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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Everyone Deserves the Opportunity to Live Well
Innovative Housing Legislation for the 2023 General Assembly Session
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Long before I was given the honor of serving as your Delegate I was passionate about Housing Equality and I am still committed to using my voice and my office to lift up the concerns and needs of those often overlooked. In pursuit of this, I have proposed a comprehensive package of bills this session to address some of the many problems facing renters in our state. Below is a summary of these bills. I cannot fight this battle alone. As I use my platform, I ask that you would use your platforms to amplify this call for justice.
House Bill 500: Maintenance Support for Affordable Housing Act of 2023
This bill supplements federal home improvement funds to allocate at least $1.5M annually for significant and deferred maintenance improvement projects for affordable housing units. Currently, public funding for affordable housing is largely focused on capital dollars to support new building projects or major renovations. Meanwhile, little public support exists for larger maintenance projects, such as installation of new roofs, refacing or resurfacing projects, mitigation of water intrusion and other projects that maintain housing quality over time. While rental revenue is intended to cover ongoing maintenance, affordable housing developments lack the ability to adjust rents to meet changes in demands for property maintenance. This fund offers a revenue source to maintain quality upkeep of affordable housing.
Committee: Appropriations
Hearing Date: Tuesday 3/7/23
Testimony sign-up: Friday 3/3/23
The Community Development Fund was created to offer financial assistance, including capital and operating grants, to community development projects and community development organizations around the state to support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization for residential and commercial areas, housing counseling, financial counseling, foreclosure prevention, community organizing, small business development, and community services.
The Fund is to be administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development with assistance from an appointed board. Legislation in the 2018 General Assembly created the Community Development Fund with no funding source (2018 HB109). Delegate Henson’s bill seeks an annual appropriation of $5M for the Fund with revenue from the abandoned property fund which generates over $95M annually from the sale of abandoned personal property in Maryland.
Committee: Appropriations
Hearing Date: Tuesday 3/14/23
Testimony sign-up: Friday 3/10/23
An involuntary change in circumstance can make it impossible for families to continue payments on rental housing. This bill limits the liability of tenants by allowing lease termination in certain instances such as death of a primary wage earner or relocation of a job.
Committee: Environment and Transportation
Hearing Date: Tuesday 2/28/23
Testimony sign-up: Friday 2/24/23
Indoor Air Quality: Addressing the Serious Problem of Mold in Rental Housing
The impact of mold exposure has been linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and the development or exacerbation of asthma. The risks of mold are even higher for children, the elderly and the immunocompromised and yet no protections exist in Maryland state law to ensure that rental housing is free from mold. This set of three bills promotes healthier and safer living environments for residential renters across our state by creating uniform standards for mold assessment and remediation, provisions to provide tenants relief through the State’s rent escrow statute, and a tax credit to offset the cost to property owners wishing to provide healthy housing.
Establishes standards for mold assessment and remediation.
Committee: Environment and Transportation
Hearing Date: Friday 3/3/23
Testimony sign-up: Wednesday 3/1/23
House Bill 965: Income Tax – Credit for Mold Remediation of Residential Rental Properties
Creates a tax incentive for landlords who remediate mold in rental housing.
Committee: Ways & Means
Hearing Date: Thursday 3/2/23
Testimony sign-up: Tuesday 2/28/23
Provides tenants relief through the State’s rent escrow statute.
Committee: Environment and Transportation
Hearing Date: Tuesday 2/28/23
Testimony sign-up: Friday 2/24/23
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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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Meet Your Representatives
Join Delegate Henson along with Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones, and Delegate Howard on Monday February 27th for our annual District night to celebrate the legislative session, hear about the work we are doing on behalf of Marylanders, and enjoy some great local food!
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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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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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Minority Business Enterprise Night In Annapolis
Minority Business Enterprise was created to provide underrepresented groups with the opportunity to connect with their legislators, state agencies and the procurement process. This year's theme is "Building an Ecosystem for Black Entrepreneurs."
MBE night will take place on February 28 from 6-9 p.m. at the Westin, Annapolis. Register and find more info HERE.
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Student Member of AACO School Board
High school juniors in good academic standing can get more information on becoming the 2023-2024 Student Member of the Board of Education during a hybrid Information Night scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
The Student Member of the Board is elected by members of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils and appointed by the Governor.
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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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City of Annapolis
Black History Month Celebration
The City of Annapolis will host a Black History Month celebration on February 24, at City Hall, in City Council Chambers. The event will include music and poetry, special guest speakers and food. That begins at 6 p.m. and is a ticketed event, but tickets are free.
Get your free tickets HERE.
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Doing Business With The MTA Development Workshop
The MTA is hosting a Workshop with the Division of Civil Rights & Fair Practices, March 8th, 2023 from 9am to 1pm.
This is a great opportunity to network officials and learn about resources to assist in growing and strengthening your business.
Location: Harry Hughes Conference Room at MDOT Headquarters (7201 Corporate Center Drive Hanover, Maryland 21076).
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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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Car Seat Safety Check
Free Car Seat Safety Checks are available every second Thursday of each month throughout 2023. Next available spots are in March! Appointments fill up quickly, so register early 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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Anne Arundel County Warming Centers
- County Police Department District Stations will be available 24/7.
- County Senior Activity Center Community Rooms will be available during business hours (8:30am-4pm) Monday through Friday.
- Public Libraries will be available during business hours (10am-9pm) Monday through Thursday and (10am-5pm) Friday through Saturday.
Anyone who needs sheltering, special accommodations, or has public inquiries can contact the Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522.
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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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