Minimum Wage Increase/Basic Income/ County Legislation
Minimum Wage Increase/Basic Income/ County Legislation
We also added some religion reporting in this newsletter
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During the end of his meeting with local business leaders, Gov. Moore told business leaders that he expected to see them again when he signed the Fair Wage Act into Maryland’s law. From The Intersection Mag:
Closing the meeting, Moore, prophesying, said, “I am going to be very excited to see each one of you at the signing.” Then, he and others departed to testify before the Economic Matters Committee. Now, the waiting has begun.
The bill passed. Per The Daily Record:
Maryland’s minimum hourly wage will be $15 beginning Jan. 1 under a bill from Gov. Wes Moore that passed in the General Assembly on Tuesday.
The pay hike that lawmakers approved is less ambitious than what Moore sought, but the governor has maintained an upbeat tone as the bill worked its way through the legislature. He’s scheduled to begin signing bills into law on Tuesday of next week.
The initial proposal included indexing the minimum wage, which means legislators would have to revisit the issue year after year due to inflation. It meant that Maryland’s minimum wage law would increase based on the market. The final bill, which will be signed into law, is without an index proposal. Part of this push to raise the minimum, at least for the governor, is foundational for making Maryland competitive, as well as chipping away at poverty — which he vowed to tackle when he campaigned.
From The Intersection:
Moore’s push for the $15 minimum wage is a part of his initiative to build a more inclusive economy, incentivize work, and address adult and child poverty. Moore wants the state of Maryland to be more competitive.
“I think we have a chance to do something special,” said the governor. “There is no reason on earth for the state of Maryland to be 35th in unemployment. There is no reason for Maryland - the STATE of Maryland - to be the 43rd toughest place in the country to start a business. There is no reason for the state of Maryland to be falling behind the national economy. We need more people engaged and involved in the economy – and this bill is a huge step in order for us to do exactly that.”
Community News
Prince George’s County States Attorney
The 2nd Annual State of Justice Symposium, hosted by State's Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy and Bowie State University, will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6-9 pm.
Check-in begins at 5 pm.
This is a FREE event.
FOR QUESTIONS AND/OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: LaJoia Cannon | ldcannon@co.pg.md.us
You can RSVP here.
Apply to Become a Member of the Fair Election Fund Commission
Interested in making a difference concerning public financing and fair elections in Prince Georges’s County?
The Prince George’s County Council seeking qualified candidates, who reflect political and geographical diversity, to fill five vacant seats on the seven (7) member Fair Election Fund Commission. Each nominee will be confirmed by the county council. Commissioners will serve the remaining two (2) years of the term ending April 30, 2025.
Residents are encouraged to refer to the following the Fair Election Fund Commission flyer to access additional information regarding qualifications, responsibilities, and next steps to apply. Click HERE.
Interested residents who wish to be considered should email a resume to Council Administrator Jennifer Jenkins, at JAJenkins@co.pg.md.us by 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2023. Nominees will also be notified via email.
District 3 Town Hall and Resource Fair
Prince George's County Council Member Eric Olson invites the community to attend the District 3 Town Hall and Resource Fair.
DATE:
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
William Wirt Middle School
6200 Tuckerman Street
Riverdale, Maryland 20737
*Parking is available in the school parking lot and on the surrounding streets.*
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from County agencies and local utility companies will be on hand to provide helpful resources and information on services and programs. Tara Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer in the Office of Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is the featured guest speaker to bring remarks and answer questions.
For more information, please contact (301) 952-3060 or contact CouncilDistrict3@co.pg.md.us.
District 9 Community Clean Up, Shred and Bulk Trash Day
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Prince George's County Council Member Sydney Harrison will partner with Clinton Baptist Church, Department of Environment, Department of Public Works and Transportation, Alpha Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Priority 1 Shredding to host the Council District 9 Community Clean Up, Shred and Bulk Trash Day. The event will be held at Clinton Baptist Church, 8701 Woodyard Rd. Clinton, MD.
Residents are encouraged to review the below flyer for a list of acceptable and unacceptable bulky trash items.
Please note that no electronic items, including televisions, will be accepted as bulk trash! Electronics disposal, including televisions and monitors, are accepted at the County's Electronic Recycling Acceptance Site in Upper Marlboro, from Thursday-Saturday ONLY. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/pgcwastefacilities.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Lyles at (301)952-3820 or via email at councildistrict9@co.pg.md.us.
District 3 Spring Nonprofit Networking Event
Prince George's County Council Member Eric Olson will host the District 3 Spring Nonprofit Networking Event on Monday, April 17, 2023 in College Park, Maryland.
WHERE:
College Park Airport Operations Building
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
TIME:
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
County nonprofits are encouraged to attend to expand their networks, while learning strategies and valuable tips to grow their organizations. For more information, please contact Jaqueline Menjivar at 301-952-7473 or via email: jgmenjivar@co.pg.md.us.
RSVP for the District 3 Spring Nonprofit Networking Event today!
The G.O.A.T Expo
On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Bowie State University, Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, Prince George’s Health Department – Step Forward Program, and Bowie State University Graduate Student Association we will host The G.O.A.T. Expo 2023, our 2nd annual mental health expo for young people, their caregivers and providers, to learn effective ways of managing their mental health & wellness through supports in Prince George’s County, MD. #thegoatexpo
News Link
Tech
Prince George’s Co. will offer rebates for surveillance cameras
A bill that would offer rebates to Prince George’s County, Maryland, residents who buy surveillance cameras has passed unanimously, after the council heard from the parents of a teen shot last year whose killer is still on the loose.
The bill was named after 13-year-old Jayz Agnew, who was shot while raking leaves in front of his Temple Hills home last November. His friends and family were the only ones to testify about the measure.
Purple Line slightly less delayed, on target to open in fall 2026, spokesperson says
The Purple Line light rail is on target to open in fall 2026, a spokesperson confirmed to MoCo360 Tuesday, despite reports in January that opening would be delayed until mid-2027 because of issues moving utility lines.
“Our target date for opening remains fall of 2026 as we continue to negotiate with our concessionaire,” Purple Line spokesperson David Abrams said, referring to the public-private partnership, Purple Line Transit Partners, led by infrastructure investor Meridiam. “The target date is the estimated contractual deadline; until negotiations are complete, the contractual deadline for revenue service remains unchanged. MDOT MTA’s review of the concessionaires’ estimate of delay and efforts to mitigate the delay is part of the active negotiations between MDOT MTA and Purple Line Transit Partners.”
Politics
Prince George’s County Adopts Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot
Prince George’s County now joins neighboring Montgomery County and D.C. — both which have seen similar programs piloted in recent years. In 2022, Montgomery County launched its guaranteed income pilot program, giving $800 a month to 300 individuals or households, one third of which are people transitioning from homelessness. Alexandria also stood up a guaranteed basic income program, sending $500 debit cards each month to 150 families.
PGCPS educators call for data-driven, innovative approach from new CEO
While county educators both commended and criticized Goldson’s leadership during the pandemic, both parties acknowledged the importance of selecting the perfect CEO to lead the school system in the post-pandemic era.
District 2 board of education member Jonathan Briggs hopes the next CEO prioritizes addressing the systemic issues that have widened the achievement gap in the county.
“It is really going to be important that the next superintendent has a philosophy that really aligns with what the unique challenges are in Prince George’s County … which includes closing the academic achievement gap, particularly for math,” Briggs said.
Legislation pending in the Senate would add yet another member to the Maryland Stadium Authority board — this one appointed by the Prince George’s County executive — and provide for $20 million in bond money to be available for bus rapid transit system grants each year in Montgomery County.
House Bill 524, as amended, would raise the number of seats on the Stadium Authority board to 10 — an even number, with no provision for a tie-breaker vote — giving Prince George’s County a literal seat at the table. The bill is now in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
Anthony C. Bennett Appointed as Prince George’s Inspector General
Earlier this year, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) announced a new Inspector General and Director of the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability: Anthony C. Bennett. With the county having faced numerous incidents of police misconduct, ranging from discrimination in hiring to blatant police brutality, Bennett has a large undertaking. Bennett’s office is considered the main source of accountability for county residents.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Bennett to Prince George’s as the new Inspector General and Director of the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability,” said Alsobrooks in a press release.
Op-ed: Who are the real criminals?
During the 2023 Maryland General Assembly, LBS focused mostly on dealing with the criminal justice elements of cannabis legalization. We have been working to prohibit the use of odor as the basis for searches from law enforcement and to remove criminal penalties for possession of cannabis about the 2.5 oz civil amount. This should be low-hanging fruit in the context of the fact that Maryland is going to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. This is particularly important given the fact that law enforcement has used cannabis prohibition policies as a central component of their public safety strategy. Law enforcement has testified against both of these policies and has testified that the smell of cannabis and its criminalization have been key tools for law enforcement. This begs the question, what is the connection between cannabis (and drug trafficking more broadly) and violence in Maryland?
Bowie State University’s Performing Arts Center theatre named for Dionne Warwick
Bowie State University’s Performing Arts Center (PAC) now bears the name of internationally renowned singer, Dionne Warwick. In a ceremony this past week, the PAC theatre was formally renamed the Dionne Warwick Performing Arts Theatre.
Hundreds gathered in attendance to celebrate with Warwick and the campus, including Gospel Singer, BeBe Winans, who graced the audience with an “impromptu” performance of Amazing Grace, during the moving tribute in honor of Warwick’s legendary 40-plus year career.
Maryland Senate confirms first Black head of state police
The Maryland Senate confirmed Lt. Col. Roland Butler on March 31 to be the first Black superintendent of the Maryland State Police, a department under a federal discrimination probe.
The Senate voted 43-4 to confirm Gov. Wes Moore’s appointee, who came under questioning largely because he has worked at the department for nearly three decades and held a significant leadership post in the agency under scrutiny.
Maryland becomes first state to reimburse EBT fraud victims with federal SNAP funds
Maryland became the first state in the nation to start using funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to reimburse victims of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud on March 27, with outreach efforts to affected individuals already underway.
Gov. Wes Moore recently announced the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) approval of almost 1,300 fraud claims from Marylanders totaling $761,584 in recovered benefits.
Religion
Religion is declining across the US. But on Easter, remember that spirituality is not
In 1983, I preached my first Easter sermon. I was a recent graduate from Princeton Theological Seminary serving my first congregation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was excited and nervous. The year I preached my first Easter sermon, my denomination, The United Presbyterian Church, 122 years after splitting in the Civil War, was about to reunite with the Presbyterian Church in the United States and form the Presbyterian Church (USA). The membership of this new denomination was 3,131,228.
Forty years later, on Easter 2023 I will be sitting in a pew celebrating the mystery and power of Easter. As Christians around the world gather to sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” the membership of the denomination where I was ordained and remain a pastor is now 1,193, 513.
A UMD student’s guide to observing Ramadan on campus
As Ramadan reached its midpoint Thursday, Muslim students at the University of Maryland are continuing to balance their faith and college workload during one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, emphasize reading the Holy Quran and focus on building better habits for the rest of the year.
Since the month falls in the middle of the spring semester this year, students have to balance fasting, exams, extracurricular activities and a social life. Here is The Diamondback’s guide to finding available resources on and around the campus for students observing Ramadan.