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 who's family values make her a passionate and bright leader.
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Video Credit: Maryland General Assembly |
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Resources, Community News & Updates
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Latest in the Fight Against COVID-19-- Get your booster shot and win $50,000. Each week until May there will be a drawing, and on Tuesday, May 3, one Marylander will be awarded a grand prize of $1 million. Maryland residents 18 and older who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccinations and their booster shot in Maryland at any time are eligible to win. To book an appointment visit HERE. For more information about Omicron visit HERE/AQUÍ
Maryland Omicron Preparedness/NEW Testing Site-- The state of Maryland has announced new measures to maintain preparedness in light of the new Omicron variant. MDH has added a state-run testing site at Anne Arundel Medical Center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for walk-in PCR tests only. This site only offers PCR testing (no POC tests or at-home test kits will be provided).
Legislative Complex More Accessible this Year-- There will be increased accessed to the Maryland General Assembly this year, while streaming will still be happening. To understand this more fully we recommend this article. Meanwhile Delegate Henson will still be holding office hours virtually and invites you to sign up to meet with her through this link.
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Delegate Henson's Legislative Scholarship Accepting Applications
District 30A residents, if you are attending college this fall at a Maryland Institution, make sure you apply for my Legislative Scholarship.
Find out if you live in District 30A HERE.
Applications are due April 30th apply HERE
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Rotary Club Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Annapolis, is offering academic scholarships to graduating seniors attending Annapolis area high schools.
Up to four cash scholarship of $2,500 to students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service in keeping with Rotary ideals.
The application deadline is April 1, 2022. For more information and to obtain a copy of the application visit HERE.
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Contracts and Capitals
Are you a minority business owner in need of additional funding for operation? Come out to Contracts and Capital to learn about Maryland's historic budget surplus and opportunities for minority businesses in procurement and funding.
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Grants for Independent Artists
If you are an artist who has been financially impacted through recent emergencies, consider applying for these grants being funded by the Maryland State Arts Council.
To learn more and to Apply go HERE.
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Green Drop Donation Site
Are you looking for a place to drop off your used clothing and household items? Consider making those donations at the new Greed Drop Charitable Donation Center in Hanover, MD.
This organization will support nonprofits like the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation and the National Federation of the Blind through your donations. To learn more go HERE.
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State Capitol Complex Construction Virtual Meeting
Do you live in Annapolis, and want to understand the upcoming construction that will be taking place at the Capital Complex? If so, consider joining this virtual meeting on March 15th at 6:30.
To provide testimony email HERE.
The view the meeting on the 15th go HERE.
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New Bus Routes in Annapolis
It is becoming easier to get from Annapolis to Crofton, Glen Burnie and beyond. See all the public transportation offerings in Anne Arundel County HERE.
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Anne Arundel County Dental Access Program
Does getting access to quality dental care for you and your family seem beyond your reach? You may be eligible to participate in the Anne Arundel Dental Access Program. The program provides meaningful discounts to these needed services. For more information visit HERE or call 410-222-7138.
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Urgent Need at Lighthouse Shelter
Help you neighbors struggling with homelessness by donating bottles of water to the Lighthouse Shelter.
Bring cases of water to 10 Hudson Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.
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Anne Arundel County Arts and Cultural Resources Grants
This funding is to provide funding for programming that utilizes heritage resources in Anne Arundel County in a new or innovative way; increases public access to historic sites; improves or enhances how the public engages with heritage resources; and/or encourages the maintenance and preservation of important heritage sites.
Applications must be submitted by March 31st. Start yours HERE.
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Families Supporting Families
Spring Family Virtual 9 Weeks Group Sessions (March 31, 2022-May 26, 2022)
LEARN, SHARE, GROW, EMPOWER, and receive SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT from families throughout the county.
RSVP for your spot by March 24th.
Call 410-421-8439
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Rotary Blood Drive
Rotary Club of Annapolis and Annapolis Yacht Club will co-sponsor a Blood Drive on Thursday, March 31st from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Annapolis Yacht Club’s Activity Center, 314 Sixth Street. Interested donors should register in advance using this link to schedule a 20-minute time slot. Walk-ins may be possible but could require a short wait.
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Free Medical Equipment
Maryland residents eligible for free medical equipment through the Maryland Durable Equipment Re-Use Program.
Read about how this program was helpful to your neighbor Janice HERE.
To learn more about the program go HERE.
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Annapolis Restaurant Week
Ready to get out of the house? Gather your family and friends to dine out in Annapolis.
Review the special menus from about 40 of the area's best restaurants. Some locations offering carryout, outdoor dining, additional bonus items, and specials including 1/2 price bottles of wine, discounted appetizers, or specialty drinks.
Make reservations and see the menus HERE.
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Small Business Grants
Are you a small business owner struggling to make your way out of the pandemic. BGE has pledged $15 million to assist you with COVID relief and recovery. Priority given to companies operated by historically underrepresented groups that are pivoting their business in response to the pandemic.
To learn more and to Apply go HERE.
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Arts Organization Funding
The Arts Organization program will provide relief support for small to medium Anne Arundel County-based nonprofit arts organizations.
Applications must be submitted by March 20th. Find more information HERE.
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Digital Equity & Inclusion Funding Grants
DHCD is awarding $7 Million in Digital Equity & Inclusion Funding to Maryland's Local Governments, Nonprofit Organizations, and Community-Based Organizations through two different grant opportunities. For more information follow the links below:
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Future Success Summer Internships
This dynamic program provides Anne Arundel County’s youth and young adults ages 16-24 with career exposure, essential workplace skills training, financial literacy, and a meaningful six-week paid work experience. The Internships starts July 5, and ends August 12.
Please fill out and submit your application HERE.
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Normal Isn’t Good Enough
Maryland State Department of Education Seeks Input from Students, Families and Educators in Strategic Planning Survey.
This plan will establish MSDE’s vision and mission and define core priorities and goals delivered through impactful strategies and actions. The survey is currently available in English and Spanish HERE.
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Maryland Tax Filing Extension
The Maryland tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2022.
Resident & non-resident filers will have until July 15, 2022 to file and make final payments on their 2021 taxes, penalty and interest-free.
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Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson
Every Monday afternoon, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have a bill or issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.
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Free At-Home COVID-19
Testing Kits
Every households in the U.S. can order one set of
4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free starting in late January
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Help Fight Bullying
Are you aware of harmful behaviors in our schools? Safe Schools Maryland allows each of us to anonymously report tips concerning past, present, or potential harmful activities directed at students, school employees, and schools.
For more information visit their website HERE.
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COVID-19 Funeral Cost Assistance available through FEMA
If you lost a loved one because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA may be able to provide financial relief to the burden of funeral costs. You can call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333, or visit their website HERE.
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Earn Money On Your Way To Work
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Commuter Choice Maryland is launching a program aimed at helping Maryland commuters save time and money, while also earning cash rewards when they take transit, rideshare or use other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles in their rush hour commute.
Download the incenTrip App and start earning today. More Information HERE.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Community members can now provide volunteer language interpreter services to taxpayers who are not fluent in English. A basic tax knowledge is helpful, but there are no requirements.
To learn more visit HERE.
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Rent & Mortgage Tool Kits
If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their rent or mortgage, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has created tool-kits to assist, which include consumer rights, action steps, and listings of financial assistance programs.
More Information regarding this toolkit can be found HERE
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Lower Bills with Weatherization Programs
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers a wide range of programs that provide assistance to households to lower their energy bills. Applicants must turn in an OHEP or DHCD application to be screened for approval. Those with questions can call 1-855-583-8976.
More information regarding the programs can be found HERE
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COVID-19 Guidance, Masks & Clinics |
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Get Help Finding Jobs & Hiring New Employees
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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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Childcare Assistance HERE
Court-Ordered Eviction HERE or call1-800-332-6347
Emergency Shelter call (410) 417-7260 Monday-Friday
24 hours a day, 7 days a week call County Warm Line at 410-768-5522
Energy Assistance (BGE) utility shut offs resumed Nov. 16, 2020 call the Community Action Agency's 24/7 hotline at 833-888-0401
Evictions CDC/DHS eviction moratorium has been renewed through October 3, 2021 preventing the eviction of tenants certain tenants who are unable to make rental payments.
Federal Student Loans (UPDATED: Student loan payments have been suspended through May 1, 2022 for federally held student loans.) HERE
Foreclosure Prevention free confidential counseling call 410-222-7600 HERE
Rental Assistance call 410-222-7600 or HERE
Taxi Voucher Program serving older adults and individuals with disabilities AACO residents call 410-222-4CAB (4222) or click HERE; Annapolis residents call 410-263-7964 or click HERE
Temporary Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps HERE or call1-800-332-6347
Find energy assistance for Maryland residents HERE:
- The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps eligible customers pay for a portion of their current electric bill.
- The Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) program helps customers with large, past due electric and gas bills receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 toward their past due bill.
- Bill payment assistance may also be available from the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
NEW-- Utility Resource Guides HERE
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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 restaurant 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.
Delivery and transportation options are available for those unable to pick-up in person. Call Office of Emergency Management at 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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