Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter |
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In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.
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Nursing Home Workers Deserve the Opportunity to Live Well
HB725: Wage Pass-Through for Nursing Home Worker
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I am excited to share with you a powerful piece of legislation that I am putting forward this year with Service Employees International Union (1199SEIU), HB725: Wage Pass-Through for Nursing Home Workers. The purpose of this legislation is to sustainably address the long-term care staffing crisis in Maryland through the funding of wages and benefits of direct and indirect care workers.
Direct care pay has historically remained low due to multiple factors, including under-investment in long-term care services and intersecting legacies of sexism, racism, and xenophobia that undervalue caregiving work and those who provide it. The 2021 average annual wage for nursing assistants in Maryland was just $34,000. Among certified nursing assistants, over 90% are women and over 50% are people of color. Additionally, 1 in 5 certified nursing assistants are on public assistance and 31% lack affordable housing which has disincentivized new caregivers from entering the field.
Staffing shortages are expected to grow as workers find better pay in other industries. The staffing crisis in nursing homes is not new. In 2018, two years before the COVID-19 pandemic, PHI projected the need for a 40% increase in direct care staff to address the needs of Maryland's aging population. The American Health Care Association which represents nursing homes across the country released survey results that revealed stark numbers: 98% are experiencing difficulty hiring new staff and 76% of facilities said their current financial situation and lack of funding is an obstacle in being able to offer competitive wages to hire new staff.
I am sponsoring this bill because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live well.
Watch the bill hearing HERE
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Resources, Community News & Updates
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Bivalent Booster Available-- CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was their final primary series dose, or an original (monovalent) booster. People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster. Find more on vaccine eligibility HERE
Maryland COVID-19 Preparedness/Testing Site-- MDH has a state-run testing site at Anne Arundel Medical Center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for walk-in PCR tests only. This site only offers PCR testing (no at-home test kits will be provided). Find more COVID-19 testing HERE
Latest on M-pox Outbreak Vaccination Pre-registration System-- MDH encourages all Maryland residents to follow the recommended prevention steps HERE and to get vaccinated if exposed to MPX or are at higher risk of being exposed. For more frequently asked questions about M-pox, check out this link HERE. Sign up for updates HERE
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Make Your Voice Heard
If you are looking to testify on legislation in the 2023 General Assembly, be sure to bookmark this Cheat Sheet for Submitting Testimony.
It is an easy index of everything you need to submit testimony in 2023.
Find the Cheat Sheet HERE
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Delegate Henson Legislative Scholarship
The scholarship application must be thoroughly completed and submitted to Delegate Henson's office by April 15, 2023. Find the application HERE
Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please contact the office at (410) 841-3045
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Jobs at BWI Airport
Are you looking to work at the BWI Airport? Attend AAWDC's Job Fair at BWI on Wednesday, March 15, 10am-1pm!
Terminal D/E Art Gallery at BWI Airport.
Get more information of employers and register by going HERE.
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Hoops for Hope 2023
Come watch the 5th annual "Hoops for Hope" basketball game, between Recovery Anne Arundel's "Hope Shots" and The "Blue Line Ballers" from the AACo PD!
All proceeds go to support The "George Phillips Jr Recovery Community Center" in Annapolis.
March 19th 11am-3pm at the AACC Jenkins Gymnasium.
Buy tickets HERE or at the door.
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Be Present for AACPS
Community members who want to help strengthen bonds with schools across the county as part of the new #BePresent initiative can indicate their interest beginning today.
Those interested can send an email to bepresent@aacps.org. The email should include the school in which the sender is interested in volunteering as well as available times and pertinent contact information. For more information go HERE.
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Free Best Friend
The Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter has reached its capacity, but new dogs in need of care are still arriving daily. Help us find all of these animals a home by adopting or fostering.
To help all these furry friends find a new home, the shelter has waived adoption fees for all available dogs through the end of March.
Learn more and see available dogs HERE.
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Know Before You Go
You can now plan your commute before you leave your house by checking out the traffic on local roads from the County's live camera feeds?
For more information and to see the feeds go HERE.
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Learn about Hospital Careers, Health Education Pathways Through JoinMdHealth Online
Maryland hospitals are hiring. A new resource is available from the Maryland Hospital Association to help you identify open positions in Maryland hospitals or an education pathway that will help prepare you for a career in hospital care. Learn more HERE and HERE.
No matter your background, your age, or your interests, a career in hospital care is waiting for you.
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
This is a new program providing benefits for water and wastewater costs for low-income households experiencing hardship with their water bills. LIHWAP will assist Maryland families who are behind on their drinking water and wastewater bills focusing on arrearage accounts that are 30 days or more past due. More info HERE
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Maryland Health Connection Easy Enrollment Program
This tax season, just check a box on your state tax return to share information with Maryland Health Connection? Within a week, you can expect a letter in the mail. This unlocks a 35-day enrollment window, starting from the date on the letter.
File your taxes before April 18, 2023 to open your enrollment window. Check the box, learn about your options, and get covered! Learn more HERE
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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2023 Scholarship applications are open!
For over three decades, the CBCF in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, they award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent.
Find more information and apply HERE.
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Free Backyard Composting Kit
Did you know, you can reduce the amount of yard waste at your home by composting?
In addition to the County's Yard Waste Program, we provide free backyard composting kits to interested residents to encourage healthier living.
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Trained Military Assistance Provider Program
This program is an essential part of Maryland's plan to end suicide in our service members, veterans, and their families. This curriculum is for Maryland-based healthcare providers interested in learning more about military culture, crisis response planning and suicide prevention strategies, and lethal means safety protocols focused on service members, veterans and their families Learn more and apply HERE.
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Opportunities Industrialization Center
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Anne Arundel County Maryland is an adult education and job readiness service. We offer free classes in GED Preparation, Introduction to Computer, Microsoft Office Essentials, and English as a Second Language. We believe in improving our community by empowering people to help themselves. More Info HERE.
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File Your Taxes for Free!
If you made $73K or less in 2022, you can do your taxes now with Free File on IRS.gov. The software will submit your taxes now that the IRS has officially started the filing season.
Find more information HERE
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Maryland Business Express
Filings for annual reports, personal property tax returns and extension requests for businesses registered in Maryland are available online at HERE.
Domestic and foreign business entities must file an annual report or request an extension by 4/17/22
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Military Career Connections
Are you a transitioning military service member, veteran, or military spouse wanting to connect with Anne Arundel Workforce Development career services? Visit HERE to learn about the eligibility requirements!
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Veteran Resources
Blue Star Families and Serving Together are connecting veteran families in need with resources to support them by way of the Veterans Assistance and Nutrition Program.
Those interested in receiving assistance can register by calling 855-738-7176, M-F, 9am to 4:30pm.
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Pay Your AACo Utility and Tax Bills the Easy Way
A new payment system for property tax and water bills for Anne Arundel County will allow residents to set up automatic payments. Residents will now be able to set up automatic payments for their property tax and water bills, and can make payments through a digital wallet. This upgrade also includes an automated phone system that eliminates wait times.
Set-up Payment HERE. For more information, visit HERE.
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Help to Get Your High School Diploma
Ready to earn your high school diploma?
Get training and career advancement through three high school diploma options for adults in Maryland. The GED, NEDP, and the Adult High School Program are programs that lead to a Maryland High School Diploma, and each with unique features to fit your schedule and learning preferences.
To learn more about each pathway and to find prep classes near you, click here: HERE
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MyMDCARES "Counselor On Call" Program
Need help navigating life within relationships, school, parenting, work, legal, financial, and other everyday responsibilities? The MyMDCARES program is now available with confidential, in-the-moment support, 24/7 that can help you and dependents with personal or professional issues that could be interfering with work or family issues. Participation is at no-cost to you! Learn more about this program HERE.
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Affordable Connectivity Program
Maxsip Telecom, the provider for the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program, is providing FREE internet and tablets to anyone on government assistance programs like Medicaid. Go to the link HERE to learn more about qualifications and to apply!
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Call or Text 988 for Free Support
The new 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide. Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 to talk to mental health counselors and receive confidential and free support 24/7/365.
Anne Arundel County residents can still access the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. Community Warmline at 410-768-5522.
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Share the Gift of Mobility
The Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use program collects gently-used durable medical equipment, sanitizes and repairs each item, and provides them to adults and children with mobility needs - free of charge. If you or a loved one is in need of equipment or has a donation, we encourage you to reach out and give or receive the "Gift of Mobility."
For more information click here: HERE
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Anne Arundel County Dental Access Program
Does getting access to quality dental care for you and your family seem beyond your reach? You may be eligible to participate in the Anne Arundel Dental Access Program. The program provides meaningful discounts to these needed services. For more information visit HERE
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Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson
Every First Wednesday, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.
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Bad Weather Preparedness, Eviction Prevention, COVID-19 Guidance, Masks & Clinics |
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Get Help Finding Jobs & Hiring New Employees
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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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Community Food and Necessity 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 Friday-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov
- 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.
- 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 pantry available ever Wed. and Fri. from 9AM - 11AM.
- 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 prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm
- Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Westfield Annapolis Mall, gives away baby/infant supplies and menstrual products every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.
- Cornerstone Church: Rotating HACA communities on the second Saturday of each month (May - Bloomsbury, June - Eastport, July - Morris Blum, August - Robinwood). Each giveaway will be 12:30pm 2:30pm.
Call 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." 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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