2023 Session Report

It’s officially Spring, and we survived Crossover! Monday was the final day for each Maryland General Assembly chamber to send bills they intend to move forward to the opposite chamber. Only two weeks remain in the 2023 session.

If you are interested in learning more about these pieces of legislation please email my office at pamela.beidle@senate.state.md.us or review the bills here: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/beidle01

This week, SB 553 passed the Senate and its cross-file HB 554 passed the House. SB 553 changes taxes on our retired military as it applies to Maryland State tax. Currently retirees under the age of 55 are not taxed on the first $5000, but this bill increases this amount to the first $12,500. Additionally, for retirees over the age of 55, the amount of income not taxed on has increased from the first $15,000 to the first $20,000.

Both the House and Senate and have passed versions of the budget and it is now in conference committee where any differences will be negotiated. The most significant differences between the two spending plans are in education funding. The Senate budget additions include funding for the state’s medical trauma system, behavioral and community health programs and expanding free school meal programs. I will keep you updated on the progress.

As you probably remember, recreational cannabis was on the ballot in the General Election. The voters overwhelming voted to approve its use in Maryland. The House and the Senate are working on the legislation needed to implement the expansion to recreational cannabis. HB 556 was amended and passed to the Senate. The Finance Committee will review additional amendments on Monday, we will most likely vote on the bill on Tuesday and the Second Reader will be on the Senate Floor Wednesday. There is still a lot to be done. It is already a 100-page bill.

It was a pleasure to share breakfast with Governor Moore and the Veteran’s Caucus yesterday.

Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration is a partnership between the Trust, the Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, and the City of Annapolis. This award program aims to improve water quality in the County’s local streams and waterways, as called for in the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and County and City of Annapolis’ Stormwater Management Inventory and Watershed Improvement Plan, which require reductions in storm flow volume and pollutants entering the County’s waterways.

USDA Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production Grant The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.

Tandem Grant Initiative - Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) Fund. County Executive and Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) announced a new initiative to complement the Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) loan program where who apply and are approved for an ACR loan for up to $100,000 can receive a grant equal to 25 percent of the loan amount for façade improvements. The grant will be available to small businesses and commercial property owners in our 11 revitalization areas.

The full press release can be found HERE.

USDA Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.

Help our Neighbors. Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) provides grants to local nonprofits that assist individuals and families in need by providing emergency assistance, such as covering immediate living expenses like paying rent to prevent eviction, utilities to prevent shut-off, fees for transportation to work or car repair, or for essential medication and medical care to return to or maintain their health. 

Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services. This office recently released Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for several grant programs for Fiscal Year 2024.

March 27th: Silver Spring Vet Center, Silver Spring

March 29th: Annapolis Vet Center, Annapolis

Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to create a Student Trustee position. The goal of this initiative is to provide an opportunity for a young person to learn about board governance and gain valuable real-world experience serving on a governing body. Additionally, the library and its board of trustees will gain insight into students’ points of view on library resources, programs and materials. The Student Trustee will be able to provide valuable information that enables the system to better serve its young adult customers.  

·    Must be a rising junior or senior. 

·    Must live in Anne Arundel County. 

·    Must attend an Anne Arundel County Public School, private school or be homeschooled.  

·    Must be available to serve a one-year term beginning in August 2023 and ending in June 2024.  

·    Must be able to meet all the expectations of a Library Trustee (see below). 

For more information on how to apply, visit aacpl.net/studentmember

Visit the website http://homeownerassistance.maryland.gov or call 877-546-5595.

My office is continuing to receive inquiries about Unemployment claims. If you or anyone you know needs assistance with their Unemployment Insurance claim, please click the link and fill out our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. We will contact our District Liaison regarding your claim.

An interactive web tool is available online (at this LINK) for members of the public to review and comment on a pair of potential redistricting scenarios. 

Comments on the potential scenarios will be accepted through May 31, 2023. Comments to be considered must be left on the redistricting page, not on other social media pages.

The full press release can be found HERE.

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