News In The Community/ Community Meetings/
News In The Community/ Community Meetings/
Welcoming new people
Thank you for your support!
Before we move forward, I want to apologize for emailing the last newsletter on Saturday. I thought that I had scheduled it for Friday, but I mistakenly set it for Saturday.
Now, this past week, I met wonderful people at Prince George’s County Community College. I was there for its Black Food/Black Futures Festival. It was one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended.
Legislation
Bill: CB-101-2023
Status: Second Reading
Sponsors/Proposal: Wanika Fisher
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING CODE OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY for the purpose of amending the Housing Code to add email or e-mail, by written consent to the methods of service of a notice of violation, civil citation, and administrative citation of the Housing Code; providing that a rental license application and renewal license application shall contain written authorization for a licensee to have the option to provide written consent to service of notice of violation, civil citation, and administrative citation by email or e-mail; providing for a certain definition; providing for the Department to provide certain guidelines; and generally regarding a notice of violation, civil citation, and administrative citation of the Housing Code by email or e-mail, by written consent.
_
Bill: CB-100-2023
Status: To Committee
Sponsors/Proposals: County Executive
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND GENERAL OBLIGATION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BONDS for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Prince George’s County, Maryland to issue and sell an amount not to exceed six hundred fifty-four million four hundred nine thousand dollars ($654,409,000) in aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds and one hundred twenty-five million six hundred thirty-six thousand dollars ($125,636,000) in aggregate principal amount of general obligation stormwater management bonds for the purpose of providing funds for financing in whole or in part costs of the planning, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, establishment, extension, enlargement, demolition, or improvement of certain capital projects and stormwater projects.
Community Notes
Janna Parker, director of Prince George’s County Change Makers, responded to the passing of the CR-78 resolution. You can read about the resolution here, and the Committee Report here, which details who abstained.
Note: While we remain grateful that this resolution has passed and look for the county council to move forward in unity, as voters, it is important to note who on the Council consistently stood with us in this fight for parental leave, caregiver's rights and the right for continued representation if a councilmember so chose. In Every vote for this resolution, Councilman Sydney Harrision (District 9), Councilwomen Wanika Fisher (District 2), and Ingrid Harrison Watson (District 4) either voted against or abstained from casting a supporting vote for this measure.
Councilwoman Wanika Fisher, who served on the Women’s Caucus while in the Maryland General Assembly, specifically shared personal stories that demonstrated the lack of reasonable accommodations for her female colleagues in the Maryland General Assembly during their difficult pregnancies to justify her vote “no” on this measure.
Many community members from the three elected officials’ districts and beyond have reached out to them directly —through testimony and letters— imploring them to change their vote. But, the desires of their residents and constituents fell on deaf ears.
If we cannot trust the men and particularly the women we elected to make quality decisions in support of family and health for their colleagues and listen to their constituents when they ask them to change their votes to support the desires of their community, how can we trust them to make quality decisions and truly listen to the voters of their districts?
_
In a press release, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Aisha Braveboy, announced that she has endorsed Iyamide House, candidate for Bowie City district 3 council.
Note: Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy is proud to announce her endorsement of Iyamide House for Bowie City Council District 3. With her extensive experience and dedication to public service, Braveboy recognizes House as a highly qualified candidate who well represents the interests of the residents.
Braveboy expressed her confidence in House's ability to bring fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of the constituents in District 3. “We need more committed and capable leaders at the local level, and I can see that Iyamide House will be inclusive, responsive and effective in addressing the needs of the community,” said Braveboy. “Her commitment to public service and community safety makes her the ideal choice for Bowie City Council. I also support equitable representation and am glad to see a dedicated mother running to serve as a voice for families, this is very important for the local community."
_
Sherman Hardy, former candidate for Prince George’s County Executive, has written a public petition, asking Gov. Wes Moore and Maryland Delegate House Speaker Adrienne Jones to address gun violence. You can read the full text here.
Note: Dear Governor Moore and Speaker Jones,
We, the concerned citizens of Maryland, write to you today desperately pleading for action to address the pressing matters of gun violence and habitual juvenile criminal activity in our communities. We appreciate your stated commitment to working with law enforcement, State's Attorneys, and the Attorney General on these issues. However, we believe that the gravity of the situation necessitates IMMEDIATE legislative action.
Our community is deeply troubled by the alarming rise in gun violence and the recurrence of criminal activity among juvenile offenders. It is disheartening to witness juveniles committing crimes and violent offenders being released, only to return and terrorize our neighborhoods. This situation has left us feeling unsafe and concerned for the well-being of our families.
Community Meetings
Farmers Market: Health, Wellness & Employment Fair (Town of Capitol Heights)
Join us at the Capitol Heights Metro Station for a fantastic event! Our Farmers Market: Health, Wellness & Employment Fair has something for everyone. Come and explore a wide variety of fresh produce, delicious food, unique crafts, and information from local vendors. Discover the latest health and wellness trends, and learn about exciting employment opportunities in the area. This in-person event is a great opportunity to support local businesses, connect with the community, and have a wonderful time with family and friends. Don't miss out on this amazing experience!
Location: Capitol Heights Metro Station, Capitol Heights, MD, USA
When: Saturday, October 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT
Interested in being a vendor? Contact Councilwoman Amanda Anderson: AmandaAnderson@CapitolHeightsMD.com or (301) 693-0474
_
Free Paper Shredding 10/7
Date(s):
October 14, 2023
Times(s): 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: DuVal High School 9880 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20607
There is a five-box maximum per car, and you must be in line by 1 p.m. to receive service. This free event is open to the public (non-commercial only) and offers an easy, safe, and secure disposal of personal documents.
Documents will NOT be accepted by walk-up or from businesses.
For more information, visit environment.mypgc.us or contact PGC311.
_
Fall Virtual Community Partners’ Meeting
Date(s): October 17, 2023
Times(s): 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
You Are Invited to Attend the Fall 2023 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting!
DPIE, DoE and DPW&T invite you to join us as we share information about programs, services and new initiatives! To attend the Fall Community Partners’ Meeting, click the link to register: http://rb.gy/ka9c9. You will receive a confirmation email with a new link to attend. For questions, email DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us.
_
Stuff -A-Truck Cocineros
Date: October 17
Location: 3513 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782
Mention Stuff-A-Truck and 25% of sales will go towards feeding County families during Stuff-A-Truck
_
PGCLitterTRAK App Training 10/17
Date(s): October 17, 2023
Times(s): 6:00pm
Sign up for one of the upcoming training sessions to get you ready for the spring Growing Green with Pride event on October 21, 2023!
This last session is being held, virtually, at 6 p.m. on October 17.
Register at https://mypgc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-mpqTsiGtco8eaHQzQYhMQbGIkZ5w7C
_
The Men's Challenge Initiative
Date(s): October 17, 2023
Times(s): 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Location details and map
Join the Department of Family Services for a new installment of the Men’s Challenge Initiative – a series of group discussions that seeks to influence men and boys through conversations about developing healthy relationships. This is a virtual meeting. To attend the meeting, click here.
Mens Challenge Back 2 School 2023 Flyer.pdf
Big News
Early screening for learning disabilities ‘would make a huge difference’
Excerpt: Frank Pinckney wonders what his life could have been like if his parents and teachers had believed what he now believes: that as a child he had a learning disability, attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and suffered from trauma after a sexual assault.
As it turned out, none of these problems were diagnosed, which may help explain why Pinckney’s life spiraled into crime and mental illness, and substance use disorder.
“The older I got, the more my drug habit escalated,’’ he says. The spiral ended at age 32 with a three-year prison term.
The case of Pinckney, a 62-year-old Black man who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Washington, D.C., illustrates why some experts are calling for increased early testing and screening of children for learning disabilities and differences.
Prince George’s Co. Council tables move that would have raised tipped minimum wage
Excerpt: A measure that would have made major changes to how restaurant workers in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are paid was tabled by the county council on Thursday.
The bill would have pushed aside the tipped-wage credit commonly seen in the restaurant industry.
If passed, the bill would have raised the current minimum wage in Prince George’s County for those who draw their income mostly from tips from $3.63 per hour to $13 per hour within three years.
Thieves targeting Latino construction workers in Prince George's County, police say
Excerpt: PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — It's hard work that police say is getting more dangerous - and not because of the job they're working.
"We've had individuals come in and rob them at gunpoint of their money and their belongings," said Captain Saul Serpas with the Prince George's County Police Department.
Council considers law to address Prince George's Co. appraisal bias
Excerpt: PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — The Prince George’s County council is expected to pass a bill in November aimed at addressing on-going allegations of home appraisal bias in the county.
"If you buy here and think you may be discriminated against, that's a deterrent,” explained Prince George’s County Councilman At-Large Mel Franklin.
Buttigieg, Moore visit Prince George’s Community College to promote trucking industry
Excerpt: U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg chatted with Daryl McLendon about how he learned about Prince George’s Community College’s Commercial Driver’s License program.
“I looked it up online,” said McClendon, a student in the college’s CDL training program. “I went to the P.G. County website and looked for CDL. I saw the training and then called the [school’s] office.”
Report: Maryland receives C grade for legislative, congressional redistricting
Excerpt: Maryland received a C grade for its recent redistricting effort, according to a new report released by Common Cause that is critical of the Maryland General Assembly’s role in the process.
The report praises the efforts of a commission appointed by former Gov. Larry Hogan (R). The grade is dragged down by criticisms of a legislative effort the group found was highly partisan and lacked public transparency.
Wright begins role as interim superintendent of Maryland public schools, but wants to remain in job
Excerpt: Before Carey Wright begins her work as interim superintendent of Maryland’s public schools Oct. 23, she plans to meet with state Department of Education staff and members of the education community.
Wright hasn’t been able to get “into the weeds, yet” on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan, but she knows the essence of it.
Excerpt: Contracts between the Mississippi Department of Education and two of the state superintendent’s former co-workers appear to duplicate technology-related services while costing the state hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The contracts, worth more than $600,000, were awarded to MDE Chief Information Officer John Q. Porter before he was appointed to his position; Blue Sky Innovative Solutions LLC, for which Porter serves as CEO; Elton Stokes Jr., who is listed as a technology office director on the website for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland; and DataOne IT Solutions, a Maryland-based company with ties to Stokes.