Dear Friends,
We began this week with another well-attended Shelly@thedeli in Owings Mills, co-hosted with Delegate Cheryl Pasteur and had a great Q&A about all-things-Annapolis. We thought this week would provide a bit of a respite, after last week's whirlwind with five bill hearings and the first General Assembly press conference with the Governor, but it's turning out to be a popular time for constituent groups to come to Annapolis. So, my schedule is pretty packed with citizen advocates wanting to talk about: care for individuals with disabilities and the budget, affordable housing and the budget, Alzheimer's and the budget, dental care and the budget. Do you see a theme here? This reflects my new position on the Budget & Taxation (B&T) Committee!
We've had some excellent bill hearings and we continue to negotiate with colleagues and advocates to strive for consensus on legislation where we can. SB 328 creates an opportunity for the public to comment on the agenda of the very important Board of Public Works was approved by the B&T Committee and passed second reader by the full Senate today.
Next week, I'll present SB 620 to the Education, Energy & Environment Committee to prohibit online gaming companies from having arrangements with public universities where the higher ed institutions would receive remuneration for students' participation in online gaming. The bill would also make contracts between universities and online gaming companies accessible to the public. Next week, we'll also present a bill to create a comprehensive Task Force to Study Elder Abuse, working with advocates to devise recommendations to address this important issue.
Over the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to introduce to my colleagues a number of constituents nominated by the Moore/Miller Administrations to be cabinet secretaries and other significant appointees. I've been a regular presence before the Executive Nominations Committee, the body that vets appointees before the Senate votes on their confirmation. I am grateful to have a district that has so many incredibly talented public servants. You'll see a photograph below of me introducing Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, our new Secretary of the Department of Health.
Save the date for our next Shelly@thedeli, with Delegates Jon Cardin & Dana Stein -- March 6th at 8:30. More info to come.
Stay safe & healthy,
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Families are struggling to find affordable housing, and many are waiting years for federal housing subsidies. While Maryland currently provides temporary cash assistance to eligible recipients, these benefits are not sufficient to help cover housing costs in addition to other living expenses.
SB420 provides much-needed assistance to vulnerable families. We have the tools to deliver relief and ensure all Marylanders have a safe place to live.
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Our institutions of higher education should not be profiting by encouraging students to bet on sports.
SB 620 makes contracts between colleges and gambling companies subject to public inspection under the Maryland Public Information Act.
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Elder abuse is an often unreported issue that can affect seniors' finances and physical and mental health. As our population ages, the number of incidents will only increase.
SB797 establishes a task force to ensure we have the tools and reporting capabilities to protect Maryland's vulnerable.
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This week the Maryland Senate passed SB202, sponsored by Senator Feldman, to strengthen the Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Tasked with protecting Marylanders from prescription price spikes and reviewing drug costs, this board is unique to Maryland and critical to ensuring life-saving medications are more affordable.
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"Because of a new state law, about $3.25 million from that settlement will go toward providing legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. The funds will provide access to counsel for about 3,000 tenants, according to a news release from Maryland Sen. Shelly Hettleman, a Democrat from Baltimore County, and Del. Sandy Rosenberg, a Democrat from Baltimore City, who sponsored the legislation in the Maryland General Assembly last session."
"Nationally, the measure is known as Donna’s Law after a woman who died by suicide in New Orleans in 2018. A person could enroll themselves on the list, which is entirely voluntary, to prevent them from being sold a firearm. Baltimore County Democratic Sen. Shelly Hettleman is sponsoring the bill creating Maryland’s list.
“We know there are people with mental illness, and in times when they are down, want to inflict self harm,” Hettleman told the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee during a hearing Feb. 7. “And any time we can create space between that period of time, and access to a firearm, is a good thing.”
“It treats addiction not as a criminal offense, but as a public health issue,” Hettleman said. Overdose prevention sites seem “to be working in New York and I don’t see why they can’t in Maryland.”
"If Maryland passes the bill, it will be the first U.S. state to encourage companies to implement a shortened work week. The bill would provide qualifying companies a tax credit in exchange for reducing work hours from 40 to 32 hours a week and leaving pay the same."
The bill sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County) seeks to not only improve and streamline the state’s “broken” medical and geriatric parole system, but also show compassion for older inmates.
“This bill is a good piece of legislation that represents a consensus for how best we can provide a humane and just and safe medical, geriatric parole system that will reflect best practices,” she said.
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County Executive Olszewski and the Baltimore County Department of Planning announced the creation of the Community Planning Institute. Aimed at increasing community engagement, the CPI will meet with various county agencies and guest speakers to ensure members have a better understanding of county processes and regulations making them better advocates for their communities. Applications will be open in March.
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Winter Service Adjustments
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Job Readiness Program for Baltimore County Residents |
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Applicants Needed: Blueprint for Maryland's Future
Accountability and Implementation Board
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Attn education policy experts: the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Accountability and Implementation Board seeks applications to fill a vacancy.
This incredibly important board is an independent unit of the Maryland State government responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Please share with your contacts.
Applications are due by 8 PM on February, 24.
Learn more about the board and qualifications to join:
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Senatorial Scholarship
Each year, Delegates and Senators in the Maryland General Assembly award thousands of Maryland students funding for their education. If you know of a student in need of financial assistance for the 2023-2024 academic school year, please forward the following information about my Senatorial scholarship. The FAFSA form must be completed before applying for the Senatorial scholarship.
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During this tax season, you will be able to sign up for health coverage through the Easy Enrollment program. Check a box on your tax return if you would like the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the state agency that runs Maryland Health Connection, to estimate your eligibility for coverage.
If you file your taxes by April 18, this selection launches an easy process that will help you enroll.
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CASEWORK/ADVOCACY
Our office advocates for those who may be vulnerable or need assistance cutting through “bureaucratic red tape” with these entities and many more:
◆ Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
◆ State Highway Administration (SHA)
◆ BGE
◆ Unemployment Insurance (Dept. of Labor)
◆ Tax Issues (Office of the Comptroller)
◆ Citations for milestone birthdays, Gold/Eagle Scout Awards, etc.
◆ Senate resolutions for major/historic commemorations
We work closely with our local and federal partners to ensure that our constituents’ voices are heard at all levels of government, striving to make government accessible and responsive to our constituents' needs. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
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