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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CROSS OVER UPDATE
Indoor Air Quality: Addressing the Serious Problem of Mold in Rental Housing
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On the 69th day of session, bills passed in the House and Senate cross over to the opposite chamber for consideration. This session we passed House bills that support student mental health, and protect renters from mold hazards. The impact of mold exposure has been linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and the development or exacerbation of asthma, yet no protections exist in Maryland state law to ensure that rental housing is free from mold. We have been able to pass two bill through the House, which are now headed to the Senate for Hearings. The first promotes healthier and safer living environments for renters across our state by creating uniform standards for mold assessment and remediation, and the second creates provisions to provide tenants relief through the State’s rent escrow statute.
HB976: Mold Assessment and Remediation – Standards
Establishes standards for mold assessment and remediation.
Now referred to the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
Hearing date 3/30/23
HB972: Rent Escrow - Mold in Residential Dwelling Units (Now amended to HB691)
Provides tenants relief through the State’s rent escrow statute.
Referred to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee (Hearing TBD)
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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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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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Let Your Career Take Off with Southwest Airlines
Attend a free info session on Tuesday, April 4th at 10:00am and 1:00pm to learn more about job opportunities with Southwest airlines.
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Help for First Time Home Buyers
A free first time homebuyers resource fair is being hosted on Saturday, April 22nd from 9:30am until 1:00pm for prospective and first time home buyers. Workshops will be held to educate buyer on the housing market and to make connections with real estate agents, lenders and mortgage loan assistance programs. Spanish translation is available by request.
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Keeping Highways Litter Free
Operation Clean Sweep Maryland, an effort across the State to remove litter along Maryland’s roads, is underway. The new initiative launched in the Baltimore and Washington regions and will focus on removing litter from the State highways prior to mowing operations.
Report litter HERE or call 1-800-323-6742
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SNAP Benefits Decrease
The end of pandemic assistance recently resulted in a reduction to monthly SNAP benefits. If you or anyone you know has been impacted, the Maryland Food Bank may be able to help.
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Donate Used Medical Equipment
Donate your wheelchairs, walkers, or other medical equipment to Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use. Improve someone’s life and save landfill space.
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Renew Your Maryland Medicaid
Medicaid renewals won't be automatic this year. Check in to make sure your info is current, so that you can receive important notices on any changes to your health insurance.
Learn more HERE or call 855-642-8572
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Be Present for AACPS
Community members who want to help strengthen bonds with schools across the county as part of the new #BePresent initiative can indicate their interest beginning today.
Those interested can send an email to bepresent@aacps.org. The email should include the school in which the sender is interested in volunteering as well as available times and pertinent contact information.
For more information go HERE.
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Free Best Friend
The Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter has reached its capacity, but new dogs in need of care are still arriving daily. Help us find all of these animals a home by adopting or fostering.
To help all these furry friends find a new home, the shelter has waived adoption fees for all available dogs through the end of March.
Learn more and see available dogs HERE.
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Know Before You Go
You can now plan your commute before you leave your house by checking out the traffic on local roads from the County's live camera feeds?
For more information and to see the feeds go HERE.
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Learn about Hospital Careers, Health Education Pathways Through JoinMdHealth Online
Maryland hospitals are hiring. A new resource is available from the Maryland Hospital Association to help you identify open positions in Maryland hospitals or an education pathway that will help prepare you for a career in hospital care. Learn more HERE and HERE.
No matter your background, your age, or your interests, a career in hospital care is waiting for you.
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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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Maryland Health Connection Easy Enrollment Program
This tax season, just check a box on your state tax return to share information with Maryland Health Connection? Within a week, you can expect a letter in the mail. This unlocks a 35-day enrollment window, starting from the date on the letter.
File your taxes before April 18, 2023 to open your enrollment window. Check the box, learn about your options, and get covered! Learn more HERE
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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2023 Scholarship applications are open!
For over three decades, the CBCF in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, they award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent.
Find more information and apply HERE.
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Free Backyard Composting Kit
Did you know, you can reduce the amount of yard waste at your home by composting?
In addition to the County's Yard Waste Program, we provide free backyard composting kits to interested residents to encourage healthier living.
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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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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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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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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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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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