Dear Friends,
I hope you are enjoying our beautiful fall weather. I wanted to offer you updates of interest, including the important Prince George’s County Redistricting Hearing, COVID-19 Booster Shots, Prince George’s County Schools’ boundary meetings, County grant funding availability for non- profits and assistance for renters and landlords from the state.
The 2020 U.S. Census has led to a review of Maryland’s Congressional District boundaries and therefore there will be a Special Session held by the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis from December 6-10, 2021. I will send you more information as we get closer to that date.
In the meantime, please do reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
As always, it remains my great privilege to represent you!
Sincerely,
Geraldine
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
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Sign Up to Speak at the
Prince George’s County Redistricting
Final Public Hearing
Tuesday, November 16th
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Redistricting in Prince George’s County is the process of redrawing the County Council’s legislative districts every ten years, following the completion of the United States Census. Pursuant to the completion of the 2020 Census Prince George’s County created a 3 member commission to develop a redistricting plan. In that time three separate plans have been developed and include: an original “Commission Plan”, a revised County Council plan referred to as the “Davis Plan,” and a third referred to as the “Compromise Plan."
For residents in my state legislative district (23A) the impact of the Redistricting Commission’s plan initially moved South Laurel from District 1 into District 4, which is anchored by the City of Bowie. A subsequent County Council plan (“Davis Plan”) retained the intent to move South Laurel to District 4. However, on October 19, 2021, the Council considered and approved additional changes to the “Davis Plan” which is now called the “Compromise Plan”.
The “Compromise Plan” restores unincorporated South Laurel back into District 1, and moves the City of Greenbelt into District 4; splits the City of College Park in Districts 1 and 3 and places most of the University of Maryland back into District 3.
The County Council will hold a virtual public hearing and vote on the compromise plan on Tuesday, November 16th. To sign up to speak or to submit written comments, please click here.
In addition, please forward your written comments directly to the Clerk of the Council via email. To view the Council Redistricting Plan and maps, visit the Council’s Legislative and Zoning Information webpage. For additional information on the Commission’s work and final recommendations, please visit the Commission’s webpage.
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RSVP to Discuss PGCPS Upcoming School Boundaries Changes |
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The PGCPS Comprehensive Boundary Initiative is an effort to best utilize school facilities in support of the school district’s academic objectives. There are a number of draft scenarios under consideration which could impact your child's school.
SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend an upcoming virtual meeting to give the school system your feedback:
- Tuesday, November 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (en español)
- Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (en español)
- Saturday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. – noon (English con interpretación al español)
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COVID -19 Booster Shots
County to Offer Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots
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Booster shots of all three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are available at Prince George’s County Health Department clinics, local pharmacies and health care providers.
Following the FDA’s emergency use authorization and the CDC’s official recommendation, individuals in the following groups who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after completing their initial series:
- 65 years and older
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Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
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Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
Individuals 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for booster shots if they were vaccinated two or more months ago.
The FDA and the CDC now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. Eligible individuals who have a preference for a vaccine brand may choose which vaccine brand they receive as a booster dose.
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Prince George’s County
Offering Non-Profit Grants
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FY 2022 Community Partnership Grant (CPG) Program; This year’s program offers approximately $1.6 million in grant funding to eligible non-profit organizations that provide community-based program initiatives to help foster the growth and development of people and communities in the County.
The deadline for application submission for the CPG Program is Friday, November 12 at 5:00 PM. For more information and to complete an application, visit the CPG website. If you have questions concerning CPG applications, please contact the Strategic Partnerships Division at PGNonProfits@co.pg.md.us.
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State Emergency Rental Assistance Program |
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or call 877-546-5595 to get connected to emergency rental assistance programs (ERAP). All jurisdictions in Maryland are currently accepting applications. In addition to local programs, tenants in eligible properties may qualify for DHCD’s Assisted Housing Relief Program, which serves rental units in multifamily projects financed by the Department’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources. Tenants in those properties should contact their property management company for application information.
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By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer |
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