Exciting news this week! I was pleased to have four of my bills signed by the Governor yesterday!
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Two tentatively scheduled bill signings remain. They are:
- May 8th, 2023 - 12 PM
- May 16th, 2023 - 2 PM
You can view and track all of the bills to be signed by the Governor here.
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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.
For Region 2: The Draft Zoning Maps will be available for public review from May 1 to June 1, 2023. During this time, property owners or their representatives can file a zoning change application.
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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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Anne Arundel County Public Schools News
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APPLICATION PERIOD FOR AACPS 2023-24 PRE-K PROGRAMS OPENS ON MAY 2, 2023
Parents who wish to apply for their child to attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ prekindergarten program in the 2023-2024 school year may do so online beginning at noon on Tuesday, May 2, 2022.
AACPS offers prekindergarten programs for 4-year-olds in 58 schools and programs for 3-year-olds in eight schools.
Prekindergarten registration is no longer first come, first served. Applications are processed based on priority groups: income eligibility, students with disabilities, students from homes in which English is not the primary spoken language, and students who are homeless.
Information about prekindergarten programs in AACPS and an online application can be found at www.aacps.org/earlychildhood beginning at noon on May 2, 2023.
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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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MDOT MTA Metro Subway Closure
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Metro Subway System to Close Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7 for Communications System Upgrade Bus Bridge Will Transport Riders Between All Metro Subway Stations BALTIMORE, MD (April 24, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will close all stations on the Metro Subway system beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, May 5, and will reopen them at 5 a.m. Monday, May 8.
The weekend closure will enable crews to complete key work for a new communications system that will provide a safer, more reliable subway for years to come. A bus bridge will operate between all Metro Subway stations every 30 minutes during regular service hours.
“The installation of our new communications-based train control system will provide riders with the state-of-the-art rail communications system our customers deserve,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “As always, improved safety and reliability take top priority in every decision we make to enhance the transit rider’s experience.”
The work is being scheduled over a weekend with fewer local events to minimize disruption to riders. The full closure will avert the need for multiple instances of single tracking.
The new train communications system will provide riders with an enhanced transit experience by allowing more accurate control of train movement on the Metro Subway system. To prepare for its installation, crews must conduct comprehensive surveys of the train tunnels. These surveys will provide detailed positioning information for all signals, switches and interlockings.
To take full advantage of the temporary closure, the Maryland Transit Administration also will test new hardware that controls train movements in and out of the rail yard. The work is part of a larger Metro Subway system upgrade that will eventually include new rail cars.
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STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION PERFORMS PAVEMENT PATCHING ON US 50 BRIDGE OVER THE SEVERN RIVER
Overnight Lane Closures Sunday Through Thursday, May 7-12, Starting at 9 p.m.; Drivers Should Plan for Additional Travel Time and Remain Alert for Work Crews
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin overnight work Sunday, May 7, on a project to repair deteriorated concrete on the US 50 (John Hanson Highway) bridge over the Severn River near Annapolis. All work will be done overnights and will be completed by Friday morning, May 12, weather permitting. Crews will remove deteriorated sections and pour new concrete as part of the pavement patching repairs.
All work will be done overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. During work periods, drivers should expect closure of the two left lanes on the eastbound US 50 bridge span for the first two nights, then a switch to closure of the two left lanes on the westbound bridge span. Contractor PDI Sheetz Construction Corp. Inc., of Linthicum Heights, will use portable variable message signs, temporary traffic signs and barrels to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
If you have any questions about this work, you may contact the State Highway Administration’s District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603.
The State Highway Administration understands roadwork can be an inconvenience but is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable highway system. Drivers are asked to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve our roadways.
For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to the project portal.
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
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The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced the Fiscal Year 2024 application round for seven State Revitalization Programs will open on April 26, 2023.
These programs offer funding to support local housing, community and economic development and other revitalization projects. They are part of the department’s commitment to helping the state’s local governments and nonprofit agencies achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals.
Applications will be due on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 3 p.m.
Click HERE for the full press release.
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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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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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I look forward to seeing you out and about in the community. We will be keeping busy with community and constituent issues, and oversight and task force committees.
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.
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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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