Dear Friends,

As the nation’s eyes look towards accountability for the murder of George Floyd on the national level, we know that no community is immune to the long overdue need for police reform. Our criminal justice system has been broken for a long time. These issues and dynamics are complex, arising from the historical roots of racist systems for which no singular policy change can immediately remediate. Communities have too often felt over-policed, yet underserved. Although we have made efforts towards equality and justice, these reforms have led to woefully insufficient results. As a state, we cannot claim to have done enough to reform policing and the criminal justice system without looking at the underlying issues that have gotten us here in the first place. While we work to find these solutions, it is important to recognize that systemic change is required to ensure that police departments uphold their duty to protect and serve.
 
This week, the General Assembly took historic steps to create meaningful change and reform policing for generations to come. These bills that will fundamentally improve policing are a result of the tireless work of advocates who believe that law enforcement should serve all Marylanders fairly and justly. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held hearings over the past six months so that we could receive meaningful input from constituents, stakeholders, and organizations.

I am thankful for the hard work of my Chairman, Will Smith, my colleagues on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, as well as the President of the Senate, Bill Ferguson and my Senate colleagues who have put hundreds of hours into crafting these policies. The resulting package is centered on the core values of trust, transparency, and accountability. It will build safer communities, which will also ensure that officers are safer when engaging with the people they are sworn to protect.

The bills include: a repeal of the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights, (LEOBR); restrictions on no-knock warrants and surplus military equipment; expansion of the use of body cameras; a restoration of local control of the Baltimore Police Department; and an expansion of the Maryland Public Information Act to include police misconduct records. A detailed list of the bills in the reform package will be included in next week’s end of session letter.

With only four days to go until the end of the session, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done. I wish you a safe & peaceful weekend and we'll be in touch shortly with our end of session wrap up. 

Sincerely,
Shelly's Signature
In this issue:
  • Post Session Town Hall
  • Legislative Updates
  • Vaccination Updates
  • Scholarships
  • Baltimore County Restaurant Week
  • Resources and Information- Rent & Financial Relief, Food, Utilities, and more...
  • Tax deadline extensions
Register for the Town Hall
Join the D11 team by registering here. A link will be sent to watch the town hall live or to call in to listen. Can't make it? No worries- simply fill out the form with your questions and indicate you can't make it- we'll do our best to respond to your inquiry and send you the recording of the event.
Shortly after the General Assembly adjourns, I will be sending out an email and letter update of our legislative work this session. If you would like more information about the bills I introduced, or would like to watch the hearings, please click here. Want to know more about the path bills must take before they become the law in Maryland? Click here

Click here for an update of all my bills as of Wednesday, April 7th.
Vaccine Update

All Marylanders ages 16 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine at the Mass Vax sites 4/6 and all providers on Monday 4/12. Youth ages 16 and 17 can get Pfizer only (as that is the only vaccine approved for that age group.) Pre-register for your appointment here, call 1-855-634-6829 to schedule over the phone. You can also text MDReady to 89821 to learn when appointments are available at mass vaccination sites

Click here for vaccine information and for a comprehensive spreadsheet of all vaccine locations, click here.

Residents can call the Maryland Health Department 877-319-1525 with any feedback and specific questions related to the virus or the vaccine. For individuals who may not be able to access the vaccine registry via computer or who need additional assistance click here, call 311 or use the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline 410-887-3816. TTY users please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. 

Already Vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated? Congratulations! Check out the CDC Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated to continue keeping our communities safe and healthy. Once you have been vaccinated please unsubscribe from the pre-register list HERE.


Please contact my office if you have additional questions or concerns or need assistance scheduling an appointment shelly.hettleman@senate.state.md.us 410-841-3131

Helpful Links & Information:
Scholarship Deadline Approaching!

Each year, Delegates and Senators in the Maryland General Assembly award thousands of Maryland students millions of dollars in financial aid to attend a Maryland institution of higher education. Please note that Senatorial Scholarships are awarded for 4 years and are automatically renewed each year. Upon graduation, students may re-apply for graduate studies. You must be a resident of District 11 to receive a scholarship.

Applications for my scholarship are due on or before April 16, 2021.
Questions? Contact Janet at: jeckman@senate.state.md.us
Baltimore County Restaurant Week!

These special 16 days provide a great opportunity to support all the fabulous local restaurants and taste some delicious local flavors! For more information and all the participating restaurants click here.
Baltimore Co. Resources, Assistance & Information

Baltimore County just announced a new online registration system to support County services, including ongoing food distribution for seniors and career center services.

BGE Grants: BGE is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits for grants of up to $10,000 to support environmental stewardship projects in the company's service area.
For more information, click here.

Fuel Fund of Maryland: The Fuel Fund of Maryland (FFM) will be updating their eligibility guidelines as a result of funding from the RELIEF Act, supplemental grants, and stimulus money. For more information, click here.


Need help?:

  • Housing & utilities, access to food, healthcare, mental health
  • Consumer and legal assistance
  • Substance abuse or domestic violence issues
  • Worker and Small Business Assistance
  • Internet access
  • Senior and General Community Resources

Thank you to the Baltimore County Government for the comprehensive Resource Guide - please check out recently announced programs by clicking on the button below. Please don't hesitate to call or email my office if we can be of assistance.
Maryland state income tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2021, and all new tax forms will be added or updated by April 15th.

Federal income tax filing and payment deadlines have been extended from April 15 to May 17.

Find out if you qualify for free tax return preparation by calling 211 and for more information HERE.
Contact Card- Final