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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SESSION UPDATE: WHAT'S IN THE BUDGET FOR DISTRICT 30A?
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The state budget is one of our greatest tools to accomplish our shared priorities. I am honored to serve on our state's budget committee, because it is my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live well. Last week Governor Wes Moore introduced his first budget. The Governor's budgets are powerful suggestions to the General Assembly. We will spend the remainder of session reviewing each line item and making revisions. We now have the authority to move money around, but not increase the overall budget. Here are some highlights of what's in the Governor's budget for our district:
Public Health & Safety
AACO Joint 911 Public Safety Center $10M
Luminis Health AAMC-Behavioral Health Emergency Department $863,000
Sustained increased aid for AACO & Annapolis police (27% increase beginning FY23)
Schools
Annapolis Middle School $3.2M
Increased funding for AACPS school transportation (+$2M)
History/Arts/Culture
Historic Annapolis Restoration-Brice House $3M
DGS-Historic State House Renovation $223,000
Annapolis Maritime Museum $40,216
Historic Londontowne Gardens $18,080
Historic Annapolis (operating) $880,100
Fully funded the increased African American Heritage Preservation Grant (+$5M statewide)
Environment & Parks
Duvall & Kitty Creek Dredging $367,500
Church Creek Dredging $230,000
Annapolis-Fourth Street Public Boating Access $75,000
Annapolis-Hawkins Cove Dredging $75,000
Annapolis Shipwright Street Public Boating Access $75,000
Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park $5M
Additionally, last week we held hearings on Maryland 529 prepaid college trust. We collectively pushed for relief for Maryland families. Watch the hearing HERE.
Follow Delegate Henson's bills 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. See our update on the Maryland's response to the outbreak HERE. For more frequently asked questions about M-pox, check out this link HERE. Sign Up 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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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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Cervical Cancer Awareness
MDH provides no-cost cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient navigation services to eligible Marylanders.
Visit HERE or call 1-800-477-9774
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Episcopal Diocese of Maryland Reparation Grants
February 1, 2023 – Application Opens
February 9, 2023 – Assistance Meeting
March 1, 2023 – Application Closes
For more information on our journey to reparations, please see HERE.
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Radon Awareness Month
It is Radon awareness month. Radon is the leading cause of preventable lung cancer among non-smokers. Learn more about the dangers of Radon HERE.
Order a low-cost test kit for your home 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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Summer Camp Fair
Please join Anne Arundel County Rec and Parks' "Adventure Awaits" Summer Camp Fair at Severna Park High School, Saturday (Feb 4), 10am - noon.
Representatives will be on hand to showcase all AACO summer camps and programs and to answer any questions you might have.
Assistance with online camp registration will be offered if needed. For more information, please go HERE.
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Small Business Cybersecurity Resilience in Maryland
Applications are open for the Small Business Cybersecurity Resilience in Maryland (SCRIM) program. SCRIM can help train employees and install hardware and software to help prevent future cyber attacks.
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American Pickers is Coming to Maryland
Exciting news, American Pickers will be visiting Maryland in March. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection of antiques that the Pickers can look through, use the contact info below to reach out.
americanpickers@cineflix.com
(646) 493-2184
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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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Free Take-Home COIVD Tests
Residents can order the fourth round of free rapid tests offered this year by the U.S. Department of Health. Test kits will be delivered by USPS mail.
Order your test click HERE
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Student Loan Repayment Pause Extended
U.S. Department of Education extended the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections. Payments will resume 60 days after June 30, 2023, unless the Department is permitted to implement the Biden Administration loan forgiveness program.
Apply more information HERE
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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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Landing Zone Maryland
If you are a Veteran moving to Maryland, we invite you to visit the landing zone website to learn more about Maryland and resources available to you and your family.
Visit HERE for information and resources.
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Bay Plate Support for the Community
Maryland’s beloved bay plate makes a positive impact in local communities. You can make an impact by purchasing your Bay Plate for only $20 today.
Click HERE to check out the perks, proceeds information and the impact you can make in your community.
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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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Money for Child Care
Apply for a Child Care Scholarship. Changes to the Child Care Scholarship Program makes more families eligible for assistance and enhances child care scholarship opportunities for working families.
Find more information HERE
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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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