Dear Friends,
Happy Friday! We've made it through another busy, but fulfilling week. There are now only 31 days left in the session and more Senate bills are crossing over to the House everyday.
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You can track and view this year’s legislation on the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Website here. You can also view bill hearings or voting sessions on the website. I recommend all constituents submit testimony for any bills they have thoughts on. Please continue to call and voice your opinion!
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This week, 5 of my bills passed second reader and should pass the Senate next week!
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SB0185 Maryland State Police Gun Center - Firearms Surrendered Under Final Protective Orders allows for the tracking of firearms surrendered under final protective orders in the State. The bill requires (1) the center to create and maintain a statewide database to track information on firearms surrendered under final protective orders in the State and (2) each law enforcement agency to report to the center specified information on firearms surrendered under final protective orders issued in the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency.
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SB0322 Alcoholic Beverages - Class 4 Limited Winery License - Food Service authorizes the holder of a Class 4 limited winery license to sell or serve any food under certain conditions; removing certain requirements for off-premises and on-premises consumption at a limited winery; and removing the 14-day notice requirement for planned promotional events at a limited winery.
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SB0678 Health Insurance - Reimbursement for Services Rendered by a Pharmacist requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, the Maryland Children's Health Program, and certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for all services rendered to an enrollee by a licensed pharmacist within the pharmacist's lawful scope of practice, rather than only certain services, to the same extent as services rendered by any other health care practitioner.
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Happy National Women's Day |
Honoring Women Veterans on National Women’s Day, March 8th. Thanks to all women active military and retired for your service! |
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Black Tie & Diamonds 2023 |
I had the pleasure of attending this year's Black Tie & Diamonds event, hosted by Leadership Anne Arundel. It was a great night supporting the Annapolis Police Department. |
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Maryland 529 College Trust Fund |
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Coming into Session, we knew that one key area where that trust was lacking was in the Maryland 529 Prepaid College Trust. Families who invested in that type of Maryland 529 account received incorrect and confusing information that led many of them to make once-in-a-lifetime college enrollment decisions based on that faulty data. That is why we must address and improve the governance and transparency of the Maryland 529 program.
There are currently two bills regarding the Maryland 529 Program:
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SB0959 Higher Education - Maryland 529 Program - Reform abolishes and repeals the Maryland 529 Board; specifies that the State Treasurer is the successor to the Maryland 529 Board; transfers to the Office of the State Treasurer the responsibility for administering the Maryland 529 Program, including the Maryland Prepaid College Trust, the Maryland College Investment Plan, the Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan, and the Maryland ABLE Program; authorizes and requires the State Treasurer to take certain actions in administering the Maryland 529 Program; etc.
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SB0475 Workgroup on the Maryland 529 Prepaid College Trust Program establishes the Workgroup on the Maryland 529 Prepaid College Trust Program to identify policies, procedures, and practices that led to issues relating to the earnings calculation formula and Maryland 529 account holders’ inability to access their prepaid college trust benefits to pay for college expenses. The workgroup must also develop and make recommendations for improvement of Maryland 529 in specified areas. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) must staff the workgroup. A member of the workgroup may not receive compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under standard State travel regulations.
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DISTRICT 32 SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIP |
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Applications Available Online Now! |
Mail all applications to:
Senator Pamela Beidle Scholarship Committee
11 Bladen Street Suite 202, James Senate Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401
by the April 7th, 2023 deadline.
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You must attend a Maryland School.
Click here for the application.
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MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion |
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Grant Opportunities for Fiscal Year 2024
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.
Application Deadline - March 16th
Application Deadline - March 27th
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.
Application Deadline - March 27th
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.
Application Deadline - March 31st
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Crane Arrival at Bay Bridge |
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Crane Allows for Off-Peak, Under-Bridge Utility Work;
Minimal Traffic Impact Expected, but Drivers Reminded to Stay Alert;
Reminder to Mariners: Make No Wake for Worker and Waterway Safety
Eastbound view from the Western Shore of overhead lane-use control signals.
Work on the first section of the Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement will get underway this fall, but motorists will soon see a crane alongside the bridge to perform some under-bridge utility work in preparation for the project. A tall crane (see photo) will be in place along the bridge starting in mid-March for work that will occur during routine off-peak lane closures. Additional cranes will be used during the deck replacement and maintenance.
While traffic impacts are expected to be minimal, drivers will be able to see the crane when crossing the bridge. With safety in mind, the Maryland Transportation Authority is reminding motorists to pay attention to the road and obey overhead lane-use signals at all times. The crane will operate along various sections of the bridge from the western shore to the eastern shore, and a second crane will arrive late spring for additional advance under-bridge work.
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Work on Eastbound Deck Replacement Begins this Fall
Once work gets underway this fall, construction on the first section of the eastbound deck replacement is expected to continue into 2025, with additional sections to follow based on available funding and bridge conditions. The first section, on the Eastern Shore side of the eastbound span, is nearly one mile of the overall 4.35-mile-long bridge. Areas of the existing eastbound deck are nearly 50 years old and have reached the end of their service life.
The Maryland Transportation Authority has designed the project to ensure minimal traffic impacts, with no need for 24/7 lane closures. Major work will be accomplished overnight with two-way operations on the westbound span (weather permitting), and both spans will be open for drivers during peak periods. Crews will utilize off-peak lane closures during the day to get work areas ready for successful night shifts.
The new pre-cast deck sections will be fabricated off-site and barged to the Bay Bridge. During overnight shifts, crews will remove portions of the existing bridge deck, install new precast deck panels and reopen lanes in time for morning commuters.
The Eastbound Bay Bridge Deck Replacement includes replacement of the deck floor, barrier upgrades, structural rehabilitation of the steel superstructure, lane-use signal gantry replacements and utility relocations, as well as off-site storm water management work. In October 2022, the Maryland Transportation Authority Board approved the construction services contract for the first section to Kokosing McLean, of Anne Arundel County.
MDTA’s 2015 Bay Bridge Life Cycle Cost Analysis identified this initial section – known as a deck truss section, see area shown below – as the first in a series of projects over the next several decades to maintain safe and working order conditions for the 71-year-old span. The timing of future phases and other projects will depend on available funding and bridge conditions.
Residents and commuters can obtain additional information and updates about the project at baybridge.com. For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit baybridge.com. For real-time updates on major incidents follow on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA and on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA. Sign up for email/text alerts here.
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Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund |
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From the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development:
You may not need assistance to stay in your home, but you may know someone who does. The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund can provide mortgage relief, weatherization, housing counseling, and legal services.
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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.
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Anne Arundel County Public School News |
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Superintendent Mark Bedell Announces Process for Public to Sign Up for #BePresent Initiative
Families, alumni, business and community partners, and members of the public who want to help strengthen bonds with schools across the county as part of the new #BePresent initiative can indicate their interest in taking part by sending an email to bepresent@aacps.org. The email should include the school in which the sender is interested in volunteering as well as available times and pertinent contact information.
The full press release can be found HERE.
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New Automated Lightning Detection System Enhances Safety
When Anne Arundel County Public Schools student-athletes take the field for the first day of spring sports tryouts on March 1, they’ll have additional protection thanks to an automated lightning detection system installed at all 13 comprehensive high schools. The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network will detect in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning within an eight-mile radius of a site.
The full press release can be found HERE.
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Interactive Redistricting Website
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.
Dr. Bedell will deliver his recommendation to the BOE this July. The Board has the authority to develop options other than the scenarios presented by the consultant or any recommendation from Dr. Bedell. The Board will select an option or options to take to public hearing this October before adopting a plan for Phase 1 (northern portion of the county) in November 2023. The plan adopted by the Board will go into effect in August 2024.
The full press release can be found HERE.
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Redistricting continues to be an ongoing issue in our county. If you have any questions or concerns, listed below is the contact information of your elected Board of Education Representatives. |
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Board of Education Contact Information |
Robert Silkworth:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 2
(443) 534-5766
Gloria Dent:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 1
(410) 991-5133
Melissa Ellis:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 4
(410) 533-7940
Board of Education General Contact Information
BOE Office: (410) 222-5311
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March Events Hosted by the Glen Burnie Library |
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Saturday, March 18 at 2 pm
Learn basic counted cross stitch or get help with projects in progress. Teens and adults are welcome! Facilitated by Constellation Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America.
*Registration is required
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Monday, March 20 at 10 am
Enjoy a hot beverage and an optional, simple art project at our new monthly senior social event.
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Tuesday, March 28 at 6 pm
Play chess and learn from other players. For all ages and skill levels.
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Saturday, March 18 at 11 am
Get a fresh perspective at our storytime honoring trailblazing women and their achievements.
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Wednesday, March 29 at 2 pm
Play classic children’s board games while practicing good sportsmanship and learning about numbers, colors and shapes!
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Thursday, March 9 at 5 pm and Thursday, March 30 at 5 pm
Learn about the Early College Access Program (ECAP) enrollment process, tuition reduction and grant opportunities.
*This is an online event. Registration is required.
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Saturday, March 25 at 2 pm
Make friends, forge alliances and put your name in the history books of this ancient library with a role-playing quest structured in D&D 5e. Participants may use a supplied, pre-made character sheet or bring their own. Teens and adults are welcome.
*Registration is required
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Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 pm
Beginners welcome at ukulele strum for ages 10 and up. Bring your ukulele or reserve in advance - supply is very limited.
*Registration is optional
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Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 pm
Craft a fun wreath to celebrate Tolkien Reading Day! Adults and teens are welcome.
*Registration is required
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Find a library near you! Check out this website for more more events and information about what's happening near you!
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Do you live, work, attend school or own property in Maryland? If so, you are eligible for a free Anne Arundel County Public Library card. Click the link below to sign up!
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Click image above for more information! Join us for events to honor the accomplishments of women throughout time. Enjoy films, crafts, presentations and more! |
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The Governor's Office of
Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
invites you to reserve a space for our upcoming
T.I.P.S. Webinar Series
(Training & Insights for Procurement Success)
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Strategies for Teaming, Partnering, and Subcontracting
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
10 a.m. - 12 noon
Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of pooling resources to compete in government contracting? This webinar will define the teaming, partnering, and subcontracting (TPS) roles and processes. We will cover best practices in TPS, and how to form legitimate and legal TPS relationships. Participants will learn the value in being a part of these government contracting TPS arrangements when growing your company.
Who should attend? Small, minority, women, and veteran business owners who want to learn more about how to effective engage opportunities through Teaming, Partnering, and Subcontracting agreements.
Your instructor is Arleen Wilson, CEO, AW Enterprises Consulting Services, Inc.
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Save the Date- GBTC Earth Day Clean Up |
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Think you have found spotted lanternfly in Maryland?
A photograph is required when submitting a sighting report.
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The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) is a planthopper which is native to eastern Asia. It was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been confirmed in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It was discovered in Maryland in 2018, in Cecil County. It has spread to Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Wicomico, and Washington counties and Baltimore city.
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Nymphs and adults feed on plants, using their piercing mouthparts to suck sap from trunks and stems. This has been shown to cause stunted growth, localized damage, and reduced yields. |
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Additionally, as SLF feeds, it excretes a sugary substance called honeydew. Honeydew is attractive to ants, wasps, and bees. Honeydew can develop an intense, rotten odor as it ferments. It is also readily colonized by black, sooty mold which can cover leaves and inhibit photosynthesis. Sooty mold can also cover manmade structures and can be difficult to remove.
Destroy all lanternfly that you discover. This will help slow the spread of the insects to new areas.
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General Assembly Office Schedule |
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My Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford, Legislative Aide, Ash-Lynn Randolph, and Interns, Zoey Nichols and Ama Addo will be working Monday through Friday to respond to any Constituent concerns.
I enjoy hearing all of my constituent's thoughts and ideas on legislation. Please continue to stay in touch with me. I encourage everyone to be involved in government and have their voice heard.
I am taking virtual and in-person appointments this session. You can schedule by calling or emailing the office at pamela.beidle@senate.state.md.us or 410-841-3593.
We are always happy to assist you.
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If someone forwarded this newsletter to you or you're viewing it online, you can subscribe here.
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Thank you for allowing me to serve as your District 32 State Senator!
Pamela Beidle
Senator, District 32
Finance Committee
Chair Executive Nominations
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