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Lynn Barclay, newsletter editor
TJ Dant, urban district manager
Pete Fosselman, director

March 17, 2022
Maryland gas tax holiday approved

Maryland lawmakers voted unanimously today to approve an emergency gas tax holiday to help battle the rising gas prices in the state. The measure is expected to go to Governor Hogan's desk for final approval tomorrow, March 18. Hogan has said he will sign it as soon as he receives it, with the goal of cheaper gas for drivers by the weekend.

The gas holiday will eliminate Maryland's $.36 per gallon tax on gasoline for 30 days. The average price for gas in Maryland is currently $4.21 per gallon.
County Executive proposes $6.3B operating budget for FY 2023

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Tuesday proposed a $6.3 billion county operating budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The requested amount is up $300 million from this year, with no increase in the property tax rate. The budget focuses on affordable housing, climate change issues and increasing police salaries. See details here.

The County Council can add or subtract from any line item in the budget and must act on it by June 1, according to the county charter.

The council will hold public hearings on the proposed operating budget on April 19 and April 20 at 1:30 pm and on April 19, 20 and 21 at 7 pm. Those interested in testifying in person or virtually can sign up on the council's webpage starting on March 24 or by calling 240-777-7803. Residents also can use #MoCoFY23 to communicate their views on the budget. More.
Maryland primary date moved to July

Maryland's highest court on Tuesday moved the state's primary elections to July 19, a three-week delay, to allow time to resolve a legal challenge to recently redrawn legislative districts. Opponents argue that the redrawn maps violate the state constitution and are gerrymandered. The state is defending against claims. More.
Go mobile with SmarTrip®, get 10 free Capital Bikeshare rides

Create a mobile SmarTrip® card before Thursday, June 30, and earn ten free 30-minute classic bike rides on any one of Capital Bikeshare’s 5,000 bikes across 600+ docking stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Learn more here.
Temporary lane closures at Montgomery Ave.-Wisconsin Ave. intersection

Avocet Towers Investors, LLC has temporarily closed two lanes of traffic on Montgomery Avenue at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue/MD 355 for overnight storm drain work. The closures 9 pm-5 am, Sunday through Thursday, are expected to last until the end of April. 

For questions contact Nathan Squires at 301-395-5772 or nsquires@flippo.com.
Upcoming Suburban Hospital classes
 
  • Yoga from the heart. Mondays, March 21-May 9, 5:30-6:30 pm, $70, Zoom; Thursdays, March 31-May 26, 5:30-6:30 pm, $70, Zoom
 
  • Dine, learn, and move: colon cancer, know the risks. Wednesday, March 23, 6-7:30, free, Zoom. To register, email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
 
  • Freedom from smoking. Tuesdays, March 29 - May10 and Thursday, April 21, 6-7:30 pm, free, Zoom
 
  • Tai Chi., Thursdays, March 24-April 28, 10:30-11:30 am, 6-week session, $75, at Jane E. Lawton Community Center
 
  • Senior Shape: chair aerobics, strength, and balance. Thursdays, April 7-June 30, 9:00-9:45 am, $40, Zoom
 
  • Diabetes-Thrive 365 meeting. Wednesday, April 13, 6-7 pm, free, Zoom
 
Except as noted above, registration is required at events.suburbanhospital.org.