MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Marylanders either needing or just contemplating replacing appliances could be motivated to shop from Feb. 18-20 when they can save on paying State sales tax on eligible Energy Star-rated appliances during “Shop Maryland Energy Weekend.”

During Presidents’ Day weekend, appliances bearing the Energy Star label, whether purchased in-store or online, will be exempt from the State’s six percent sales tax. Eligible appliances could include air conditioners, washers, dryers, standard-size refrigerators, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, compact fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. Solar water heaters are tax-exempt year-round.

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Dawn Luedtke on Tuesday introduced legislation to address Open Meetings Act violations and inconsistencies found in Montgomery County government. Bill 8-23 would set clear and consistent deadlines for the more than 80 County government boards, committees and commissions that meet to inform the public and advise policymakers on critical issues impacting the community. The legislation would require the deadlines for groups to publish basic information critical to transparency, including meeting notices, agendas, minutes and recordings if a meeting was recorded.

In August 2022, the State Open Meetings Act Compliance Board found several County boards, committees and commissions violated existing State Open Meetings Act law by failing to provide reasonable advance notice of meetings, failing to provide information on how to access virtual meetings, failing to post minutes, and more.

Per Montgomery County: On February 11, 2023, Montgomery County Council Vice President Andrew Friedson was awarded the Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad’s (BCCRS) 2023 Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award is given to a community member who has distinguished oneself as an outstanding champion of the BCCRS.

Every year, one award is given to someone in the community who has worked in an outstanding capacity to contribute to the philosophy, purpose, management, and operation of the Rescue Squad. A second award was given to Battalion Chief Leo Ruiz as an “internal” member for his outstanding contributions to the Squad, and his dedicated service since 1999. Nominations for this award are made by the General Membership and selected by the Board of Directors and reflects the Rescue Squad’s “Hall of Fame.”

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20.

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, will distribute 10,000 laptops to low-income individuals funded by the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund grant and Maryland Emergency Education Relief grants. The distributions will take place, while supplies last, at numerous events across the County in February, March and April.

The next distribution event will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Executive Office Building Cafeteria in Rockville.

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Gabe Albornoz introduced legislation today to establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission. The legislation is supported by the full Council, the Executive Branch, as well as the Commission on People with Disabilities. The purpose of the bill is to better coordinate services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

“Addressing the complex system navigation needs, gaps in services, and state and County challenges impacts more than 40,000 people of all ages who have an intellectual and developmental disability in our County. An independent commission that will promote communication with families, advocates and providers is critical,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.