We are halfway through the Legislative Session! It is hard to believe that we have accomplished so much in such a short time and still have so much to do. I am working doggedly to get my priority bills through the House in time for ”cross-over” on March 22nd. That means that we are going to be spending a lot of time in subcommittee meetings to discuss and iron-out bills so that we can decide what will move to the full committee for a vote and then to the House Floor. Then we start all over again on the Senate side! Whew!
This week I am presenting my last two bills, both dealing with digital technology. (My sons think that is funny since I seem so tech-challenged to them!) The first is H1181 – The Nonvisual Access Accountability Act for K-12 Education - which was heard Wednesday and is important for ensuring that students who are blind have appropriate access to virtual tools at school. Thank you to the National Federation of the Blind of MD for partnering with me on this pivotal legislation.
My last bill hearing in the House will be for HB717 – Ending the Digital Divide Act. This bill is designed to appropriate funds for expanding access to technology including supporting broadband infrastructure to reach more students. This has been one of the primary concerns in the northern part of my District and so I am happy to try to do something substantive to address the issue.
More Broadband News
The State of Maryland has launched a "SpeedSurvey" website that residents can visit smartphones to test the speed of their internet connection or to report an address that does not have service.

Governor Larry Hogan also announced last week that Consolidated Solutions Maryland (CSM), was awarded $15M to create wireless networks across Maryland for educational access. CMS has begun working with design firms on proposals and is expected to touch rural counties and other unserved areas in the state.
🔥 Weigh in on This Week's Hot Topics 🔥
There are many different bills covering a variety of topics going through the legislature and I would love to hear your opinions. Please participate in our hot topics survey!
Maryland Launches GoVax Support Center
The Maryland Department of Health has opened the Maryland GoVax COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center to assist Marylanders as they schedule vaccine appointments and seek other information.

Marylanders can access the support center to address:
  • Vaccination eligibility
  • Scheduling for first and second dose vaccination appointment
  • Finding vaccination providers
  • COVID-19 Testing Centers
  • Discovering other information on the Vaccine or general questions about COVID-19

More information about GoVax COVID-19 Support Center can be found online by clicking here or you can call 1-855-MDGOVAX | 1-855-634-6829 seven days a week between 7 am and 10 pm.
Baltimore County Announces Partnership
with Uber to Get People to Vaccine Clinics
Baltimore County has also announced a partnership with Uber to provide free rides to residents without other transportation to ensure they can travel to COVID-19 vaccine clinic sites. The Baltimore County Department of Health and the Fire Department are also working to deploy mobile units to administer vaccines directly to residents who are unable to leave their homes.

Baltimore County residents who have made a vaccine appointment but do not have access to other transportation options can call 311 to be connected to CountyRide Staff. They will schedule an Uber ride for the resident. After receiving the vaccine, staff at the clinic will be available to help schedule rides home.

Baltimore County is using CARES funds to support this effort.
Unemployment Payments To Be Issued
via Direct Deposit
Three weeks ago State Legislative Leadership announced their unemployment insurance reform package. Part of that package was a modernization of the UI system by ensuring Marylanders could receive their benefits through direct deposit. Last week the Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson announced the transition from Bank of America debit cards to direct deposits as a result of a new contract with Wells Fargo.

Claimants will receive detailed information about the transition from receiving payments through their Bank of America debit card to the new direct deposit program in their BEACON 2.0 portal. Claimants without a bank account will receive their benefit payments via paper check.

For more information about unemployment insurance in Maryland, please visit MDunemployment.com. 
Baltimore County Commission on Arts and
Science Project Grants Now Available
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced applications are open for the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences' Fiscal Year 2022 Project Grants to support not-for-profit organizations that offer visual and performing arts, science, and humanities programs.

Grants from $1,000 to $9,500 are available for organizations in and near Baltimore County that serve Baltimore County's residents. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 4 pm.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
  • Festivals
  • Film Screenings
  • Exhibitions: art, performances, lectures, classes, and workshops
  • Poetry readings
  • Dance or theatrical performances or workshops
  • Musical concert series (classical, folk, popular)

If an event is virtual, the event organizer must be located in Baltimore County. If the event is live, it must take place in Baltimore County. Any organization in the state can apply.

To apply for the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences Project Grant, or for more information, please visit the County's website by clicking here.
Updates on My Bills
I am happy to have had five bills already pass out of the House:
HB 193 - "Sensitive Issues Reporting"
HB 247 - Accommodations for Voters in Need of Assistance
HB 258 - State Child Welfare System - Reporting
HB 392 - Early Childhood Screening and Assistance
HB 718 - State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder
Group on Autism-Related Needs - Mandated Appropriation

For more information on my bills please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at michele.guyton@house.state.md.us or by visiting the Maryland General Assembly website.