding your foreclosure
- Help you understand court papers and documents you received regarding your foreclosure
Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Attorneys will NOT attend mediation with you, but there are other options for obtaining legal representation for your mediation. This clinic will take place July 28, 3-6PM. Contact Aja Mallory at 443-451-4079 to register
Baltimore County News: Check out the new online registration system to support County services, including ongoing food distribution for seniors and career center services.
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