A Note from WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO): Today is Crossover in the Statehouse, but it is much different than years past. For the first time since the Civil War, the Maryland General Assembly will be ending their 2020 session early: the body will adjourn on Wednesday, March 18th . Members of the House and Senate are prioritizing legislation in order to finish critical bills as quickly as possible – particularly the budget – with the goal of calling a special session in May to complete the work.    WSSC Water-related legislation is currently pending in the Senate. Last week, the following bills passed in the House and crossed over to the Senate: HB 276 - Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Maryland–National Capital Park Police and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Police Force, HB 370 - Bi County Commissions - Annual Reports - Conflicts of Interest and Lobbying and HB 1560 - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission - Discrimination - Prohibited. Please see the Legislative Update below for the more information.   As we quickly approach the end of Session, the IRO team will provide updates on the status of our bills in next week’s version of The Annapolis Observer , and resume the weekly update should a special session be called. The IRO team looks forward to continuing our work advocating for WSSC Water and working with our legislators.   WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Team Karyn, Guy, Monica, Terry and Nicholle

COVID – 19 Update from WSSC Water :   WSSC Water is taking this health issue very seriously and has an emergency plan in place to ensure continuity of operations and meet our clean-water needs. During the evolving coronavirus outbreak and to ensure safe, clean water continues to flow to customers’ homes, WSSC Water will suspend all water service shutoffs and waive late fees for those facing financial difficulties. To find more information on WSSC’s actions related to COVID-19, please visit this page and follow us on Facebook and Twitter .

WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO) is on the front line advocating, for legislation that impacts our work. IRO covers a variety of subject matter and focuses on legislation that helps WSSC Water fulfill our mission to provide safe and reliable water, life’s most precious resource, and return clean water to our environment, all in an ethical, sustainable, and financially responsible manner. The Annapolis Observer is IRO’s weekly update on happenings in Annapolis and highlights the progress of key bills of interest to WSSC Water, as well as updates and event dates.

Legislative Updates

Find the status of and position on WSSC-related bills in our weekly Legislative Update (PDF).

Around WSSC Water

No Drinking Water Quality Violation – Ever! Recent news articles may have generated some questions about PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in drinking water. WSSC Water remains committed to providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water – and has never had a drinking water quality violation in our 102-year history. Learn more about how we handle PFAS here . Celebrating 25 years of The Water Fund - The Water Fund was established in 1994 by WSSC Water employees to help residential customers experiencing financial hardship pay their water/sewer bills. In its 25 years, The Water Fund has assisted more than 4,000 customers with over $1.3 million. Consider donating to the fund by learning more at our website.

Calendar

Key Dates March 16, 2020 - Crossover Date March 17, 2020 at 1 PM HB 1560 - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission - Discrimination - Prohibited March 18, 2020 - Session Adjournment

Related Links

Maryland General Assembly Session Calendar (PDF) Track Legislation Montgomery County Delegation Prince George's County Delegation Maryland Association of Counties Maryland Municipal League

About IRO

WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO) team works to promote the value of water and the value of WSSC Water ; engage federal, state, county and local government and elected stakeholders and advocate for WSSC Water’s strategic interests and priorities; and foster relationships with organizations and promote collaborative interests. In Annapolis, the IRO team works with members to support administratively and fiscally responsible legislation, in addition to championing policy that benefits all water utilities throughout Maryland. WSSC Water is committed to increased statewide investment in water and wastewater infrastructure and sound regulatory initiatives.

Meet the IRO Team

Karyn Riley, Esq. –  IRO Director Karyn.Riley@wsscwater.com Guy Andes –  Government Relations Manager State Affairs and Prince George's County Affairs Guy.Andes@wsscwater.com Monica Marquina –  Government Relations Manager Municipal Affairs and Montgomery County Affairs Monica.Marquina@wsscwater.com Nicholle Vo –  Legislative Aide Nicholle.Vo@wsscwater.com Terry Walker-Morris –  Administrative Professional Terry.Walker-Morris@wsscwater.com

Contact Us

(301) 206-8228 iro@wsscwater.com

Subscribe to the Annapolis Observer here!

For over 100 years, WSSC Water has proudly served the citizens of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties – providing drinking water that has always met strict Safe Drinking Water Act standards and protecting the environment through vital water resource recovery services. Our vision is to be THE world-class water utility, where excellent products and services are always on tap.  www.wsscwater.com

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