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: BILLS TO WATCH |
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There are only 62 days left in the current legislative session. At this point, more than 1,900 bills have been filed in the House & Senate. Not every bill will be called for a vote, however every timely filed bill will receive a hearing. Here are some bills to watch:
HB293 Annual Report Filing Fees (Sponsored by Delegate Henson)- This bill requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to waive the annual corporate filing fee for specified business entities that file an annual report electronically.
HB013 Hate Crimes Civil Remedy Provides that victims of certain hate crime laws may bring a civil action against the person or persons who committed the act in a court of competent jurisdiction; and authorizing the court to impose an injunction and award certain economic and noneconomic damages.
HB014 Family Law-Grounds for Divorce Repealing the authority of the court to decree a limited divorce; and altering certain grounds for an absolute divorce.
HB119 Human Sexuality & Gender Identity K-12 Education Each local board of education must establish policies, guidelines, and procedures for family life and human sexuality or gender identity and sexual orientation topics. A parent or guardian may opt their student out however, a local board may not authorize a parent or guardian to opt the student out of education related to HIV and AIDS prevention.
HB151 Notification of Rent Increase Requires a landlord to notify a tenant in writing or through e-mail at least 120 days before increasing the tenant's rent by more than 4%.
HB259 Gun Industry Accountability Act Authorizing certain civil actions against firearm industry members who knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to public harm by the sale, manufacture, distribution, importation, or marketing of a firearm-related product.
HB477 Public Higher Education Abortion Care Requires each public higher education institution, in consultation with students, to develop and implement a reproductive health services plan to administer at the institution or to refer.
HB430 Police Immunity & Accountability Act Establishing that a police officer is not immune from civil or criminal liability for violations of another individual's constitutional rights.
SB001 Gun Safety Act of 2023 Prohibiting a person from knowingly wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm onto the real property of another unless the other has given certain permission to the person or the public generally; and prohibiting a person from knowingly wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm within 100 feet of a place of public accommodation.
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. For more frequently asked questions about M-pox, check out this link HERE. Sign up for updates 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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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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Freedom Way: Exhibition & Presentation
Maryland Hall will host a presentation of the exhibit Freedom Way: A Blueprint of African American Resistance and Liberation in the United States.
The exhibit is currently on display. Come to the featured presentation on February 19th at 1pm.
Bowen Theatre, Lower Level
801 Chase Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
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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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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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Christiansen Memorial Art Contest
Calling all artists! The Ellene "Brit" Christiansen Memorial Art Contest is back for artisits with disabilities. Theme of 2023 is "Express Yourself". More info HERE
Deadline is 2/20/2023
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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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AACO Executive Community Support Grants
Community Support Grants are for eligible non-profit organizations. Applications for FY 2024 funding are available now. FY 2024 funding will be available for the period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and is contingent on approval of the FY 2024 budget.
- Application Available: January 9, 2023
- Application Deadline: February 21, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
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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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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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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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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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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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