Dear Friends, We've just completed the second full week of session and committee work has picked up as bills are introduced and scheduled for hearings. In my newsletters I'll highlight some of the bills I'm introducing and provide links below where you can follow their progress. We'll also keep you updated on what's happening in the General Assembly generally. This week, the Governor introduced the budget and the House adopted the Legislative Redistricting Maps that will now become the law guiding the 2022 election. As you may have read before in my newsletter, there will be important changes to District 11 - it's being divided into a single member district in 11A (in the Owings Mills area), and a two-member district in 11B (Pikesville, Ruxton, Lutherville, Cockeysville area). The overall footprint of the district hasn't changed substantially, and a legal challenge is expected, so stay tuned. You can check out the map by clicking on the map and typing in your address. Please read about the budget highlights below. I was very happy to see that the Governor responded to my and my colleagues' Dels. Lisa Belcastro, Jon Cardin, and Dana Stein's request and included $2.5 million for the Pikesville Armory. Over the next few weeks, we'll introduce our incredible team of interns who will be providing our office with additional support throughout the session. It's always a treat to work with impressive young people & we have a terrific group this year. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance. Stay safe & healthy,

In this issue: Back in Annapolis Intern Spotlight Covid-19 Vaccines and Testing MGA Action and Shelly's Bills Here to Help Contact Information

VACCINES Whether you are looking for your first dose, a booster, or a pediatric vaccine, clinics are offered daily at locations across the county with walk-in and appointment availability. Find Baltimore County Health Department vaccine clinic information here. Current CDC booster recommendations here. TESTING Baltimore County testing sites can be found here. They are now appointment only! If you need assistance scheduling a test for yourself or someone else please call 410-887-3816. Maryland Health Department statewide test locations can be found here Looking for at-home tests? Baltimore County is distributing test kits at a number of community sites found here.

My 2022 legislative agenda addresses a broad range of issues from criminal justice matters, to climate change, as well as services for older adults and government transparency and accountability. I will highlight bills in this newsletter and on social media as they are introduced, assigned to committees, and hearings are scheduled. You can learn more by following my legislative page on the MGA website here.

SB 315 is focused on certain kinds of lawsuits – SLAPP suits (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) - where a powerful interest seeks to suppress the free speech rights in certain public interest matters. In these cases, the plaintiff’s effort in the lawsuit is not to seek a remedy for wrongful speech but to intimidate by imposing enormous litigation costs. The bill alters procedures for how these types of cases are handled by the courts.

SB 349 will allow Baltimore County to grant a property tax credit to a homeowner’s property taxes if the homeowner’s combined gross income surpasses the $60,000 cap because they suffered a hardship that resulted in significant financial distress. The goal of the bill is to protect homeowners who may otherwise be eligible for a tax credit but suffered an illness, accident, or property event at the home.

SB 280 allows for electronic filing of interim and protection orders from hospitals. Having to file for a protection order in person requires that someone leave a hospital having no legal protection from their abuser. This bill would enable someone seeking medical care in a hospital to file for a protection order electronically. We've seen how the Judiciary has adapted and expanded access during COVID and we believe they should do so for these proceedings.

Governor Hogan Introduces Budget

Last week, the Governor introduced the ($58.2 billion) operating and ($3.7 billion) capital budgets for fiscal year 2023. Our fiscal health is strong, with surpluses projected through 2027, undoubtedly made stronger by federal government resources directed to the state. The budget provides much needed increases in pay to state workers, continues programs to support hungry children (SNAP) and low wage workers through the Earned Income Tax Credit, while also including education funding to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s future, (except the city and another jurisdiction’s supplemental education funds). The budget holds tuition increases to universities to 2%, makes the first installment of funding we required last year for HBCU’s, and provides $1 billion to implement the Built to Learn Act, making school construction dollars available to address the county’s critical k-12 building issues. It increases funds for crime prevention and victim services as well as increases rates for many healthcare providers and child care providers. Finally, I was also very pleased that the Governor responded to our District 11 team request to include $2.5 million for the Pikesville Armory in the capital budget. More information to come as the General Assembly works through the budget in the coming weeks.

COVID may be unpredictable, but you can at least be prepared for medical needs with a health plan through Maryland Health Connection. All plans cover doctor visits, mental health services, hospital care, and more. Enroll by the February 28th deadline to be covered in 2022. #GetCoveredMD

Maryland State Individual Income Tax Filing Deadline Extended

Maryland taxpayers have until July 15th to file and pay state individual income taxes without penalty. Federal income tax deadline is April 18th. The extension is automatic and there is no need to file an extension. You may receive additional benefits due to changes with the Earned Income Tax Credit, particularly if you file with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Assistance with Maryland state taxes: 1-800-MD-Taxes taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov More information on the Comptroller's website Assistance with federal taxes: 443-853-6000 or 877-777-4778 Or find a local office here

Maryland Departments of Human Services and Housing and Community Development announced increased funding to ensure vulnerable Marylanders can keep up with heating bills this winter. Recipients of the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Electric Universal Assistance Program (EUSP) will receive enhanced benefits to keep up with higher heating and energy bills. Find out if you qualify and how to apply here. Weatherization assistance is also available to reduce energy consumption and cost maintenance of homes. More information can be found here.

CASEWORK/ADVOCACY Our office advocates for those who may be vulnerable or need assistance cutting through “bureaucratic red tape” with these entities and many more: ◆ Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) ◆ State Highway Administration (SHA) ◆ BGE ◆ Unemployment Insurance (Dept. of Labor) ◆ Tax Issues (Office of the Comptroller) ◆ Citations for milestone birthdays, Gold/Eagle Scout Awards, etc. ◆ Senate resolutions for major/historic commemorations We work closely with our local and federal partners to ensure that our constituents’ voices are heard at all levels of government, striving to make government accessible and responsive to our constituents' needs. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

Baltimore County  Resource Guide

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.