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February 26, 2021
Dear friends,
 What a special evening we had together on Monday, February 22, as District 3 residents shared the stories of their communities and their personal lived experiences at our Black History Month event, "Sharing Our Stories." Please click here to learn more, watch the recording, and view additional resources.
Housing Investment Trust Fund As I've shared in prior email newsletters, I am deeply engaged in the Housing Opportunities for All (HOFA) Workgroup, working to ensu re affordable housing along the Purple Line, and more.
One of the top policy recommendations from the HOFA workgroup is that the County establish a dedicated funding source for our Housing Investment Trust Fund.
The Housing Investment Trust Fund supports rehabilitation, preservation and construction of housing for households earning low wages or living on fixed income, but its funding has been only a few million dollars in any year, even in the best years. The Housing Opportunities for All report recommends funding of $80 million annually. CB-4-2021, which passed out of Committee of the Whole yesterday, will commit a percentage of the County's recordation tax to support affordable housing moving forward.
Investing in quality, affordable housing for Prince George's residents is more important than ever, as we've seen how many of our essential workers and our seniors have trouble finding housing they can afford. Investing in housing contributes to a stronger workforce and thriving local economy.
I am grateful to my colleagues and the County Executive who supported this legislation. I anticipate it will be back on the agenda for final approval in the next few weeks.
Behavioral Health Expansion at Luminis Health Doctors Community Hospital  The County Council Committee of the Whole recently passed CB-8-2021 which would allow for a new behavioral health center at Luminis Health Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham. Prince George's County is woefully under-resourced in terms of behavioral health providers and this new resource for our residents is greatly needed.
Luminis Health Doctors Community Hospital, with funding from Prince George's County, plans to establish a walk-up clinic for kids and adults where clinicians will be readily available to see residents at any time throughout the week. This facility would open late in 2021. A 16-bed psychiatric unit as part of a comprehensive program for both mental health and substance use disorder will also be located on the second floor of the center, pending State approval. Learn more.
If you missed the Mental Health Resources email newsletter my office sent earlier this year, please take a moment to read it here (Spanish version here.) This is a very difficult time for so many, please share these resources with others as well.
Virtual Connections with Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO, Prince George's County Public Schools Please register today to join me on Wednesday, March 3, for our next Virtual Connection event with Dr. Monica Goldson who will update us on what's happening with our public schools, and who will answer your questions.
Glenn Dale Elementary Library Makeover
 Last week I was thrilled to join the Glenn Dale Elementary community for a virtual ribbon cutting on the newly renovated library and media center. Together with my County Council colleagues, we provided a grant to Heart of American foundation to work with Glenn Dale Elementary to complete this work. Earlier in the year art supplies and books were distributed to the students also through this project. I'm incredibly excited that the students, teachers and staff will be able to see and enjoy this beautiful space when they return to the building.
WMATA Budget Proposal
Metro is seeking feedback on their budget proposal, which includes possible service cuts starting in January 2022. Please note, proposed cuts include closing the College Park, Cheverly and Morgan Blvd. Metro Stations for all of Fiscal Year 2022. Learn more at wmata.com/budget.
The deadline to respond to the survey is Tuesday, March 16 at 5 PM. Please take the time to weigh in: http://bit.ly/3ueNLD8
Virtual Connections with the Revenue AuthorityThank you also to everyone who joined me on Friday, February 19, for a Virtual Connection event with the Revenue Authority about parking enforcement and the residential parking program. If you missed the event or would like to watch it again (or share it with neighbors!) please click here.
Be COVID Safe
Even as we all eagerly await our opportunity to be vaccinated, we must continue to practice COVID safety protocols.
Wear a mask over your nose.
Limit gatherings to those you live with.
If you must go out, stay 6 feet away from others.
Continue to wash your hands.
I will continue to share new information as I receive it. Thank you in advance for your patience as we undertake the massive effort of vaccinating our residents.
Together Strengthening Our Community,
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