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February 21, 2019
Dear Friends,
I just want to remind you of two events next week--the County Council Budget Process Town Hall (see flyer on right column) and an update on School Infrastructure in Council District 3.
On Thursday, February 28, at 6:30 pm, the PGCPS Capital Improvement Program Office will join me to share with you more information about the numerous conversations happening around school infrastructure, which affect students across all of Council District 3.
District 3 School Infrastructure Update
Thursday, February 28
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Berwyn Heights Elementary School
6200 Pontiac Street
Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
If you have any questions, please reach out to my Chief of Staff, Aimee Olivo, at aeolivo@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3060. I'm looking forward to an informative and robust discussion on February 28.
I also want to update you on some of the positions the Prince George's County Council has taken on legislation currently in front of the Maryland General Assembly. During the 90-day General Assembly session, the County Council keeps close tabs on legislation which will affect our residents. So far this year, the Council has taken positions on numerous pieces of legislation. Below are several highlights.
Fight for $15 -- The Prince George's County Council has strongly supported state legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 for the past several legislative sessions. We took a position in support of HB166/SB280 again this year. Last year, I was honored to testify in strong support of this legislation in Annapolis.
Glenn Dale Hospital Adaptive Reuse -- The Council Members from Districts 3, 4 and 5 have worked closely with the Lincoln Vista Civic Association and Glenn Dale Citizens Association for the past several years to support the adaptive reuse of the Glenn Dale Hospital site to a continuing care retirement community. Most recently M-NCPPC has engaged with the Redevelopment Authority and The Alexander Company to conduct a feasibility study. Together we have come to the consensus that the current state requirements for a Continuing Care Retirement Community are too restrictive. This legislation would allow slightly more flexibility while still meeting the goals of the community for adaptive reuse of the historical buildings, open space, and senior living.
Legislation to Oppose MAGLEV -- Senators and Delegates have proposed various pieces of legislation to oppose the construction of a high-speed magnetic levitation train from DC to Baltimore, through Prince George's County. This includes legislation to prohibit use of state funds (SB200) and more. The Council is strongly supporting these efforts.
Stronger oversight of residential rehabilitation homes in neighborhoods -- In January I sent a letter to the 22nd Delegation expressing my concern over the lax regulation and oversight of residential rehabilitation homes which are scattered throughout neighborhoods. As some of you may know, a homicide at one of these group homes happened in December in my district. My letter urged them to propose legislation to strengthen regulations and oversight of these homes. HB1060 is a step in the right direction.
Strengthening penalties for litter and illegal dumping -- The Council is supporting legislation proposed by Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to improve mowing, maintenance and litter removal along state highways (PG 419-19) and strengthen penalties for illegal dumping (PG418-19).
Expanding the Prince George's County Polystyrene Ban Statewide - I was proud to sponsor the Prince George's County ban on polystyrene a few years ago. The Council is supporting a statewide ban through HB109.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the initial meeting for a new program which will launch at Greenbelt Middle School this summer, Higher Achievement. I was proud to work with former Board of Education Member Lupi Grady to bring this incredible program to Prince George's County.
Through Higher Achievement, students with limited means at Greenbelt Middle School will receive intense mentoring support to close the opportunity gap. I am looking forward to this successful program being expanded in the future to other middle schools in the County. Please consider being a mentor to the students who will be participating in this program.
As always, please reach out to my office at 301-952-3060 or via
email
if a member of my team or I can assist you in any way.
Together Strengthening our Community,
P.S. I'm active on social media! If you are, too, please engage with me on
Facebook or
Twitter.
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