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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We are ready for another productive session in the Maryland House of Delegates. We’ve got much to do in this 445th session of the Maryland General Assembly as we continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us, helping bridge the community to healthy lives. While it will once again be a busy session, I am honored to represent you again because it is my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live well.
We already have more than 10 bills in the pipeline, and look to sponsor and co-sponsor many more. Our legislative focus is on Preserving African-American Culture, Physical and Mental Wellness, Housing Quality, and Economic Empowerment. Here are some highlights…
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Requiring public colleges and universities to adopt policies authorizing students to withdraw when they experience circumstances of illness, injury, hospitalization, or mental health and wellness. And provides for a tuition reimbursement for the semester during which the student withdraws.
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Raising the wage rate of Personal Care Aides to at least $16/hour. And requiring the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to increase the reimbursement rate for Program long-term services and supports by 15%.
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Requiring state agencies to adopt regulations establishing a uniform standard for mold assessment and remediation in residential rental properties, and providing tenant protections in situations where mold is found.
For the more information on all my legislation see HERE and follow my office on Social Media.
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New Leadership Position for Delegate Shaneka Henson
Speaker Adrienne Jones recently appointed Delegate Henson as Vice Chair of the Pensions Oversight Committee. Additionally, Delegate Henson was reappointed to the House Appropriations Committee. Her committee assignments oversee the State's operating budget, capital budget and pension fund.
Read the full announcement HERE
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Opening Day 2023
The 445th Maryland General starts tomorrow, Jan. 11, 2023. Your testimony and participation is essential to crafting the best policies and state budget. Committees in the House and Senate will accept virtual and in-person testimony this session. Stay tuned for guidance from each committee. Check for updates HERE
Tune in to floor proceedings 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/NEW 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--
our struggle against MPX continues to show great promise. 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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Business Telework Assistance Grant Program
The Business Telework Assistance Grant Program will provide grants of up to $25,000 to purchase equipment necessary to develop and implement telework policies, including hardware, software, and technical services.
To be eligible, businesses must have a physical location in the state, be in good standing, and develop a telework policy that conforms to the best practices established by the Office of Telework Assistance.
Apply HERE by January 6 at 5pm.
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Free English Language & Basic Skills Classes
English Language and adult basic skills classes begin January 23rd through March 15th at the Pip Moyer Rec Center in Annapolis. Classes are offered to persons age 16 and older. Registration closes February 1st.
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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
Beginning Dec.19th 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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Maryland Health Connection Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is here and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. You can now get help in 30 minutes or less. An insurance broker will call you to discuss your private health plan options.
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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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Food Scrap Composting Drop Off Program
The City of Annapolis is proud to announce that City Resident's can drop-off food scraps into the collection containers at Truxtun Park near the Skatepark at 300 Truxtun Park Road during normal park hours.
To access the collection containers, City Residents will need to sign-up to receive the access code.
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Report Potholes to DPW
Help Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works repair potholes in your area by reporting them to DPW.
Report potholes HERE or call 410-222-7500
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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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Join Delegate Henson's Team
The Office of Delegate Shaneka Henson is now hiring passionate public servants to join our team for constituent services, communications, research and legislative internship opportunities. Send your resume and statement of interest to our office.
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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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Maryland’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Programs Now Open
Maryland programs funded by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) are open. Up to $198 million in federal small business relief is being administered by three state agencies. These agencies will use funds to expand and enhance nine existing state business lending and investment programs. Click HERE for funding access.
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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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Improving Your Home with Maryland WholeHome
Maryland homeowners who have emergency repairs in their primary residence that they are unable to address because of the financial impact of COVID-19. May be eligible for up to $10,000 in funds to address any emergency repairs, including mold remediation, asbestos and lead paint removal, no heat or no air, electrical repairs, plumbing and septic repairs, and other structural and maintenance issues.
Click HERE for more details.
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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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