News From Your State Delegate |
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Courtney Watson
Serving Maryland District 9B
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February 23, 2022
Hello Friends,
This has been a busy few weeks in both the Howard County Delegation and Economic Matters committee meetings - on Monday in ECM we heard testimony on almost 50 bills!
Among those bills are two that I presented on behalf of the County Delegation (HB-840 and HB-1308) and one that I am sponsoring with Delegate Benjamin Brooks, HB-550 Alcoholic Beverages - Manufacturers's Licenses and Off-Site Permits - Sunset Extension. Simply put, this bill extends the sunset from the bill that Delegate Brooks spearheaded last session in order to allow our breweries, wineries, and distilleries to deliver their product with employees and via direct shipment. This bill changes the sunset on those privileges from December 31 of this year until June 30 of 2023. For business owners, I cannot imagine how difficult it has been to navigate the economic fallout and subsequent shift in consumer behavior during the pandemic. This is especially true for highly regulated businesses like the nearly 250 breweries, wineries, and distilleries we have in the State - who often need legislative approval for any change to their business model.
I highlight another of my sponsored bills below. To hear more about the work that is being done in the House this session, plan to attend my next virtual Town Hall meeting - more information to come.
Please contact my office with feedback and questions. Email is the best way to contact us. Keeping up with the email volume is sometimes a challenge so if you do not get an answer in a timely manner, feel free to resend the email with "resending" in the subject line.
Thank you and stay safe and warm - Spring is around the corner!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
HB-4: A Bill's Journey
Climate Bills for 2022
Cannabis Reform Bill Specifics
Facts and Misconceptions About Omicron
Applications For Permanant Mail-in Ballot Status
Calling All Artists
Howard County Child Care Fair
EC250 Essay Contest
HCC Mentors Needed
Small, Minority and Women Business Webinar
Black History Month - Rising to Leadership in HoCo
Scholarship Application Now Available
And More...
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A BILL'S JOURNEY:
From a Constituent's Request for Help
to the General Assembly
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Unemployment Insurance – Recovery of Benefits –
Refund of Payments
This bill originated from a constituent matter which was one of the most challenging and frustrating we helped resolve.
To summarize, the Labor Department extracted money in a duplicate overpayment from our constituent beginning in November, 2020. After months of inquiry and inaction, she brought the matter to my attention in August, 2021. Further inaction, ineffective communication methods, and lack of coordination among Labor Department Units combined to cause extremely poor constituent service. In September, 2021 the Department approved the repayment to our constituent. Finally in November, 2021 a check was mailed to the constituent, exactly one year after the overpayment occurred.
As a legislator, I found this situation unacceptable. HB-4 establishes a process that the Secretary of Labor must follow when the Department is notified by the claimant that an overpayment by the claimant has occurred.
My Chief of Staff, Terry Chaconas worked tirelessly for resolution of this case, and we felt strongly that something must be done - thus, HB-4 was born. If you would like to follow this bill, go to the Maryland General Assembly website and plug in HB4 in the search section at the top of the page.
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February 10 was the final day to submit bills in the House of Delegates. We call it "Hopper Day." As Chair of the Howard County House Delegation, I had to sign and turn in all the local bills we have been working on since January 12. From here, they will be sent to committees and have three readings on the House Floor before final passage. Then, the bills must go to the Senate for a smiliar process. The process of crafting and passing legislation is appropriately long and complex, with several checks and balances along the way to ensure the best possible outcome. |
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Climate Solutions and the 2022
Legislative Session
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I'm pleased to report that several bills have been introduced this session to address the effects of climate change in Maryland, including the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (SB0528). This bill, introduced by Senator Pinksy, seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of ways, "including the alteration of statewide greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal, the development of certain energy efficiency and electrification requirements for certain buildings, and requiring electric companies to increase their annual incremental gross energy savings through certain programs and services." In addition, Maryland Matters highlights three smaller bills that may have significant impact. Read more here. |
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Specifics About Delegate Clippinger's
Cannabis Reform Bill
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House Bill 837 creates an equitable path to adult recreational cannabis should Marylanders vote to legalize cannabis in the 2022 General Election.
Right now, recreational cannabis is legal in 18 states and Washington, DC. This will make Maryland the 19th state to end the war on marijuana.
House Bill 837 addresses pressing criminal justice and public health issues facing legalization while building the necessary foundation to create social equity in the recreational cannabis industry.
House Bill 837:
- Allows Marylanders to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis without penalty. Possession of over 1.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis would be reduced to a civil offense rather than a misdemeanor.
- Automatically expunges the criminal conviction of anyone previously found guilty of simple possession of marijuana if it was the only charge in the case. Anyone currently held in a state prison or local jail for a cannabis conviction will be resentenced to immediately end their term of incarceration.
- Requires a study to collect data on patterns of use, incidents of impaired driving and the impact cannabis use has on public health. It also sets up a public health fund and a health advisory Council that will tackle issues like addiction, youth impacts, advertising, etc.
- Establishes the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council to study and make annual recommendations regarding the youth-impacts, addiction and misuse, infant development, advertising, labeling, and quality control of legalized cannabis.
- Requires a disparity study that will inform the creation of a more equitable regulatory system and identify barriers to entering the industry.
- Creates a small, minority–owned, and women–owned Cannabis Business Assistance Fund that will assist those disproportionately impacted by marijuana laws and support business incubators, educational programs at HBCUs and more.
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Facts and Misconceptions About the Omicron Variant from the Univ of MD Medical System
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Applications for Permanent Mail-in Ballot |
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The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 to expand access to the ballot box by requiring the State Board of Elections to send mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters in the State. The law allows voters to claim a permanent absentee status and vote by mail. This should benefit those who find it difficult to travel to polling places, as well as those who value the safety and convenience of voting by mail.
That application was recently sent out by the State Board of Elections and should be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Individuals also can request a mail-in ballot or register to vote online, however they must have a Maryland driver’s license or MVA Identification card.
If you prefer to vote in person, DO NOT complete the form.
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HELP WANTED: Artists for ARTsites Exhibit |
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Deadline: February 24, 2022
The Howard County Arts Council is currently seeking proposals from artists and sites for ARTsites 2022, a one-year outdoor sculpture exhibit on display from August 2022 to July 2023. Selected artists will be awarded a $3,000 grant to participate in the exhibit.
Complete guidelines and submission information are available here.
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2022 Howard County Child Care Fair |
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Sat, February 26, 2022
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road
Laurel, MD 20723
The 2022 Howard County Child Care Fair will provide parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel with “one stop shopping” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity for personal contact with teachers and program directors.
Representatives from community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children will also be onsite to provide information to interested parents. Masks must be worn at all times in the building.
Office of Children and Families' staff will hold free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m. 12 noon, and 1:00 p.m. The link to the newly updated digital edition of the Parent’s Guide to Howard County will also be available.
Though admission is free, attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items or an unopened package of diapers to donate to the Howard County Food Bank.
For more information about the Fair, click here or contact the Howard County Office of Children and Families at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
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Mentor the Next Generation |
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FROM HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
What We're Looking For
Professionals to mentor students for a minimum of 2 hours virtually between February to mid-April. Mentors are asked to share their passion for their careers and guide students onto the right path.
How You'll Help
Mentorships provide students a resource of real-life background, knowledge, perspective, and experience in their desired career field. By working with our students, you’ll be building the next generation of our communities workforce.
How it will work
Previous mentorship activities have involved informational interviews, attendee at professional meetings, and referrals to colleagues for additional perspectives. The program allows for flexibility based on the nature of the mentor’s work and the student’s goals.
Who will you be working with
Students from Howard P.R.I.D.E, Ambiciones, Silas Craft Collegians, Rouse Scholars, first-generation college students, engineering students, students referred by their advisor or career services, or any student interested in learning more about their career options
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Essay Contest Encourages Students to Consider Rich History of Ellicott City - Entries Due April 19 |
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In honor of the 250th Anniversary of Ellicott City, Maryland HISTORIC ELLICOTT CITY, Inc. is sponsoring a student essay contest and inviting Howard County students in grades Pre-K through 12 to participate for cash awards. The contest encourages students to consider the rich history of Ellicott City during the town’s sestercentennial year and write an essay pertaining to an historical aspect of the town.
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Maryland is OPEN for Business! |
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Are you interested in contracting opportunities with government agencies?
If so, our Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Webinar is for you. We will take a look at how our small, minority, women,
and veteran procurement programs work, and show you how to turn public information into business development tools.
You'll also get to meet buyers from five state agencies. Each will share what they are looking to buy right now, what is in the pipeline, and how to connect with them directly.
Our guests for this event are:
Who should attend?
Small business owners, including firms owned and
operated by minorities, women, and veterans, interested in
doing business in the state contracting arena as a prime
contractor or subcontractor.
When:
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Upcoming Events Brought to You by
Patapsco Heritage Greenway
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Free Tax Preparation Services |
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FROM THE OFFICE OF PEOPLE'S COUNSEL
The filing and payment deadline for state individual income tax returns is Friday, July 15, 2022. The federal individual income tax deadline is Monday, April 18, 2022. There are free tax preparation and filing options available to low- and moderate-income households. Here is a list of a few of those options.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between in-person and remote tax assistance depending on site availability.
Eligibility: Anyone with low- to moderate-income, with a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older may qualify.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services.
Eligibility: Individuals/families who made less than $58,000 in 2021, specifically Spanish speakers. May also be able to assist persons who speak other languages, call for information. Must have an appointment.
Contact: Call 410-732-7777 to schedule an appointment.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between virtual appointments or drop-off tax preparation. You must have an appointment to receive services.
Eligibility: If you live in the Baltimore area and made $58,000 or less in 2021, you may qualify for free tax preparation.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between virtual appointments or drop-off tax preparation depending on site availability. Customers must have an appointment.
Eligibility: If you made $58,000 or less in 2021, you may qualify for free tax preparation services.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services.
Eligibility: The filer made less than $58,000 in 2021.
Contact: Call 1-800-906-9887 and ask to find a location or go online to the IRS VITA locator.
Offers free federal (sometimes state) tax preparation services. Online services only or independent filing.
Eligibility: The filer must have made under $73,000 in 2021 to qualify for free online filing services. If the person made over $73,000, they offer free tax forms for the filer to complete independently.
Offers free state tax preparation services. Must have an appointment.
Contact: For general information and free Maryland income tax assistance, call Taxpayer Services at 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland, or 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937). Assistance is available Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-7PM. As an alternative for phone assistance, you can send an email to taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov. You can also schedule an appointment online. A list of approved vendors for filing your electronic return can be found on the Comptroller’s website.
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Questions?
Send an email to:
Attention: Cindy Scruggs
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This Session in The House of Delegates |
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While the House of Delegates Office Building will be open to the public, there will not be any receptions or large gatherings and masks must be worn at all times. The House of Delegates committee procedings will again be virtual.
The Maryland General Assembly website includes information about hearing schedules and rules pertaining to giving testimony to committees, as well as recordings of MGA hearings and legislative sessions (see below).
The General Assembly has put together video tutorials on using the MGA Website, which can be found by clicking below. You will find tutorials about searching for and tracking bills, signing up to testify on a bill, and more. To follow my legislation, click here.
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HOW TO CONTACT MY OFFICE
Your thoughts are always welcome. Please contact me by email (see the link at the top of the page). When requesting help for constituent matters, please include "constituent" in the subject line.
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Delegate Courtney Watson
Howard County District 9B
Member, Economic Matters Committee
Vice Chair, Democratic Caucus
Maryland House of Delegates
6 Bladen Street, Room 350
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3077 / 301-858-3077
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