The Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 a.m. to receive a briefing on the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Fire and Explosive Investigations (FEI) Unit.
The members of the PS Committee include Chair Sidney Katz, Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmember Tom Hucker.
The $830,000 Healthy Communities Fund was part of County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for DHHS and was part of the budget adopted by the County Council.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for, and the complexity of services provided to, minority communities, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said County Executive Elrich. “We have one of the most diverse communities in the U.S. and the Healthy Communities Fund will provide financial help to organizations who work every day providing needed services to our residents. The COVID-19 Relief Fund used in Fiscal Year 2022 was successful. I am glad we can continue providing financial help.”
Panelists in the town hall will include the Latino Health Initiative’s Luis Aguirre, Proyecto Salud’s Executive Director Cesar Palacios, Acting County Health Officer James Bridgers and the County Department of Health and Human Services’ Director Raymond Crowel. The panel discussion will be moderated by Lorna Virgilí, the County’s Hispanic public information officer.
The panelists will provide an update on the current monkeypox situation in Montgomery County and Maryland. They will provide information on the County’s monkeypox vaccine program and answer questions about prevention and treatment.
Some garages will experience partial closures during the cleanings, including select entrance/exit areas and ramps. The full schedule of garage cleanings can be viewed here.
MCDOT performs spring and fall washdowns to keep garages clean and help keep grease, oil and debris out of local waterways. Regular cleanings prevent deterioration from prolonged exposure to salt, sand, oils, gas, dirt, pollen and leaves.
Initially an essay contest, Councilmember Rice partnered last year with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by incorporating afterschool virtual instruction on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant will be provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project for students is a video on a public policy issue from whom a winning video will be selected. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council breakfast, receive a Council proclamation, serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day, and receive prizes to enable their continued digital storytelling.
Last year, Allison Fan submitted the winning video which advocated for more comprehensive education on eating disorders. Through her engaging visuals and relaying her personal message regarding her own challenges, the video provided important information about eating disorders afflicting our youth.
Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will observe schedule and program changes for the observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5. County […]
“Montgomery County’s strength is truly derived from its diversity. For centuries, the African diaspora has significantly contributed to our economic, cultural and social fabric and positively influenced many civilizations around the world. I am proud that Montgomery County is celebrating African Heritage Month for the second year in a row, and most importantly that the Council will host our celebration in person for the very first time,” said Council President Albornoz. “It is through hard work, perseverance and determination that the African community sustains our County and fortifies our collective vision to achieve prosperity for all.”
“Fourteen years ago, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As the son of a Nigerian father, this celebration is important to me as we continue to honor the diverse cultures within the African diaspora and their contributions to our county and nation. This year, we will recognize African leaders from five different countries, celebrating their achievements in the fields of music, dance, art, culinary arts and designing traditional African attire. Montgomery County is home to more than 54,000 Africans, who make up 15 percent of the overall immigrant population. African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize one of our biggest strengths in Montgomery County, our rich diversity.”
The Farm to Food Bank program had 22 farms participating in the past year, but for the current year, an increase of 10 farms from the previous year. That is the highest number of farms participating since the program began in 2020. This allowed the program to benefit about a dozen more food assistance providers than the year prior.
The annual report also showed that $141,553 in grant funds (from the Community Foundation and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services) were awarded to 20 farms, nine of which are owned by females and/or farmers of color.
There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills.
The one-time application must be completed to keep the ITOC tax credit that was on July 1, 2022, tax bills. If an approved application is not on file by May 1, 2023, State law will require the County to recapture the $692 ITOC that was granted on your tax bill. Additionally, the ITOC tax credit itself will no longer appear on all future tax bills until there is an approved Homestead Application on file with SDAT.
“Engaging the expertise and insight of our community is a critical step in creating successful strategies to support our residents,” said Heather Bruskin, executive director of the Montgomery County Food Council. “This five-minute survey will provide an important opportunity for residents to share the challenges they experience in accessing food and directly advise the county on what programs would be of greatest benefit to their families.”
The survey results will help inform program implementation, policy development and future funding priorities. Resident feedback is a key component to adequately understanding and addressing food access challenges that are impacting our children and youth.
Resolution 19-1357 provides grant awards from $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 for an up to one year (12 month) performance period for the County’s FY 2023 Abortion, Reproductive Health, and Related Services Access (ARHRSA) grants program. The target population for the grants are organizations that help women seeking access to abortion, reproductive health, and related services as well as the staff providing these services.
“As soon as the draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in May, we knew that our reproductive rights and abortion providers were going to need additional support and we announced our intention to provide $1 million in County aid through grants to these organizations,” said County Executive Erich. “I am very pleased that we were able to get this grant process up and running so quickly and appreciate the work and input of the County Council, the Department of Health and Human Services and our new Office of Grants Management. These funds will help the women served by caring and compassionate organizations who are protecting their rights, their health, and their choices.”