Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Letters Invite Companies to Relocate to Montgomery County in Anticipation and Recognition of the Impact That Abortion Prohibition has on Their Workforces
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke, and State Delegate Ariana Kelly announced Wednesday that they sent letters to the leaders of 10 major companies to invite them to relocate to Montgomery County. Each of these companies are located in states with laws that outlaw abortion services. Five of these companies have reaffirmed their commitment to the health of their employees by offering to cover the cost associated with the interstate travel necessary to receive these vital procedures. These companies are:
- Tesla – Austin, Texas
- Match Group – Dallas, Texas
- Dell Technologies – Round Rock, Texas
- AT&T – Dallas, Texas
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise – Spring, Texas
Recognizing that abortion care is an essential component of healthcare, the following healthcare companies headquartered in these prohibition states were contacted:
- Humana – Louisville, KY
- HCA Healthcare – Nashville, TN
- Centene Corporation – St. Louis, MO
- McKesson – Irving, Texas
- Cerner – Kansas City, MO
County Executive Elrich made the case for Montgomery County as an ideal location to attract a talented workforce.
“Following the recent Supreme Court decision and subsequent actions by states restricting women’s reproductive rights and threatening their health, there are now thousands of business owners and boards considering moving their companies to jurisdictions that are more aligned with the values of the workforce like Montgomery County,” said County Executive Elrich. “The only way that many of these states are going to reverse these draconian laws is if they lose businesses, revenues, and talented workers. I am pleased to work with House Majority Leader Luedtke and Delegate Kelly to proactively ensure that Montgomery County is on the radar of these companies as a welcoming, diverse, and inclusionary place to move to.”
“We understand that headquarters decisions are complex,” said Delegate Luedtke. “But when rights are stripped away and the health of employees is put at risk, we believe it is vital for companies to consider access to care when deciding where to ask their workforce to call home.”
While other states passed legislation to outlaw abortion care in the case of Roe v Wade being overturned by the Supreme Court, Maryland codified Roe v. Wade in a ballot referendum more than 30 years ago. Now, the General Assembly has turned its attention to expanding those protections and building out the capacity to accommodate the needs of both Marylanders and those traveling from out of state to receive care.
Delegate Kelly was the lead sponsor of the Abortion Care Access Act, which passed earlier this year to address the shortage of abortion providers and accommodate the influx of people traveling from out of state.
“Now that federal protection for reproductive care have been erased, the decision about where to locate may be one of life and death,” said Delegate Kelly. “If companies want to attract the best and brightest, it is important to be located in a place where this vital right is protected, and that place is right here in Montgomery County, Maryland.”
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
