Volume 2 SPRING | June 3, 2021
The Maryland District 26 Newsletter
In this issue:

Covid-19 Update | Constituent Spotlight | 2021 Session Recap | Senatorial Scholarship | and More
Covid-19 update & the reopening of the state
The State of Maryland is in phase 3 of vaccine distribution; this means that anyone 12 and over is eligible to be vaccinated. As a result of the state’s rapid pace of COVID-19 vaccinations and subsequent declines in key health metrics, As more people are getting vaccinated, the state announced the lifting of all capacity restrictions on outdoor entertainment, art, and sports venues, and indoor entertainment venues / conventions, and all remaining restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, as of Saturday, May 15.

Although on May 13, 2021, the CDC issued new guidelines stating those who are fully vaccinated may enter a venue without a mask and may cease social distancing, the state's indoor mask mandate will be lifted as soon as 70% of adults receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. I encourage everyone to comply with the business' wishes if they continue to require a mask upon entry. Prince George's County has not lifted its mask mandate as of yet.

As of June 3rd, 2,946,173 Marylanders have been fully vaccinated. Prince George's County ranks 38.4% of that total population. There are eleven state Mass Vaccination Sites; at the Six Flags Mass Vaccination Site, they are now offering no-appointment vaccinations, drive-thru only, between the hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Below are links to find other vaccination sites near you.

*Note - Because of the ongoing crisis, Governor Hogan has extended the moratorium on new foreclosures through June 30, 2021.



A closer look at restrictions:

  • INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENUES. Indoor and outdoor venues may resume normal operations. All remaining capacity restrictions will be lifted on all indoor entertainment venues and conventions, and all outdoor entertainment, art, and sports venues, including all ticketed events.

  • INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING. Restaurants and bars may resume normal operations, as all remaining capacity and distancing restrictions and all other limits will be lifted on indoor and outdoor dining.
CDC mask guidelines as of May 18, 2021
Public Utilities Announcements

The Public Service Commission has ordered a hold on all gas/electric service terminations until June 30, 2021 for the following two groups only:

1)   Any customer with a signed medical certification on file with the utility.
2)   Any customer who has received or been qualified to receive Office of Home Energy assistance since February 15, 2017.

The Maryland Attorney General's Office has posted a fact sheet for those who are facing eviction due to nonpayment of rent during the COVID pandemic . Know your rights and find available help. Click HERE.

*If you are in need of assistance with your utilities, the Maryland Office of People's Counsel can help. And they offer Pro Bono services (at no cost)!!
Click HERE.
2021 Session Recap

SB0001 / HB0001

I couldn't be prouder of what we were able to accomplish during the 2021 legislative session. Chief among them was finally securing the money due to our four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Fifteen years in the making, 577 million dollars will be distributed among Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore over the course of 10-years--money long overdue and is well needed to sustain a 21st-century educational system and to stay on par with predominantly White institutions. We are full speed ahead.
SB800 - The Inmate Training and Job Act of 2021 is now law !!
Over 2,300 bills were filed this session, and my capstone legislation (SB800) was among those that were passed and became law on Friday, May 28, 2021. The Inmate Training and Job Act of 2021 mandates that the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correction establish an in-person and virtual educational program for returning citizens 12 months prior to their release date. The program will be developed in partnership with our four HBCUs and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. We need to focus on ending recidivism and how we do that is by providing our returning citizens the education or job training they need; being incarcerated shouldn't be an obstacle to this goal. Non-profits will also be partners in the implementation of the program. The pilot program is slated to be enacted on July 1 of this year.

Among my other bills that became law that immediately affect our community on Friday, May 28 were:

SB127 - That prohibits Maryland colleges and Universities from denying admissions into their institutions based on someone's criminal history.

SB201 - Automatically expunges the record after three years of anyone whose cases have been acquitted, dismissed, "nolle prosequi," or found not guilty, without the need to petition the court, to pay extra for an attorney, and free of charge.

Capital Projects

I was able to secure 3,000,000 in Capital Bond Initiatives this session. These funds will be used--in part-- for crumbling infrastructure at some of our schools or recreational buildings that are desperately in need of repair.

 


Constituent Spotlight

For this issue of MD 26, I want to introduce you to Patricia Jones Morris. Patricia is the founder of the Hands Of Hope Caregivers Foundation. It is a service and advocacy organization that was formed in 2011 with Steven Morris. Patricia started this foundation out of a personal desire to recognize and help caregivers in Prince George's County, Maryland. Patricia's contributions to the community are incredibly important as the state, the country, and the world is reckoning with cultural clashes and serious health emergencies, both mental and physical.

Patricia, who lives in Fort Washington, Maryland, has lived in District 26 for 42 years and has over thirty years of service in the fields of Social Work and Mental Health. Patricia has said, "I have always enjoyed working with people, helping them to become all they can be. It brings joy to my heart to know I have helped someone." Patricia chose this advocacy because she says that it's a challenging journey; caregivers are often a forgotten group in our present society.

On the mist of Mental Health Awareness Month, Patricia's work is crucial because it undoubtedly saves lives. If that wasn't important enough, the services provided by people like Patricia help lower health costs and free up limited resources. In 2017, Maryland recorded over 600 suicides; 60% of those who took their lives were by people 65 and over. Patricia knows that her advocacy for this population is essential. Indeed, Patricia has her hands and heart helping others in the community in this regard. She has no plans on slowing down yet, as she says that her vision has always been to create an ultramodern, multifaceted, cutting edge, compassionate Healthcare Service Support Group for caregivers of the elderly, the young, and the disabled.

Join me in recognizing and celebrating Patricia Jones Morris.

Note: Senator Patterson is privileged to represent a rich population of community-oriented citizens, making it difficult to pick just one. Nominations are made by the citizens of District-26 and picked randomly by our office staff. All nominations are kept private. If you would like to nominate someone for their service, please email info@obiepatterson.com with the person's name, contact information, and a description of the designated person's service to the community.

Things To Come
The Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center is now open to the public. I attended the ribbon-cutting of this beautiful, 37,000 square foot building, and I am truly excited for the citizens of Prince George's County and the residents of District 26. This facility, located at 7011 Bock Road in Fort Washington, will offer a wide range of health and wellness amenities. The building will house a reception area, three bodies of water, including a therapeutic pool, a leisure/lap pool, and a spa, a gymnasium, suspended indoor track, rock climbing wall, workout facilities, group exercise areas, large multipurpose room, professional recording studio, kitchen, and classrooms. It is free to enjoy all that this building has to offer!! Absolutely Amazing!
The Forest Heights Safe Routes to School Program is off to a great start in Forest Heights, Maryland. On May 7th, I was honored to be the guest speaker as the town Council, Mayor, and residents opened a stretch of brand new sidewalk near Forest Heights Elementary School. The project is part of a broader state initiative of making the streets safer for pedestrians. Forest Heights is a busy commuter town that experiences heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic. I am grateful to be among a group of local and state elected officials who make the safety of our constituents a top priority.
Senator Patterson serves as guest speaker for the ribbon-cutting
"Our Community, Our Destiny"

Update
As you all may remember, I sponsored legislation that tackled environmental matters head-on. One bill directly impacted Prince George's County and landfill toxins concerns. 

My key environmental bills were Senate Bills 121 (Landfill Zoning Study), 151 (Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment), and 70 (Establishing statewide mold inspection and testing standards). Though none of these bills reached the Governor's desk this year, the fight continues.

Some progress has been made, however. Senate Bill 674 passed the legislature and is intended to transform the state-created Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. The bill will change the makeup of the members on the Commission by adding at least three members from communities disproportionately affected by environmental and public health hazards, two representatives of a labor union, designated by the Maryland state and D.C. AFL–CIO, and a representative of an academic institution with an environmental justice institute or similar program. Additional meetings will be added to the agenda of the Commission, with at least of those being "community listening sessions" in rural and urban locations. Finally, new tools will be introduced to aid the Commission in their collective charge.
Senator Patterson meets with a reporter from the Capital Gazette Newspaper about a landfill in Fort Washington
When Community Day meets Food Drive!
On May 25th, I had the honor of attending the St. Stephen's Baptist Church "Making it Better" Community Day and weekly Big Tent Drive Thru food giveaway. The event was a success, to say the least and I met some marvelous people. What a blessing it was to see church volunteers in the full spirit of stewardship and kindness helping to deliver food to all those who arrived. There was food, music, dancing, conversation, and vendors there providing information on well-needed services for our community. The St. Stephens Baptist Church has served 36,000 people over the course of this pandemic!!! And though the Community Day is once a year, St. Stephens Baptist Church, in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, distributes food each and every Tuesday from 11am until 3pm. If you or someone you know is in need of food, encourage them to show up; the doors are open. Many thanks to Senior Pastor Lanier Twyman and the St. Stephens Baptist Church family located at 5757 Temple Hill Road Temple Hills, MD 20748.
The Route 210 Project - Update
As construction continues on Route 210, other safety improvements are being installed along Route 210 as we speak. We are all aware that Route 210 bears an ugly history and stigma that we all desperately want to shed. Slowly but sure, the road project at Palmer Road is pushing forward. In the weeks ahead, SHA will be installing traffic signals, mast arms and signage at the new intersection, continuing with overhead sign installation at northbound MD 210, and completing the panel sections for noise wall along Kerby Hill Road. In addition, my office made several recommendations for improving lighting, speed, and pedestrian safety along various other areas of Route 210. To date, SHA has started to:

  • Install speed control devices on the North and Southbound sides of Rt. 210 near Swan Creek Road

  • Lighting enhancements as part of the traffic signal reconstruction that are currently in progress from MD 228 (Berry Road) to Palmer Road, which includes MD 210 at Fort Washington Road, MD 210 at Old Fort Road North, and MD 210 at Palmer Road

  • Reviewing LED street light upgrades for MD 210 from Bald Eagle Road to the D.C. line

  • Reconfiguring the traffic signals at Livingston Road and Rt. 210 to allow for greater pedestrian crossing time

  • Reconfiguring the traffic signals at Aubrey Lane and Rt. 210 to allow for exclusive pedestrian walk crossing time

  • MD 210 at Salisbury Drive is being recommended for a modification from a "Flag-In-The-Air" (flashing lights) to a Pedestrian Signal (red light when pedestrians are crossing). This recommendation was made due to children using this location to cross Rt. 210 to Forest Heights Elementary School

  • The installation of "Stop Here for Pedestrians" signs along both directions of MD 210 in front of Foreman Mills at Eastover Shopping Center and installing missing down arrow signs for the existing Pedestrian Warning signs at the intersection

  • Begin talks with DC Department of Transportation to reconfigure the traffic signals at Rt. 210 and Southern Avenue to allow for smoother transition onto Rt. 210 from Southern Avenue for vehicles and exclusive crossing time for pedestrians.

Quarterly updates are provided by SHA on their progress. As I receive these updates, I will provide them to the residents of District 26.
Hot Jobs Alert!!!!

From the LBC (June 3, 2021)

Click the Images below for more details

Casualty Claims Adjuster I
Recruitment # 21-003272-0001
Hiring Salary: Grade 13 $39,768 – $51,195
From Employ Prince George's
Position – Production and Fulfillment Associate
Closing Date – 05/30/2021
Salary range – $15.00 to 18.00 per hour
JO: 1370468

Position – Order Picker
Closing Date – 06/01/2021
Salary range – $14.00 per hour
JO: 1371704

Position – Materials Handler
Closing Date – 06/01/2021
Salary range – $14.00 Per Hour
JO: 1371757
Position – Maintenance Trainee
Closing Date – 05/29/2021
Salary range – $20.00 to $24.00 per hour
JO: 1369926
 
Position – Warehouse Receiving Associate
Closing Date – 06/04/2021
Salary range – $15.00 per hour
JO: 1371684
 
Position –  Floor Worker/Operator
Closing Date – 06/21/2021
Salary range – $12 to $15 per hour
JO: 1381060
Position – Executive Assistant
Closing Date – 05/30/2021
Salary range – $15.00 to $18.00 per hour
JO: 1370460

Position – Office Clerk
Closing Date – 06/04/2021
Salary range – $15.00 per hour
JO: 1371690

Position – Office Clerk- General
Closing Date – 06/01/2021
Salary range – $15.00 per hour
JO: 1371690
Multiple posting for careers within Prince George's County Government
Senatorial Scholarship
Apply Now!!
Deadline is June 15, 2021
A good education is precious to me. I continue to invest in the education of our up-and-coming leaders, our youth, and those who are furthering their education; so, I look forward to this time of year every Legislative Session. Students who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree from a Maryland institution may now apply for the Senatorial Scholarship. Last year, I had the privilege of awarding approximately $43,000 in new scholarships and $29,000 in renewal scholarships from previous awardees. Once you receive a Senatorial Scholarship, you're guaranteed to be awarded the same amount for the next three years or upon your graduation, whichever comes first. Please visit my website to view the eligibility requirements and then download the application. A link to download the application is below. When completed, please email to obie.patterson@senate.state.md.us


Staff Contacts
Annapolis Office

James Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street Room 201
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 841-3092 / (301) 858-3092



District Office

10905 Fort Washington Road Suite 211
Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
(240) 493-7222
(By Appointment Only)

Chief of Staff:
Clate "CJ" Jackson

Senior Legislative Assistant:
Felecia Armwood