Senator Shaneka Henson - District 30 Newsletter | |
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State Senator Shaneka Henson joined the Maryland Senate in 2025 after serving five years as a Delegate in the Maryland House of Delegates, where she succeeded the late Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader. | |
What's in the Governor's Budget for our District? | |
This week, Governor Wes Moore introduced his Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets to the General Assembly. I've outlined key items that impact Annapolis and South County.
Annapolis & Surrounding Areas
- Annapolis High School - Mechanical System Upgrade: $598,000
- Annapolis - Spa Creek Mooring Field Reconfiguration: $250,000
- Annapolis Fire Department - New Fire and Rescue Vessel Equipment: $32,250
- Annapolis City Dock: $8,800,000
- MMD Acton Cove Waterfront Park - Boating Infrastructure Improvements: $350,000
- IAC Asquith Creek Dredging: $445,450
- Revolutionary War Memorial for Black Soldiers: $500,000
- James Brice House Restoration: $3,000,000
- William Paca House Fire Suppression: $900,000
- State Police Barrack J - Annapolis: Communications Room and New Garage: $5,042,000
- New Supreme Court of Maryland Building: $51,117,000
South County
- New Edgewater Community Center: $2,000,000
- Upper West River and Johns Creek Dredging: $530,000
Operating Supporting
- Historic Annapolis Foundation: $1,074,100
- Annapolis Maritime Museum: $40,216
- Payment in Lieu of Tax funding for the City of Annapolis: $931,561
Furthermore, the budget includes:
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$29,334,642 from Maryland Video Lottery Terminal revenue for Anne Arundel County local impact grants
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Nearly $15 million in Highway User Revenue (HUR) for Anne Arundel County and Annapolis, with $11,252,088 allocated to Anne Arundel County and $3,708,804 to the City of Annapolis
In addition, there are increases in local public safety funding, including enhanced support through the William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund and the State Aid for Police Protection Fund.
Of course, things are subject to change as we pass the final budget in the months to come. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like further details. I will keep you updated as we move forward with discussions on the budget.
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We’re excited to share that we've moved into our new Senate office. Please store Senator Henson's updated contact information.
Senator Shaneka Henson
203 James Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-841-3578
Toll-Free: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3578
Email:
shaneka.henson@senate.state.md.us
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37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet
Senator Henson was delighted to attend the 37th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet at MD LIVE Casino & Hotel with keynote speaker, Clay Cane. Congratulations to all the honorees, thank you for your invaluable contributions to our community. Thank you to the MLK Jr. Committee for a fabulous evening of celebration.
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Resources | News | Updates | | |
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Warming Relief
Anne Arundel County has made several facilities available for warming relief this winter. If you need temporary relief from the cold weather, stop in and use the designated facilities during their normal business hours.
Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522
Click HERE for more info.
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Community Support Grants
Community Support Grants are available, offering up to $50,000 for eligible nonprofits addressing priorities like equity, education, and community wellbeing. Applications are due by February 21, 2025.
Find more info HERE
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SNOWPATHS ANNAPOLIS
The City of Annapolis launched SnowPaths, a new GPS tracking system that provides real-time status updates on road salting and snowplow operations during snow emergencies. Stay safe and informed this winter by using SnowPaths as your go-to source for winter road conditions in Annapolis.
Find more info HERE
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LGBTQ+ CARE Trainning
Learn how to support LGBTQ+ youth at risk for suicide through the Trevor Project's CARE (Connect, Accept, Respond, Empower) Training. This interactive training is open to educators, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and more, to empower adults to make a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ young people.
Find more info: HERE
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Summer Internships at BWI Marshall Airport
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is accepting applications for their paid summer internship program. This is a great opportunity for college students seeking a fulfilling experience with their team.
Find more info and apply: HERE
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Maryland Climate Corp Fellowship
Young adults (18-25) passionate about the environment can gain hands-on experience through a one-year, stipend-supported service program with the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 program year, running from August 19, 2025, to August 18, 2026.
Click HERE for more information
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DNR Summer Camp
High school student looking for something amazing to do this summer are encouraged to check out Natural Resources Careers Camp. Camp is from July 20 - July 26 at the Hickory Environmental Education Center. Only 42 spots are available.
Click HERE to view summer camp details
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Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park Summer Camp Registration is Open
Summer Camp registration goes live Wednesday, January 15, and spots fill up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your child’s place in our exciting and enriching camp programs.
From hands-on activities to outdoor exploration, we can’t wait to create lasting memories with your child. Mark your calendar and join AMM for another incredible summer of fun and learning.
Click HERE to view summer camp dates
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BUDGET TOWN HALLS
District 30 Town Halls
- District 6 with Councilmember Rodvien February 4, 2025 Annapolis High School Cafeteria
- District 7 with Councilmember Leadbetter January 23, 2025 Southern High School Auditorium
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County-Wide Spanish Language Town Hall February 5, 2025 Virtual on Zoom
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ReNew YOU - Annapolis High School’s 8th Annual Yoga Event and Wellness Fair
AHS’ Wellness Program, ReNew YOU will be held Saturday, February 1st 10AM-12PM. Participants will experience yoga as a tool for self- care and a wellness fair that highlights other ways that people can “ReNew” for our 2025!
Register HERE
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Emergency Assistance for Families with Children
The Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) program offers cash assistance to help families facing urgent needs like rent, utilities, or other emergencies. Eligible families with children under 21 can apply through their local Department of Social Services.
Find more info HERE
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Kickstart Your Career as a School Bus Driver
Receive a contingent job offer and free CDL-B training to begin your career in school bus transportation. Qualified candidates can receive a $2,000 hiring and retention bonus along with an opportunity to secure a job with an AAWDC partner.
Find more info HERE
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New COVID Vaccines Available
Amid an unexpectedly large surge of summer COVID infections in the U.S., and with the fall/winter virus season around the corner, updated COVID vaccines have arrived. Get the updated COVID vaccine around mid-October to boost protection in time for the rise of cases that typically occur around November through January.
Find vaccines HERE
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Senior Call Check In
Make sure our seniors stay safe and supported. It’s easy to enroll. You can register online, download and mail in a paper application, or call the toll-free number at (866) 502-0560 to have an application mailed to your home.
Find more info HERE
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Get a Ride for Only $2
Get from point A to point B a little faster for $2 a ride, $1 for seniors using the new TRANSIGO app on Apple or Android - or you can call dispatch to get picked up: 410-263-7964.
Find more info HERE
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Get Your High School Diploma
OIC offers free adult education and job readiness classes, including GED Preparation, Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office Essentials, and English as a Second Language.
OIC ofrece clases gratuitas de educación para adultos y preparación para el trabajo, incluyendo preparación para el GED, introducción a la computadora, Microsoft Office Essentials e inglés como segundo idioma.
Find more info HERE
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Avoid Utility Shut-Offs
The PSC Medical Certification Program helps individuals with serious illness or medical equipment avoid utility shut-offs.
For more information HERE
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Maryland's Coastal Future
Explore the latest mapping project from Maryland DNR, predicting future wetlands due to sea level rise. This crucial data helps protect our communities and wildlife. Learn more and view the map on the Maryland Coastal Atlas.
For more information HERE
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Free Chromebook Giveaway
AACPL is offering free Chromebooks to eligible Anne Arundel County residents through a grant from the county and the State of Maryland. Distribution events start in January 2024. Check eligibility, register for a timeslot, and bring required documentation. For details, visit our Digital Equity page.
For more information HERE
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Support for Caregivers
Secure your spot in the 2024 free virtual caregiver workshops by the Living Well Center of Excellence. Participate in courses like Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Building Better Caregivers, and SAVVY Caregiver®. Enhance your self-care and caregiving skills, fostering confidence and competence.
For more information HERE
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Free Cervical Cancer Screenings
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offers no-cost clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and follow-up testing for eligible individuals, the department emphasizes the importance of early detection.
For more information HERE
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Support for Kinship Caregivers
The Maryland Department of Human Services offers support for Kinship Caregivers to fill in the gap and care for children and vulnerable adults.
For more information HERE
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Get Help With Weatherization
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development invites you to seize the benefits of their Weatherization Assistance Program. Combat air infiltration, install insulation, and enhance your home's comfort.
Apply today through your Local Weatherization Agency by visiting the provided link HERE
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Flu Vaccines Are Available
Flu season is here. Anne Arundel County residents age 6 mother and older, can get free flu vaccines at walk-in flu clinic in Annapolis, Glen Burnie or Shady Side, while supplies last.
For more information HERE
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Gun Safety Lock Giveaway
Residents 18 years and older can receive up to two gun safety locks at the Busch Annapolis, Eastport-Annapolis Neckand Glen Burnie libraries. No library card is needed to participate, and no proof of residency is required.
Find more info HERE
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available statewide and provides Maryland households with financial relief toward water and/or wastewater bills. Eligible households may receive up to $2,000. More info HERE
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Military Career Connections
Are you a transitioning military service member, veteran, or military spouse wanting to connect with Anne Arundel Workforce Development career services? Visit HERE to learn about the eligibility requirements.
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Affordable Connectivity Program
Maxsip Telecom, the provider for the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program, is providing FREE internet and tablets to anyone on government assistance programs like Medicaid.
Find mor info HERE
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Call or Text 988 for Free Support
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide. Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 to talk to mental health counselors and receive confidential and free support 24/7/365.
Anne Arundel County residents can still access the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. Community Warmline at 410-768-5522.
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Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson
Senator Shaneka Henson would love to hear your voice during Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting.
CALL (410) 841.3578
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UPDATES TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Department of Labor has guaranteed that they will get to all applicants; however, due to the overwhelming number of applicants, they cannot provide a time estimate. To troubleshoot, go to https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.
If you are unable to determine your issue through the FAQs featured on the website, please send my office an email explaining the issues you're facing as well as the following information so that we may present that to our Legislative Liaison:
- Full legal name
- Phone number
- Claim/Claimant ID (if applicable)
Please note that Delegate Jones, Delegate Howard and I submit the same claims.
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Community Food and Necessity Distributions
Below are some food giveaways scheduled for this week:
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City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management, Every Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pip Moyer Recreation center, Every Friday-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov
- St. Luke’s Food, Baby & Senior Pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1101 Bay Ridge Ave., every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm, (food, infant formula, diapers and wipes, adult formula supplement and adult incontinence protection items), bring ID.
- Mills Parole Elementary School, 1 George & Marion Phelps Lane Annapolis, MD, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm.
- Asbury United Methodist Church, 87 West St Annapolis MD, has a food pantry available ever Wed. and Fri. from 9AM - 11AM.
- Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive Annapolis MD, has food giveaway every Tuesday 9:30am-11am (must provide ID and proof of residency)
- First Baptist Church of Annapolis, 31 W. Washington Street, gives away pantry bags and prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm
- Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Westfield Annapolis Mall, gives away baby/infant supplies and menstrual products every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.
- Cornerstone Church: Rotating HACA communities on the second Saturday of each month (May - Bloomsbury, June - Eastport, July - Morris Blum, August - Robinwood). Each giveaway will be 12:30pm 2:30pm.
Call 410-260-2211 to Schedule a Fresh Food Delivery Option
Information on regularly scheduled pantries can be found at the top of my newsletter by clicking on the link next to "Food Resources in District 30A." Please send an email to Shaneka.Henson@house.state.md.us if you know of a food resource that should be included in this newsletter.
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By Authority of Friends of Shaneka Henson, Sherry Galloway Treasurer | | | | |
