Annapolis Update #3

Developmental Disabilities Administration

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Maryland Association of Community Services Legislative Breakfast about the proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). It is essential that we continue to advocate for and uphold our commitment to Maryland’s most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive.

On Thursday, the Budget & Taxation Committee hosted a Briefing with the DDA, where Secretary Laura Herrera Scott, MD, and other members of her team spoke on the significant changes the DDA is undergoing. These changes, which include transitioning to a fee-for-service model, adjusting reimbursement rates, and implementing new cost-containment methodologies, have raised concerns among constituents and service providers about their potential impact on critical services.

Key concerns raised include:

• Proposed Budget Cuts: Some proposed changes would reduce payment rates, impacting service quality and availability.
• Self-Direction Programs: The Self-Direction Act of 2022 expanded access to personalized budgets for participants, leading to 80% of clients using self-directed services. Advocates argue it is more cost-effective and flexible than traditional services.
• Geographic Rate Differentials: Adjustments to rates based on location has the potential to create disparities. The new plan is to adjust the rates used for Self-Directed Services so that the rate is aligned to the Bureau of Labor statistics. This could impact provider availability, especially in areas with a higher cost of living, as it may reduce payment for services which have been provided at a previously higher rate.
• Transition to New Systems: The shift to the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) system has improved payment tracking and transparency but has also revealed spikes in service utilization and costs.
• Impact on Families and Providers: Denials of approved services and reauthorization delays in November 2024 increased burdens on families and providers. An additional requirement was implemented, requiring caretakers to upload documentation of the need in order to receive approval, rather than only offering testimony.

The DDA’s upcoming budget hearings are supposed to address these concerns. Community input is vital, and the DDA is committed to ensuring that services remain equitable and accessible.

Ongoing efforts include:

• Advocating for accurate financial modeling to support cost-effective programs.
• Engaging with community partners to co-design cost-containment measures.
• Producing clearer data reporting to enhance accountability and decision-making.

A Waiver Advisory Council Meeting is scheduled for February, offering another opportunity to provide feedback and collaborate on solutions.

Sign and share my petition: Protect Our Most Vulnerable Marylanders, Stop the $200 Million Cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

BGE Rate Increases, Constituent Concerns

This week, constituents have voiced serious concerns about the dramatic increases in their BGE bills. I hear you, and I want to express my empathy while also sharing some insights into what may be driving these increases and how we can address them together.

The Multi-Year Rate Plan, approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC), was designed to enable energy companies to recover infrastructure investment costs from consumers rather than put the risk onto investors. (1) This has resulted in a $408 million increase in rates over the period from 2023 to 2026. the Office of People's Council has more information regarding the BGE Multi-Year Rate Plan and notes a rehearing is pending from 2023. The rate far outpaces the United States Rate of Inflation. (2) Meanwhile, Exelon, BGE's parent company, has consistently reported gross profits ranging from $12 billion to $19 billion annually over the last several years. (3) Rather than taking full responsibility for these infrastructure investments, the burden appears to have been shifted to the average consumer, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck already.

Many constituents have contacted my office to report sharp increases in their bills between December 2024 and January 2025. While the recent extremely low temperatures contribute to higher energy usage, this is not the sole cause. A significant factor lies in Maryland's aggressive clean energy initiatives, including the Democratic supermajority's legislative push for 100% clean energy by 2035.

This creates a two-fold challenge:

1. Maryland must import energy due to insufficient clean energy production.
2. Upgrading infrastructure to meet clean energy standards. This must be done for Maryland's energy grid and through Maryland homeowners updating equipment in their homes.

Constituents are expected to meet these clean energy requirements in the coming years, which includes upgrading to equipment such as high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps. These upgrades could cost households anywhere from $800 to $10,000, depending on the scope of work needed. (4)

Another factor in the drastic increase in energy costs is Maryland's closure of several coal-fired plants, contributing to the need to import energy from out of state. Maryland currently imports approximately 40% of its energy from out of state. (5) Brandon Shores previously scheduled to close in June 2025, but because Maryland doesn't have the clean energy to support Maryland yet, the federal government must strike a new deal with Brandon Shores to continue operations until clean energy sources are able to be distributed to the level required to meet Maryland's needs. With Brandon Shores in a powerful negotiation position, we may see a sharper increase with the premium rate that can be charged.

Many of you may have noticed the EmPOWER Maryland charge on your BGE bill. This is a utility customer-funded program aimed at reducing demand on the grid through energy efficiency initiatives. While it has benefits for those who meet income-based thresholds, it’s clear that many residents living paycheck-to-paycheck, regardless of income level, are struggling to absorb the up to 10% add on fee. Many Marylanders are struggling to afford the out-of-pocket cost associated with bringing their homes up to the energy-efficient mark. Leading to concerns regarding the income threshold for this program- should the middle class be included in the rebate opportunity?

The government relations manager at BGE encouraged all constituents who are concerned about their BGE bill to contact BGE’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-685-0123. BGE representatives can help walk you through your bill, explore budget billing options, and check if you qualify for assistance programs. Sean Mallonee, President of Heating and Air Contractors of Maryland encourages customers to look at the EmPOWER Program, which can offer benefits up to $10,000 in rebates for equipment. Also available are "full home audits," which check for heating inefficiencies and make recommendations based on your home's needs. Other recommendations can be found here: 7 Tips for Keeping Your House Warm During Winter, HVAC Pros Say

We must continue to press for solutions that balance Maryland’s clean energy goals with the economic realities faced by everyday residents. My office will work to ensure your voices are heard, your stories are shared, and your concerns are addressed at every level of government.

Sources:

(1) BGE Multi-Year Rate Plan-6-20-final-3 Dated.pdf

(2) BGE (link to Office of People's Council updated information on BGE rates)

(3) Exelon Gross Profit 2010-2024 | EXC | MacroTrends

(4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsQIyLAwrpU

(5) Maryland's long-term energy plan may include more nuclear energy

*Baltimore officials, residents frustrated by BGE's authorized multi-year rate increase plan - CBS Baltimore

*EmPOWER program application

Maryland's Primitive Deer Hunt, Scheduled for February

Photo by Brendan Wolf, submitted to Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

Primitive Deer Hunting will be open on February 1st, 3rd, and 4th in 2025.



"Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt antlered and antlerless sika and white-tailed deer during these three days."

There are several requirements for this challenging opportunity, which can be found on Maryland's Department of Natural Resources website: Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Scheduled for February

IN THE DISTRICT:

Legislative District 7 Baltimore & Harford Counties

BALTIMORE COUNTY:

Baltimore County Fire Department has been working for days to clean up the fire at the Owl Recycling Facility estimating today that 80% has been extinguished. My thoughts are with Dundalk residents as well as with the firefighters working on this. The Maryland Department of Environment continues to monitor the situation, stating: "We operate a statewide air monitoring network that measures pollutants, including levels of fine particles, which could be a concern from a large fire. One of those monitoring sites is in Essex, about four miles north of the recycling facility. Since late Sunday afternoon air quality measurements at that site have been in the healthy range. Speaking generally, we encourage people to avoid exposure to smoke from fires when possible..."

Images courtesy of the Baltimore County Fire Department's Facebook page.

Route One Apparel

Route One Apparel has been acquired by Maryland Brand Management. Former CEO of Route One Apparel, Ali von Paris will stay on as Chief Visionary Officer. The brand is known for its bold patterns and colors that tie back to the Maryland flag.

I can personally attest to Ali von Paris' visionary leadership, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication. Her entrepreneurial spirit has been an inspiration to many, and I am thrilled to see her achievements recognized as Route One Apparel embarks on this exciting new chapter under new ownership.

Congratulations, Ali, on this well-deserved milestone!

Read more.

HARFORD COUNTY:

Harford County is offering Student Loan Repayment Assistance through volunteer first responder service.

Requirements:

1. Become a volunteer member at one of Harford's 12 Volunteer Fire Companies or ambulance companies.
2. Fill out the one-page application.
3. Participate in qualifying activities to earn 50 points per year in the Length of Service Award Program.

There are additional benefits to volunteering and Harford County has a need for first responders. As a former Baltimore County volunteer firefighter, I greatly appreciate the sacrifices made by first responders.

Senator J.B. Jennings' 2025

7th Legislative District Senatorial Scholarship

Last week, I announced my 2025 7th Legislative District Senatorial Scholarship. This is open to students who are preparing to attend, or already attending an undergraduate, graduate or professional program. To check to see if you live in my district, please check search Maryland General Assembly's Website.

To apply, please visit: My Scholarship Portal

Additional Scholarship Opportunity:

As always, thank you for taking the time to read today's Annapolis Update and please stay tuned for future updates, especially as this Legislative Session becomes increasing more involved.

Sincerely,