Weekly Message From County Executive Marc Elrich (12/22/22)

As County Executive one of my priorities has been to figure out how to make it easier for companies to do business here in Montgomery County. We’ve made progress yet again with a new policy within the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) that makes it easier for business owners to move in and get to work.

This comes in response to complaints I heard from business owners directly during listening tours with County Councilmember Sidney Katz after I was first elected. There were concerns about the lag time between a completed final inspection and receiving notice from inspectors. That gap has been eliminated because Use and Occupancy (U&O) certificates will now be electronic. Once the final inspection is complete and approved, the primary applicant will automatically receive an email with the U&O certificate attached. We have also added U&O certificate printing options to the County’s Permitting Services website.

These changes also apply to newly constructed homes as well. We will still make sure all building, electrical, mechanical and fire safety measures are in place for new construction but now, rather than waiting days for word of a decision to become finalized, business owners and homeowners will be able to plan better knowing that there won’t be that added delay built into the opening process. I appreciate DPS responding to the needs of businesses and residents.

Recommendations for keeping yourself safe remain the same: Boost, mask, wash, test. These four steps still work after almost three years of dealing with this pandemic.

The best way to prevent a serious bout with COVID-19 is by being vaccinated and getting a bivalent booster.

Only 28 percent of our County residents have received the bivalent booster thus far. With each “wave” of vaccinations–from initial and second doses to the boosters to the current bi-valent boosters—we are seeing fewer people show up to get their shots. When you look at the breakdown, children and Black and Latino adults are the furthest behind.

Those who are not vaccinated are being hospitalized and still dying, at far higher rates than those who are vaccinated. Getting these shots are still vital to saving lives and preventing illness. So, if you are not vaccinated or boosted, get your shot. It works. These preventative measures also help keep flu and RSV numbers down as well.

I am glad to see more people wearing masks. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor places with poor ventilation is strongly recommended as well as during nursing home visits, on public transportation and around people who are at high risk of having serious complications from COVID.

It is also important that residents continue to test. We have free rapid tests still available at our libraries and the federal government is also providing another round of rapid tests by mail.

I hope everyone will consider the health of others during this holiday season. The holidays will be much more enjoyable when we gather safely, and people don’t have to stay home because they are sick. If you are not feeling well, please stay at home. It’s better to miss out on something than to get a loved one seriously ill.

This is a health equity issue and one of the key reasons I supported the Board and the authority given to it in 2019. Drug prices continue to escalate and impact many Marylanders, painting some into a corner when it comes to choosing between their health and other necessities.

In addition to the letter, I joined a video call on Monday asking the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to ask the General Assembly to broaden the group’s authority. The goal is to make medications affordable. I also participated in one of several forums this fall held across the state by the Maryland Health Care For All!coalition and AARP Maryland. They helped Marylanders understand how the Board can work for them and were critical in obtaining testimonials, which reinforce the need for reform.

A recent survey found almost half of all Maryland adults between 20 and 60 use some kind prescription drugs. The percentage skyrockets when you look at older adults. The State must do all it can to keep these costs from getting out of control. High drug costs also impact county budgets here and in our surrounding communities.

Allowing companies to continue pushing the limit of what the market can bear has created a dangerous situation for housing in Montgomery County. If we continue to allow that with prescription drugs lives will be lost. I hope the General Assembly will act on our request and give Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board the tools it needs to fight the rising cost of medicine.

Holiday Giving Project

I hope that all residents enjoy their holiday break with friends and family. We also want to be mindful of those who do not have family, support networks and resources that we take for granted.

Our County charities and nonprofits are pivotal to our efforts to help the people, issues and challenges that impact all of our communities but with increasing demand and rising costs, county charities need help.

Please donate your time, money or resources. It is a great way to get an end of the year tax write-off. More importantly, you are providing critical lifelines and opportunities to those in need.

Montgomery County employees help by contributing through our Employee Giving Campaign. This year we wanted to exceed last year’s record-high fundraising total of $291,038. Program leaders tell us based on initial results we surpassed that amount and still have a chance of meeting my goal of $300,000 by the time calculations are finalized early next year.

Thank you to our wonderful employees for helping to contribute to the wonderful community service organizations that work year-round to improve lives in Montgomery County. This thoughtfulness is a testament to the character and goodwill we have within our county workforce.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,