Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter | | |
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In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.
Read bio HERE
Stay Connected
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Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Students:
A Moral Imperative for Higher Education
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The Pregnant and Parenting Support Act is deeply personal to me as it addresses the unique challenges faced by pregnant and parenting students in our higher education institutions. As someone who has navigated the journey of pregnancy while pursuing my own education, I understand firsthand the obstacles and uncertainties that these students encounter.
The Pregnant and Parenting Support Act aims to provide comprehensive support to these students by requiring public senior higher education institutions to adopt policies that include referral services for government assistance programs, information about adoption services, institutional accommodations, and referral networks of healthcare service providers.
Find more information on the legislation HERE
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Update on Delegate Henson's Legislation | |
I am excited to sponsor bills aimed at enhancing Marylanders' lives. From mental health support to online child protection and honoring our heritage, check out the bills we're championing below. Here's some highlights: | |
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Cameron Carden Act of 2024 (House Bill 771/Senate Bill 741)
The Cameron Carden Act aims to support Maryland college students facing mental health crises. Inspired by a student's experience with racial hate, the legislation allows students' withdrawal and reimbursement for mental health crisis. Find more info HERE
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Banneker Douglass Museum Name Change
(House Bill 390/Senate Bill 391)
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) proposes to add Tubman to the naming of the Banneker-Douglass Museum, in honor of Maryland's freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman.
Find more info HERE
African American Heritage Preservation Grant Fund - Alterations (House Bill 1066/Senate Bill 977)
The bill proposes to broaden the scope of the African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) by earmarking 30% of the capital grant for non-capital grants to support the operations and programs of heritage organizations in Maryland. Find more info HERE
Maryland Online Child Protection Act (House Bill 772/Senate Bill 780)
The "Maryland Online Child Protection Act" aims to shield minors from obscene content online by employing measures like default content filters on devices, age verification for websites hosting such content, and incentives for broadband providers to implement filters. This balanced approach aims to enhance online safety for Maryland's youth. Find more info HERE
Pregnant & Parenting Student Support Act (House Bill 771/Senate Bill 741)
The Pregnant & Parenting Student Support Act is designed to ensure that pregnant and parenting students in Maryland's colleges and universities have access to essential support and resources to help them pursue their education while managing their responsibilities as parents. Find more info HERE
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Seniors (House Bill 543/Senate Bill 722)
The bill increases minimum SNAP benefits for seniors from $40 to $75/month.
Find more info HERE
Anne Arundel County – Public Schools – Innovative Scheduling Pilot Program (House Bill 881/ Senate Bill 909)
The bill would give AACPS the option to implement an innovative school scheduling model, such as extended year, year-round schooling, 4-day school week, or others, on a pilot basis for five years, including a one-year planning period and a four-year operating period, with the obligation to provide advance notification and negotiate with the employee organization designated as an exclusive representative.
Find more info HERE
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Resources | News | Updates | | |
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Get a College Scholarship from Delegate Henson
Don't miss the chance to apply for the Delegate Shaneka Henson Legislative Scholarship. Submit your application to Delegate Henson's office by April 1, 2024, either electronically or by mail. This scholarship offers financial assistance based on need, determined in part by your FAFSA.
For more information HERE
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Scholarships for Students Entering Military Service
Apply now for the 2024 Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Awards! This scholarship honors students enlisting in the military after graduation, providing crucial financial assistance. Don't miss out. Apply by March 31st.
For more information HERE
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Free Tax Prep
Get your taxes done for FREE at convenient locations in the metro area. Call 410-234-8008 to schedule your appointment from 9 am – 2 pm, Monday to Friday. Don't forget to bring all your documents! Income limits for free tax prep are $64,000 or below.
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
In observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offering 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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Women Veteran's Group Discussion
Please join Roslyn Jones, MDVA Women Veterans Inclusion Program Manager, for a round table focus group.
Learn more and register HERE
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USDA College Scholarship
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is accepting application. Embrace educational excellence and career opportunities in food, agriculture, and natural resources. Full tuition, fees, books, room, and board covered!
Apply now for a chance to be part of USDA's Next Generation.
For more information 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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Vote in the Upcoming Election
Maryland votes in the Presidential Primary Election on May 14, 2024 (vote early May 2, 2024 through May 9, 2024).
There are local races on the ballot as well, including Congressional District 3, and AACO Board of Education.
For more information HERE
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Free Breast Cancer Screenings
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Cancer Screening Service offers no-cost clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and any necessary follow-up testing.
Find more info call 410-222-6180
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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
Every First Wednesday, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.
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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 Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones 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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If you can spare $5, $20, $50 or more it helps me reach my goal. Thanks for your continued support as I work for you.
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By Authority of Friends of Shaneka Henson, Sherry Galloway Treasurer | | | | |
