Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter |
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Stay Connected Follow Shaneka Henson
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If you believe you or a loved one has the Coronavirus (COVID-19), call 211 #2
Email covid19info@aacounty.org or call
(410) 222-7256 for any additional questions
Food Resources in District 30A - Click HERE.
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NEW--COVID-19 Variant Update, Masks & Closures
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VARIANTS-- the CDC is monitoring multiple variants; currently there are four notable variants in the US: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. These variants spread more easily and quickly, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. So far, studies suggest that the current authorized vaccines work on the circulating variants. Scientists will continue to study these and other variants.
NEW--effective August 5, 2021, all persons entering a county-owned building or other county-owned facility (i.e. AACPL facilities, senior centers) are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. This is in line with the updated guidance from the CDC.
NEW--effective September 13, 2021 County employees who are not vaccinated will be required to provide a negative COVID test result each week to report to work.
NEW-- effective August 5, 2021 Anne Arundel County Courts will reinstate COVID-19 safety protocols including mask mandates and distancing throughout courtrooms and offices. Find more information HERE
The Maryland City library will be hosting three vaccination clinics sponsored by the Anne Arundel County Health Department. The clinics will accept walk-ins and appointments. The Pfizer vaccine will be available for individuals age 12 and over August 19 - 10am-12pm (second dose).
The clinics are listed on the county's website HERE where more registration info can be found.
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NEW--Get Help Finding Jobs & Hiring New Employees
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Business Owners-- grow your business and talent pipeline with the help of Maryland’s Business Services staff located at AACO American Job Centers. Experts in State resources, recruitment, and retention strategies are here to help.
Job Seekers-- meet with consultants to discuss career exploration, referrals to training programs, résumé preparation, and workshops to enhance job seeking skills and work readiness. Access computers with internet, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, telephones, and a variety of job search resource materials.
Find more information HERE
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NEW--CDC Issues New Moratorium for CERTAIN Evictions
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On August 3, 2021 the CDC issued a new moratorium for certain evictions that will remain in effect until October 3, 2021 and applies to counties experiencing substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rates. As of Aug. 5th Anne Arundel County is experiencing a substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rate. The transmission rate may change and courts will be monitoring the status on a daily basis. The CDC data tracker can be found HERE
Find more information HERE
As of July 1, 2021 Governor Hogan's Executive Order halting residential evictions is set to expire on August 15, 2021. For more details, find the Executive Order HERE.
Find more information about evictions and rental assistance HERE or HERE
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NEW--Driver's License Expire August 15th
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If your driver’s license expired during the State of Emergency, your new renewal date is August 15, 2021. After this date, customers whose licenses have been expired for 12 months or more will be required to retake the driving test.
Find more information and schedule your renewal appointments: HERE
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NEW--Grant Funding Available for After School Programs
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New grants are available for after school programs that respond to students' academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on certain student populations. Grants are for a three-year time span (ending in August of 2024) and range from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $900,000. The deadline for application submission is Friday, August 20 at 5:00 PM. Proposal review will begin September 8 and after school program providers will be notified of awards by October 15.
Find more information HERE
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NEW--Shop Tax Free Aug. 8th-14th
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Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week returns August 8-14 with significant savings for consumers, scholarship opportunities for college and trade school students, and a much-needed sales boost for retailers. During the week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less will be exempt from sales tax. Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.
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NEW-- COVID-19 Survivors Support Group
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If you or a loved one has experienced COVID-19, you can join COVIDCONNECT! A virtual support groups that meets every Thursday (6:30-8:00pm).
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NEW-- Library Weeding Opportunity Volunteers Needed
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The Michael Busch Annapolis Library 'Weed to Read' crew needs extra folks to help. Join a fun group of volunteers who weed bi-weekly. The next weeding sessions, are Saturday 8/14 and 8/28, beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring water, sunscreen, a trowel and gloves. If you have questions or need more information, contact Susan by email at HERE.
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NEW--Dental Clinics Open in the Community for Adults and Kids
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Patients 21 and under, uninsured or underinsured can interview to qualify for free or reduced cost dental services for 1 year. Click HERE to get started.
Open Monday-Friday 8:00am- 4:00pm. Adults 21 and older looking for Dental Services can coordinated services through the AACO dental service coordinator at 410-222-3090.
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NEW-- Apply Today Affordable Health Insurance Now Available
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If you are looking for affordable Health insurance, the American Rescue Plan is available and offering new savings and more financial help for individuals and families Health Insurance Plans. You may now qualify if you received unemployment benefits at any point in 2021.
You can enroll in a plan with monthly premiums of nearly $0. Plus, all Maryland Health Connection plans cover costs for COVID-19. Hurry, enroll by Aug. 15, 2021. Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll any time of year. Enroll HERE
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UPDATED--Jobs in Our Community Are Hiring NOW
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NEW-- (part-time & bilingual) Senior Case Manager for Annapolis Immigration Justice Network to work with adults, families and children of diverse backgrounds. Find more information HERE
NEW--Healthcare In-Person Hiring Event - Aug. 26th 10am-2pm at AACO Career Center (613 Global Way, Linthicum Heights 21090) interview with local businesses: Baywoods of Annapolis, Catholic Charities, Home Instead Homecare, Johns Hopkins, Community Physicians, Tribute Home Health, University of Maryland Medical System
NEW--Anne Arundel County Police Department is hiring call takers and dispatchers in 911 communications. Learn more HERE
AAFB is looking for a Fund Development Coordinator and a Bilingual Administrative Specialist. Find out more and apply HERE
AACPS is hiring for Bus Drivers, Bus Attendants, and Bus Driver Substitutes.
Find out more and apply HERE
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Career Opportunities for Aspiring CNA's, GNA's and Healthcare Professionals
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Looking for a career in the healthcare field? Attend a upcoming CNA/GNA info-session on Tues., August 10, 2021 5:00pm -6:30pm to learn about training and job opportunities.
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CONTINUED-- New & Growing Business Get Rental Assistance
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Businesses with 50 or fewer employees are encouraged to apply to receive rental subsidies of $2,500 per month for 12 months—up to $30,000—to help offset start-up costs to occupy vacant spaces (vacant for past six months or more) in and around Maryland's downtown and main streets.
Find more info and apply HERE
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ENDING--Get Involved in Land Use & Development Planning
in AACO
Residents of Anne Arundel County interested in playing a key role in land use, and development planning apply for the Regions Plan, Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SAC). Applications will be accepted until midnight, Monday August 16, 2021.
Find more information and apply HERE
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VACCINE UPDATE-- College Scholarships, Free Rides, Child Care and Incentives
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Businesses across the state can offer special deals and discounts to thank vaccinated customers the State of Maryland has prepared GoVAX Rewards, an easy-to-use online tool showcasing vaccine incentives for your customers. Create an account HERE and become a GoVAX Rewards Partner today.
Starting July 12th, 2021 vaccinated 12 to 17yr olds qualify for a chance to win a $50,000 scholarship, covering full tuition and fees to a public in-state institution. 2 drawings a week will extend through Labor Day. Find more details HERE
Uber HERE and Lyft HERE are offering free rides to and from vaccination sites. Kinder-Care HERE, Learning Care HERE, and YMCA HERE are offering free child care to help parents and caregivers get vaccinated.
Grant funding up to $50,000-$250,000 to support vaccine education, outreach and community vaccination clinic from MDH for the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Project is open for community groups. Apply HERE
All Marylander's 12 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. The Navy Marine Corp Stadium Mass Vaccination Site accepts walk-ups first come, first served between 9:00am & 11:00am Wednesday - Sunday. Or, schedule an appointment immediately HERE or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).
Schedule an appointment for vaccination through AACO Health Dept. HERE
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NEW--Temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Programs EXTENDED
Bank of America has extended the deadline for claimants to withdraw, transfer, or use any remaining funds on their Debit Cards from Sunday, August 1, 2021, to Friday, October 1, 2021. Please note the following:
After October 1, all Maryland UI Benefits Debit Cards will be deactivated. If you were issued a Maryland UI Benefits Debit Card and cannot locate that card, you should contact the Bank of America Customer Service Center at 855-847-2029.
The following four temporary federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits (UI) programs, including the $300.00 federal supplement, have been extended to September 4, 2021 :
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)
Find more information on direct deposit HERE.
Beginning the week of July 4, the Dept of Labor will reinstate the standard requirement for all regular state unemployment insurance claimants to actively search for work by engaging in three reemployment activities each week. If claimants do not complete three reemployment activities each week, they may be determined ineligible to receive regular state unemployment insurance benefits.
If you are unable to determine your issue through the FAQs featured on the website, please send my office an email explaining the issues you're facing as well as the following information so that we may present that to our Legislative Liaison:
- Full legal name
- Phone number
- Claim/Claimant ID (if applicable)
Please note that Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones and I submit the same claims.
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CONTINUED--Incentives for Businesses to Get People Vaccines
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Any small business in Anne Arundel County (in good standing) is eligible to receive an incentive starting at $1,000 to get a minimum of 10 people vaccinated through the Business Incentive Program-Vaccine Clinic. Use your cash bonus incentive to defray your costs and provide vaccine incentives to customers.
Receive an additional cash bonus, for each 2nd dose vaccine.
Find more information and program details HERE
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Governor Renews State of Emergency with No Change for Mandates and Restrictions Set to End on August 15th |
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On July 12, 2021 Governor Hogan renewed the state of emergency existing due to COVID-19. No changes were made for soon to expire mandates and restrictions. Read the renewed state of emergency order HERE.
EMERGENCY MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS ENDED JULY 1st
Find a list of Terminated Emergency Orders HERE
45-DAY ADMINISTRATIVE GRACE PERIOD THROUGH AUGUST 15th
Certain regulations will end on August 15th this includes provisions such as time extensions for renewing driver’s licenses, winding down emergency health operations, and more. Find the 45-day grace period order list HERE
Read the list of provisions in effect during the administrative grace period HERE
Anne Arundel County terminated the COVID-19 State of Emergency on June 9, 2021. As of July 1, 2021 all of the State of Maryland's emergency mandates and restrictions have been terminated. The County will follow the implemented 45-day administrative grace period during this transition, the list of provisions that will remain in effect until August 15, 2021 can be viewed HERE.
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Childcare Assistance HERE
Court-Ordered Eviction HERE or call1-800-332-6347
Emergency Shelter call (410) 417-7260 Monday-Friday
24 hours a day, 7 days a week call County Warm Line at 410-768-5522
Energy Assistance (BGE) utility shut offs resumed Nov. 16th call the Community Action Agency's 24/7 hotline at 833-888-0401
Evictions CDC/DHS eviction moratorium has been renewed through October 3, 2021 preventing the eviction of tenants certain tenants who are unable to make rental payments.
Federal Student Loans (UPDATED: Student loan payments have been suspended through September 30, 2021 for federally held student loans.) HERE
Foreclosure Prevention free confidential counseling call 410-222-7600 HERE
Rental Assistance call 410-222-7600 or HERE
Taxi Voucher Program serving older adults and individuals with disabilities AACO residents call 410-222-4CAB (4222) or click HERE; Annapolis residents call 410-263-7964 or click HERE
Temporary Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps HERE or call1-800-332-6347
UPDATED--Find energy assistance for Maryland residents HERE:
- The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps eligible customers pay for a portion of their current electric bill.
- The Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) program helps customers with large, past due electric and gas bills receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 toward their past due bill.
- Bill payment assistance may also be available from the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
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Community Food Distributions
Below are some food giveaways scheduled for this week:
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City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management, Every Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pip Moyer Recreation center, Every Fridays-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov
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Light of the World Family Ministries at Pip Moyer Rec Ctr., 273 Hilltop Lane Annapolis, MD, every Tuesday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Drive Ups and Walk Ups Food Giveaway
- St. Luke’s Food, Baby & Senior Pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1101 Bay Ridge Ave., every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm, (food, infant formula, diapers and wipes, adult formula supplement and adult incontinence protection items), bring ID
- Tyler Heights Elementary School, 11 Janwall Street Annapolis, MD, every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm
- Mills Parole Elementary School, 1 George & Marion Phelps Lane Annapolis, MD, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm
- Asbury United Methodist Church, 87 West St Annapolis MD, has a food giveaway every Thursday, by appointment only, from 5:30pm - 7pm, call 443-297-9344 or 410-757-2995
- Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive Annapolis MD, has food giveaway every Tuesday 9:30am-11am (must provide ID and proof of residency)
- First Baptist Church of Annapolis, 31 W. Washington Street, gives away pantry bags and restaurant prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm
Delivery and transportation options are available for those unable to pick-up in person. Call Office of Emergency Management at 410-260-2211 to Schedule a Fresh Food Delivery Option.
Information on regularly scheduled pantries can be found at the top of my newsletter by clicking on the link next to "Food Resources in District 30A" or as an image at the bottom of the newsletter. Please send an email to Shaneka.Henson@house.state.md.us if you know of a food resource that should be included in this newsletter.
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Upcoming Free COVID-19 Testing
Rapid testing is offered at:
- Annapolis MD- Calvert & Bladen Street, on Monday and Tuesday
from 8:00am-12:00pm and Thursday from 12:00pm -4:00pm.
- Bay Meadows Parking Lot, 6701 Bay Meadow Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21060, on Tuesday and Friday from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Lab Testing is offered on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00am-11:00am. An appointment is required.
COVID-19 testing is offered every Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm at the Deale Elks Lodge (6022 Drum Point Road Deale, MD 20751).
What to expect and important reminders:
- Even if you have been tested before, you can get tested again
- Test results are available through the online portal (you will still be called)
- Testing is free and safe for all ages
- Limited testing kits available; first come, first serve
- Anyone can be tested, even if you do not have any symptoms
- There is no doctor’s referral or insurance required at our sites
- NOT deep nasal or throat swabs
Anne Arundel County residents can get tested at no cost. No symptoms or doctor’s note required. If you develop symptoms, it is recommended to get tested within 48 hours. Appointments are preferred. For an appointment, call the COVID-19 Health Line at 410-222-7256.
The Health Department is regularly holding testing sites at 1 Harry S Truman Parkway on Monday - Friday from 9:00am - Noon, Walk-ins Tuesdays from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am - 11:30am.
For a full schedule of testing in Anne Arundel County next week, click HERE.
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