Session ended 64 days ago, and work has already begun on legislation for next session. It was a busy week with many end of year activities, meetings and site visits.
Last Saturday, I attended the ribbon cutting of the Hoops for Hope at Meade Village. The entire community was involved in the planning and painting of the two basketball courts. Thank you, Kyle Williams, Rodell Wright and Comacell Brown for your leadership on this project. Chase your Dreams and Tunnel Vision are organizations that have been involved in this community for several years. Thank you to these organizations for making a difference.
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Our Maryland nursing homes are being purchased by large real estate investment companies. As a result, our elderly are not receiving the care they deserve. Last Monday, I had a meeting to discuss the resulting issues in our nursing homes. During the interim, I plan to work with the Health Care Commission, the Department of Health, the Department of Aging, and several other agencies to develop legislation to monitor these purchases. This is an important issue, and we need to bring the stakeholders together to develop a real solution.
Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of touring the beautiful new Marriott Headquarters in Bethesda. I am delighted that Marriott chose to keep their Headquarters in Maryland, providing over a hundred thousand jobs worldwide. Thank you, Travis, of Marriott Government Affairs, for taking time to tour with me. As you may know, there are approximately 40 hotels in District 32; I continue to stay in touch with the tourism industry.
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Congratulations to the Maritime Institute (MITAGS) on their 50th Anniversary Celebration. I was honored to present a Senate Resolution recognizing this occasion. MITAGS, located in Linthicum, trains masters, mates, and pilots from all over the world and provides emergency housing for public safety workers when we experience emergencies in this region.
I was excited to visit the simulator while I was there. The State provided a grant this year for a new generator to keep the Maritime Institute working 24 hours a day in all weather conditions, I was delighted to be the Senate sponsor for the bond bill.
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Wednesday was the grand opening of the 8th Base Supply Center at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) headquarters at Fort Meade. The AbilityOne Base Supply Center is operated by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM). It has taken seventeen years to get this marketplace open; Government moves slow! You can order from the Blind Industries at https://www.shopbism.com/. Every purchase of AbilityOne and SKILCRAFT products creates jobs for Blind Americans providing invaluable educational and rehabilitative services to some of our community’s most vulnerable members.
The National Business Park, developed by Corporate Office Properties Trust, (COPT) is a major economic driver in District 32! With over 2 million square feet, over 15,000 workers and the proximity to NSA, this business park is important to our economy and our national security. I was able to tour the park and learn about the development of “Parcel 9” on Thursday. Thank you, Thomas and John of COPT, for the very informative tour. The park is very well planned with beautiful buildings and amazing outdoor art.
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The BWI Business Partnership celebrated their leadership at the annual meeting and awards ceremony. As a member of the board, I am grateful for the leadership of Karen Cook, Dean of the Business School at Anne Arundel Community College, who has served as President for three years and offer a warm welcome to Bonnie Hinkel, the incoming President. Bonnie is a property manager for Corporate Office Properties, COPT. |
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Unfortunately, the week ended on a depressing note with a meeting at the Jessup Community Hall regarding the use of Ethylene Oxide (EtO). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) presented details about the new regulations being proposed by the EPA concerning the use and emission of Ethylene Oxide (EtO).
We have two plants close together creating hot spots of emissions. Once again, government moves slowly—especially Federal Government. The product has been banned in Europe for many years for use with food. You can read more about EtO and the EPA regulations here.
During the 2023 General Assembly session, I sponsored Senate Bill 916 to prohibit the use of EtO in Maryland.
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Thank you to the Maryland Athletic Trainers’ Association for honoring me with the Presidential Award of Merit, last Saturday!
It was my honor to work with Jane Miraglia and Ed Strapp to expand the scope of practice for athletic trainers to include dry needling. Thank you to Sarah Peters and Bill Pitcher and all of my colleagues for supporting this important legislation.
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Severn Senior Activity Center Opening! |
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The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities has announced that the Severn Senior Activity Center is now open!
The newly finished senior activity center will operate 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and host educational programs, recreational activities, and classes in art, history, crafts, computer use, dance, and physical fitness. Membership to any of the 8 senior activity centers is free of charge and open to adults aged 55 and older.
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Health Department Air Quality Report |
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Air quality has improved to moderate, which means it can be unhealthy for sensitive groups. If you have heart or lung disease, it is recommended you reduce exposure, choose less strenuous activities or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
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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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Region Planning Community Feedback |
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The Office of Planning and Zoning has begun community engagement for the second round of region plans developed through the County’s Plan2040 general development plan. The regions that District 32 falls within are Region 1, 2, and 3.
For Region 1 & 3: The deadline for comment on the feedback maps is June 30th.
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For more details about the Region Planning and access to the entire Region Plan map, click here.
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Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) Applications
ARE NOW OPEN
for Regions 1, 3 and 9
Deadline to apply is July 11th!
Each SAC will be made up of a diverse mix of the region’s civic, business, environmental, and other stakeholders, including residents of the planning area or those who own or manage a business within the planning area. The group meets regularly to collaborate on goals and actions and makes recommendations on proposed zoning changes during the comprehensive zoning process.
The full press release can be found HERE.
Click here to access the online application.
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Anne Arundel County Public Schools News |
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Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bedell Releases Post-Entry Plan
Dr. Mark Bedell released his Post-Entry Plan, a document that assesses input from thousands of students, staff, parents, guardians, community members and others gleaned sine his arrival in August. The 16-page document is categorized by the five goals laid out in Dr. Bedell’s Entry Plan when he arrived in Anne Arundel County Public Schools after six years as Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools.
Those goals are:
· Developing unified school district governance
· Ensuring an intentional focus on instructional programming
· Increasing organizational effectiveness and efficiency
· Creating a culture of trust through action
· Establishing trust and confidence from the community at large
Click HERE to access the full Post-Entry Plan.
Click HERE to read the full press release.
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As of Monday, qualified plug-in electric vehicle owners will be eligible to apply for a new High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Permit. The HOV permit will allow drivers to use the HOV lanes on Interstate 270 and US-50 regardless of the number of vehicle occupants.
The MVA will begin accepting applications on June 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. All eligible vehicle owners must apply for a new permit through the myMVA eServices portal here or visiting an MVA branch office.
Please note that prior permit holders should remove expired permits from their vehicle and reapply for a new permit. The new program includes a $5 application fee and is valid through September 30, 2025.
For more information, click here.
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Department of Social Services Community Outreach |
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Mortgage Assistance Program |
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County Executive Pittman and ACDS Announce Expanded Mortgage Assistance Program. The announced changes to the County’s Mortgage Assistance (MAP) Program would include increasing the Area Median Income (AMI) requirement to 100 percent, making almost half of the county workforce eligible for up to $50,000 in mortgage assistance. The full press release can be found HERE.
For more information on the Mortgage Assistance Program and how to apply visit www.acdsinc.org.
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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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Community Events/Opportunities |
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The Anne Arundel County Police Department Youth Activities Program is sponsoring its fifth annual "Blueline for Youth Baseball Camp" to be held at Andover Park, 805 Main Ave, Linthicum Heights, MD. |
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We are busy assisting constituents with State issues, awarding Senate Scholarships and attending community and legislative meetings. During the interim, my Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford and Legislative Director, Ash-Lynn Randolph will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be working remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Email is the best way to reach us, be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and a description of your issue.
We are happy to assist you and look forward to seeing you out and about in the community.
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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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