Government Archives - Page 30 of 114

Published June 22, 2022 at 9:07PM

“Today, we are also again calling on Democratic leaders in Maryland to take action to address rising gas prices. We are once again calling on the Comptroller to use the same authority he has in the past in order to minimize the impact of the gas tax increase scheduled for July 1. We are again calling on the presiding officers of the General Assembly to convene a special session for the express and sole purpose of passing emergency legislation to suspend the gas tax. I am prepared to swiftly sign a gas tax suspension into law.

“There is no reason why we cannot come together and get this done before the July 4th holiday to provide much-needed relief for the crushing costs burdening families and businesses.”

MoCo Libraries

‘Grandreaders’ Program Pairing Seniors Reading to Young Students Will Be Available this Summer Through Montgomery County Public Libraries and Partners

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2022 at 8:47PM

“We are delighted to resume this in-person program at MCPL,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “This program is designed to improve students’ ability to read more fluently and with better comprehension and to keep their reading skills sharp during the summer.”

The Grandreaders Program will run for five weeks, from the last week of June until the end of July, at the Aspen Hill, Gaithersburg, Wheaton and White Oak libraries.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Audit Committee Meeting on June 23, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2022 at 8:45PM

More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Updates from the Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Internal Audit

Health

Montgomery County to Begin Vaccinating Children Ages 6 Months to 5 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2022 at 12:04PM

““It is good news that this last age group is now eligible to receive their vaccine doses,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We know that many parents are anxious to get their babies and young children vaccinated as quickly as possible. As we have seen with previous vaccine roll-outs, we expect great demand over the next couple of weeks for these vaccines with limited supply available. Because the majority of the vaccines are going to private pediatric providers, we encourage all parents to check with their pediatrician’s office before using our website to sign up for an appointment,” he said. “I am grateful for the preparation, planning and outreach efforts from DHHS and our community partners to ensure equitable access to these vaccines,” he continued. “Getting vaccinated and boosted is important to our COVID mitigation efforts, and we continue to encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.”

When vaccine supply is available, new appointments will be posted at 3 p.m. at www.GoVaxMoCo.com. County-operated clinics for this age group will focus on weekend clinics and will include some weekday evening hours. Appointments are required at this time. The County will continue to receive doses from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), with the majority of doses going to private physicians and pharmacies.

MoCo

Montgomery County to Open Applications for Hotel Relief Grants on Friday, July 1

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2022 at 11:57AM

Applications, when available, can be found online at the Montgomery County Business Portal. Applications will be accepted through July 22. The business portal will include program details, including eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.

“There are few industries that have been impacted as significantly from the pandemic as our hospitality businesses,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our leisure and hospitality businesses employ approximately 12 percent of our County’s workforce and the World Tourism Organization has predicted that this sector will not recover fully until 2024. It is imperative that we continue to assist this industry’s recovery efforts in order to help them support their workforce. I encourage all County hotels and B and B’s to apply for this newest round of grants.”

MoCo Government

Statement from Sidney Katz on Positive COVID-19 Test Result

By Patrick Herron

Published June 20, 2022 at 11:49AM

“This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and double boosted against the virus and am only experiencing mild symptoms. I am currently isolating in accordance with CDC guidance and will continue to work remotely.

“I encourage all eligible Montgomery County residents to get fully vaccinated and boosted to best protect themselves and their loved ones against this virus.”

Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Governor Hogan to Lead Economic Development Mission to France, Ireland

By Patrick Herron

Published June 19, 2022 at 11:05PM

“Maryland is open for business, and our economic recovery continues to be one of the very best in America,” said Governor Hogan. “This mission will be focused on expanding partnerships with key allies, promoting some of Maryland’s key industries, and fostering new opportunities to continue creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

This is the governor’s first mission of this kind since September 2019, when he led a joint infrastructure and economic development mission to Australia during his time as chairman of the National Governors Association.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Meets on June 21 at 9 a.m. to receive a briefing on the review process for the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan and the 2022 report of the Charter Review Commission

By Patrick Herron

Published June 19, 2022 at 12:03PM

The Council will meet on Tuesday, June 21 at 9 a.m. The meeting will begin with two proclamations. The first, presented by Council President Albornoz, Councilmember Katz and County Executive Elrich, will recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The second, led by Councilmember Jawando, will commemorate Juneteenth.

More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council to Hold Public Hearings on June 21, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published June 18, 2022 at 9:26AM

A full list of upcoming public hearings is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/calendar.html.

Additional documents are available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council.

Germantown

Happening Tonight: Five Montgomery Community Leaders Will Receive ‘Juneteenth Celebration/African American Living Legend Awards’ from County Executive Elrich

By Patrick Herron

Published June 17, 2022 at 9:16AM

County Executive Marc Elrich will present the awards at the ceremonies that are part of the County’s 25th annual celebration of Juneteenth. The awards honor distinguished individuals who are living legends in Montgomery County and have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community.

The 2022 Annual African American Living Legend Awards will be presented to five individuals who have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness to their community.

MoCo Government

Councilmember Friedson Introduces the Paid Parental Leave Act

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2022 at 9:03PM

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 14, 2022—Today, Councilmember Andrew Friedson introduced two bills to benefit working parents in Montgomery County government. Bill 10-22, the Paid Parental Leave Act, would provide six weeks of paid parental leave for County employees. In addition, Bill 11-22, the Right to Nourish Act, would require the County to provide lactation rooms or alternative accommodation for employees in its buildings. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors of both bills.

“I believe that Montgomery County government, as an employer of almost 10,000, must lead by the power of its example. We must model an environment that acknowledges, values and uplifts women, parents and families,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “Historically, women in the workforce have been overburdened and under supported. COVID-19 has only exacerbated existing challenges. Helping new parents productively balance their work and family lives will strengthen the County government workforce and improve services we provide to residents.”