MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: With religious intolerance on the rise across the country, it is incumbent upon historians to document and record those experiences. And all too often, non-Christian religions like Islam are given short shrift in American history. In honor of Eid al-Fitr, Montgomery History will be making available its presentation Muslim Experiences in Montgomery County: A Panel Discussion starting Monday, April 24. The presentation was originally recorded at the 2018 Montgomery History Conference. The replay of the presentation will be available for a one-week period.

Jim Johnston led the panel discussion of individuals from Pakistan, the United States, Palestine and Algeria. They talked about what it is like to be Muslim in Montgomery County today. To view the presentation, go to https://montgomeryhistory.org/mhconnected/watch/.

Per Montgomery County: Spring and summer are times when more people get into their vehicles and head out on adventures. However, more miles driven mean increased chances for vehicle break downs, and in some cases, the need for major repairs. When transactions between vehicle owners and car repair businesses in Montgomery County reach serious conflicts, the County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) often can help. OCP registers car repair shops and enforces the County code regarding consumer rights. When a resident registers a complaint concerning an interaction with a business, OCP is guided by Montgomery County Code 31-A, which governs automobile repair businesses in the County. Maryland State Commercial Law, Title 14, Subtitle 10 also applies.

The highlights of laws regarding vehicle repairs performed by Montgomery County auto repair services include:

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has introduced a new podcast series to help residents and businesses become more familiar with the permitting process. The first episode is now available. The DPS podcast will connect listeners to permitting department staff including permit technicians, building inspectors, plan reviewers, the fire marshal, field supervisors and code compliance staff. All who will be featured on the podcasts are experts in their various fields. Collectively, they are known as “first preventers.” These code officials who will provide the latest information from the department, as well as resources and tips.

“DPS continues to streamline its processes to make the permitting process more efficient for customers and sharing information about these improvements is important,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “We are always looking for ways to enhance our communication methods and this new podcast is an innovative way to reach customers on the platforms that they use to keep them informed about DPS programs and services.”

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich applauds the Montgomery County State Delegation, the Maryland General Assembly and the administration of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller for their work during the 2023 General Assembly Legislative Session to pass important laws on issues such as firearm safety, abortion rights and climate control as well as securing hundreds of millions of dollars for Montgomery County. The General Assembly Legislative session ended on Monday, April 10, and it was the first for the Moore/Miller Administration, as well as for several new Delegates and Senators.

“It was clearly a different and more productive General Assembly session under the Moore/Miller Administration. They, along with the General Assembly, clearly understood the needs and priorities of all Marylanders,” said County Executive Elrich. “I want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the Montgomery County House and Senate Delegations under the leadership of Del. Palakovich-Carr and Sen. Kramer, respectively. Our delegation brought in more than one billion dollars in direct aid to Montgomery County, an eight percent increase from last year. It was also able to secure capital funding for key projects like Bus Rapid Transit, the UM Institute for Health Computing, the Bowie Mill Bike Trail, Burtonsville Park and Ride, the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and our high school wellness centers. I also appreciate the passage of key legislation that will invest in our students, raise the state minimum wage, combat climate change, protect abortion rights, reduce gun violence and legalize cannabis sales throughout the state. We are very grateful for all the hard work that led to these legislative accomplishments.”

Nominations are now open for the Montgomery Serves Awards, the County’s highest honors for volunteer service.  The annual awards program, coordinated by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, recognizes volunteer efforts in five categories. The categories, with links to more information about each award and nomination forms, are:

To nominate deserving volunteers, complete the appropriate online nomination forms by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14. The winners will be honored at ceremonies on June 26 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. For additional information on the Montgomery Serves Awards, visit the Volunteer Center website at montgomeryserves.org, call 240-777-2600 or email [email protected].

We thank the delegation for delivering on high priority projects, including $27 million for our growing Bus Rapid Transit system, $1 million for the Burtonsville Park and Ride, $2.1 million for the Bowie Mill Bike Trail, $1 million for the Wheaton Arts and Culture Center, and $1 million to support the High School Wellness Centers, among other priorities. The budget also includes millions in investments to support hospital services, the new University of Maryland 3 – Institute for Health Computing, and projects like the North Bethesda Metro Station North Entrance.  The Maryland General Assembly also enacted landmark legislation that will put a referendum on abortion protections on the 2024 ballot for Maryland voters and passed the Trans Health Equity Act, which expands Maryland Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care. This legislation makes Maryland one of the few states in the nation actively working to protect fundamental rights and access to health care for the transgender community.

Additional highlights from this session include the major cannabis reform bill, which was amended as requested by the Council and advocates; the passage of the Safe Harbor legislation; the Clean Trucks Act; the Fair Wages Act, which we are thrilled to see established statewide, as Montgomery County led the charge in the fight for $15; and consequential gun safety legislation, including the passage of Jaelynn’s Law and the Gun Safety Act of 2023.  We congratulate Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller on a successful first session and thank them for their support on key initiatives that ensure no one is left behind.  Our collaboration with the Montgomery County Delegation – departing and new members, alike – helps to improve the quality of life for all County residents. We look forward to our continued partnership.”

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the transgender community. The resolution, led by Councilmembers Sayles, Stewart, Mink, and President Glass, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Albornoz, Balcombe, Fani-González, Jawando, Katz, Luedtke and Vice President Friedson, affirms Montgomery County as a place that is inclusive of the transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and wider LGBTQIA+ community, and to condemn all anti-LGBTQIA+ acts.

Recently, hate groups nationwide have targeted transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people as well as events and organizations centering on or supporting those communities. In Montgomery County, hate groups have attempted to disrupt Drag Story Hour at Brookside Gardens, Loyalty Bookstores and more. In February, Bells Mill Elementary School shifted an in-person PTA meeting to virtual after receiving threats following a social media post about a teacher reading a book about a transgender child.