Photo courtesy Tribute at Melford
Members of the Bowie Police department at breakfast. From left to right: Cpl. Redmond, Chaplain Johnny Hodge, Chief Dwayne Preston, Cpl. Simms, and Captain Robert Liberati Jr.
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Breakfast Honors First Responders at Tribute at Melford in Bowie
By PRESS OFFICER
Tribute at Melford
Local first Responders were treated to breakfast on April 10 in Bowie in order to thank them and recognize all they do for the community. Tribute at Melford, a senior living residence, invited nearby police, fire and EMS departments along with local 911 call center employees to dine in or take meals to go. The culinary team at Tribute at Melford prepared breakfast for 150, which included waffles, bacon, sausage, yogurt, bagels, fruit, assorted muffins and juice.
Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston, who attended, expressed appreciation for the breakfast and commented that it makes it easy to do their job when they have support from community members.
“We were thrilled to recognize our local First Responders by providing them with breakfast,” said Rita Chapman, executive director at Tribute at Melford. “We are grateful to them for all they do for the community and wanted to show them in this simple way.”
The senior living community has held this event for the past few years, serving nearly 100 First Responders breakfast in the past.
The breakfast comes at a time when First Responders are recognized nationally with the following: April is Emergency Communications Month, April 14–20 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, May 4 is International Firefighters’ Day, and May 15–21 is both National Police Week and National EMS Week.
Tribute at Melford is located at 17300 Melford Blvd in Bowie, Maryland.
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The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County Announces $200,000 Available in Community Impact Grants for County Community-Based Organizations
By PRESS OFFICER
Housing & Redevelopment, Prince George’s County
Largo, Md. (April 15, 2024)—The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County has $200,000 in Community Impact Grants to award to County civic/neighborhood associations or community-based organizations that are incorporated as 501(c)3 entities. Community Impact Grants provide small capital grants to community-based organizations to help implement innovative projects within the County. Eligible applicants must be located within Prince George’s County and be in good standing with the State of Maryland. The application submission deadline is Wednesday, May 29, 2024 by 12 p.m.
“Together, through collaborative efforts and strategic funding, we can support the communities of Prince George’s County by supplementing organizations which serve as the lifeblood of community revitalization projects, channeling resources where they are most needed and supporting the efforts in shaping vibrant, resilient communities for generations to come,” says Jacqueline West-Spencer, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County.
A Community Impact Grant pre-application virtual webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interested participants should RSVP for the webinar by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22 to receive the Zoom link and passcode to attend.
Grants can only be used for capital expenses related to the implementation of a community-based project and must be used for capital purposes such as the purchase of equipment and materials. Grants cannot be used for operations, program costs, salaries, or personnel. Proposed projects can include:
• Streetscape, street furniture, pedestrian enhancements, and recreational improvements;
• Signage, banners, way-finding systems;
• Commercial façade improvements; and more.
Total funding for FY 2024 for this program will not exceed $200,000 and the maximum grant amount is $50,000. Successful applicants shall have up to one year from the date of the executed grant agreement to complete the project and expend the grant funds. The Community Impact Grant Program requires a match from non-Prince George’s County Government sources, which can include both in-kind and cash contributions.
For more information, contact Andrea Anderson at ADAnderson@co.pg.md.us or visit the Redevelopment Authority website to review the application.
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Prince George’s County to Spearhead Environmental Justice Initiative with Launch of B100 Transit Pilot
By PRESS OFFICER
Department of Public Works and Transportation
LARGO, Md. (April 15, 2024)—On January 31, 2024, Prince George’s County teamed up with Optimus Technologies and Chevron REG to announce the launch of an exciting new transit project, the 100% Biodiesel (B100) Transit Pilot Program. This initiative, made possible by support from the Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) OPEN grant program, is a major step forward for environmental justice, emission reductions, and decarbonization in underserved communities in our region.
The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions right away. It uses the Optimus Vector System, an advanced fuel system upgrade, to power buses with B100 biodiesel. This system can also cut CO2 emissions by over 90%. In addition to biodiesel buses, electric buses will be used for certain routes. Instead of relying solely on diesel for longer routes, Prince George’s County views the use of B100 biodiesel as an opportunity to achieve significant carbon emissions reductions, with a minimum reduction of 75% per gallon compared to diesel.
The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) and Office of Central Services (OCS) are leading Prince George’s County’s B100 pilot effort. Prince George’s County operates 3,500 vehicles, and the success of this pilot has the opportunity to lead to the County transitioning 375 current diesels to B100. Since these vehicles are currently operating on diesel fuel, the use of B100 will reduce their carbon emissions by over 75% immediately.
Potentially, the County could reduce its direct carbon emissions by 44,858 metric tons annually and about 450,000 metric tons over the course of 10 years.
Michael Johnson, Director of DPW&T, credits the B100 Pilot Project as part of the Transit Transformation Initiative. “The Department of Public Works and Transportation is committed to creating a comprehensive, integrated multi-modal transportation network accessible to everyone,” said Johnson. “During the project’s implementation, we will continue to work with our critical regional partner, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). In addition to pursuits with local transit systems, TheBus and Call-A-Bus, the Transit Transformation initiative is projected to prioritize transit performance, enhance accessibility to jobs, schools, and essential services, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Colin Huwyler, the CEO of Optimus Technologies, the manufacturer of the Vector System, expressed enthusiasm stating “I am thrilled to see the expansion of our Vector System Technology to use B100 in Prince George’s County’s transit fleet. This demonstrates the practicality and success of using biodiesel to drive positive change in local communities. Prince George’s is the first County government using the technology for transit bus applications and is setting the standard for other transit fleets to follow.”
Jon Scharingson, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Chevron Renewable Energy Group, highlighted the pivotal role of forward-thinking leaders and collaborative funding in propelling this initiative forward. “The expanded use of B100 in Prince George’s County showcases the momentum of fleets recognizing that they must move toward reducing carbon emissions today rather than waiting for the electric vehicle technologies of tomorrow. This progress wouldn’t have happened without the help of programs like Maryland Energy Administration’s OPEN grant. Chevron REG is proud to be contributing to this effort."
The MEA’s OPEN grant program has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. By supporting visionary leaders in Prince George’s County, the grant enables the implementation of sustainable solutions tailored to Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. This investment not only reduces emissions but also promotes cleaner transit options, fostering a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents.
County officials have highlighted the environmental justice benefits of this grant, emphasizing its significance in emission reduction and equity advancement within underserved communities. The B100 Transit Project Stands as a testament to the County's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and leading the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.
For more information about the B100 transit pilot and the grant’s impact, contact Efon Epanty at emepanty@co.pg.md.us.
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Reeling From Bridge Collapse, State Lawmakers Still Got Other Business Done
By Lydia Hurley
Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 9, 2024)—A tragedy in the Port of Baltimore threatened to overwhelm their best-laid plans at the end of this spring’s legislative session, but Maryland state lawmakers still managed to pass several key measures that look beyond the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and ahead to the future.
Passing the state spending plan is never an easy feat, but the General Assembly reached a resolution and passed the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget several days before the end of session. Their $63 billion budget deal includes several tax and fee increases that aim to generate revenue for transportation and education initiatives.
Democratic lawmakers wrestled over the idea of raising revenues to cover rising costs, but in the end, the fees they raised represent only a drop in the bucket. Without major changes in future budgets, analysts predict Maryland will veer into a $3 billion deficit in five years.
Lawmakers also approved Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed capital budget, authorizing more than $1.7 billion in funds for building, construction, land acquisition and other fixed assets.
Lawmakers had only a 90-day legislative session in which to tackle these big ideas. As the final days ticked down this week, they worked hurriedly toward their deadline to pass crucial legislation.
As the end of the night quickly approached on Monday night, the Senate rapidly concurred with the House’s amendments on several measures and passed the capital budget unanimously. The session culminated in a celebration with balloons and confetti hailing down from the chamber balcony just moments after they wrapped up.
Throughout the final days of session, however, lawmakers bore an added pressure to pass emergency aid legislation following the collapse of the Key Bridge. The General Assembly burned the midnight oil to dispatch help for the communities affected by the collapse. The bridge crumbled into the Patapsco River after one of its pillars was struck by a giant cargo ship attempting to pass beneath.
As one of its last acts before adjournment, the legislature passed an emergency aid bill that
would provide emergency funding to individuals and businesses affected by the debacle in the Port of Baltimore, set to be closed for several weeks. The bill will also assist those affected who do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Known as the PORT Act, the bill dips into the state’s Rainy Day Fund to provide this emergency funding. After lengthy discussions about the bill and its amendments, the bill passed unanimously in the Senate as one of the last pieces of business before Monday’s midnight deadline.
“Democrats and Republicans (are) collectively standing together and saying that in this moment Maryland is going to do its part. But we have to understand what happened two weeks ago was not a Maryland catastrophe. This was a national catastrophe. And today, I will proudly sign the PORT Act into law,” Gov. Moore said at the bill signing on Tuesday.
Moore signed dozens of measures into law on Tuesday, and many others are on his desk for consideration now. Here are some notable bills from the 2024 legislative session:
Juvenile Justice
Lawmakers started the session with a strong focus on juvenile justice, leading to months of hearings and negotiations. In the end, among other things, the legislature expanded the list of crimes that can land children between 10 and 12 years of age in court.
Authors of the bill hope it will strengthen the state’s ability to link children with rehabilitative services, but critics worry it simply cracks down on young people responsible for a small sliver of Maryland crimes.
The final version of the bill adds third-degree sex offenses, aggravated animal cruelty and various firearms offenses to the crimes where the courts have jurisdiction over those children. It doubles the maximum length of probation for misdemeanors to one year and felonies to two years, with the possibility of extension.
Sen. Will Smith, D-Montgomery, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the changes to the law are part of a “longterm, strategic outlook” to improve the juvenile justice system.
Energy and Environment
Legislators passed the EmPOWER Act, which requires gas and electric companies to create a plan to achieve specific energy efficiency and conservation goals. The bill aims to increase energy efficiency in low-income residences. In addition, the law creates a work group to study the effectiveness of these programs.
The legislature also voted in favor of the DRIVE Act, a bill that would create an electric vehicle (EV) charging program that connects charging vehicles to the state’s electric distribution network. The bill creates a pilot program to expand the adoption of electric vehicles and incentivize EV users to charge their vehicles in off-peak hours, reducing electricity brownouts.
In addition, lawmakers passed a bill that builds upon Maryland’s offshore wind energy goals established in last year’s POWER Act. The bill would allow companies with plans for offshore wind to submit plans with revised schedules, sizes, or pricing, aiming to propel Maryland closer to its goal of 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2031.
Housing
Housing was a top focus in Moore’s legislative agenda this session. He even testified in committee on a package of three bills aimed at “making Maryland more affordable,” one of his
key goals. All of the bills passed by the deadline.
Maryland has a housing crisis, Moore said, and this legislation will invest in low-income communities, build more housing, incentivize high-density and transit-oriented development and provide more resources to renters.
Along with housing legislation, Moore pushed through the ENOUGH Act aimed at reducing childhood poverty. The measure provides grants targeted at communities with higher concentrations of poverty.
Fellow Democrats applauded the measure, even though some of them have raised questions about how the state is going to pay for such programs as it moves closer to the projected budget deficit.
Education
Lawmakers approved the Freedom to Read Act, which aims to protect library materials and other literary resources from censorship and “book banning.” The bill acts as a safeguard for school and library employees and states that they may not be penalized for following state library standards.
Health and Safety
The legislature expanded the definition of “legally protected healthcare” in Maryland to include gender-affirming care practices and treatments. This bill expands on the legislature’s Reproductive Health Act of 2023. If signed, it will allow gender-affirming care to be protected from out-of-state litigation the same way abortion is.
Lawmakers passed another healthcare measure known as the Access to Care Act, which would enable the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to permit undocumented residents to purchase individual health care plans from the state.
In addition, lawmakers passed the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act, after a judge was shot and killed in his driveway because he ruled against a man in a divorce and custody case. The measure will increase judicial security by prohibiting the publication of personal information and removing information like judges’ home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses from the internet and social media.
Cannabis
A Republican-backed bill to repeal a law prohibiting law enforcement officers from stopping and searching vehicles based only on the odor of marijuana stalled in committee this session. Democrats expressed concerns that the legislation would lead to unwarranted search and seizure against people of color.
Consumer Protection
A bill intended to crack down on ticket scalping passed in the final hours of session after weeks of debate in both chambers. The law will require the full ticket price be listed at each step of an online transaction. It also bans “speculative tickets,” meaning third-party vendors cannot sell tickets they don’t yet have in hand.
However, a proposed 10% price cap on tickets in the resale market did not make it through the legislative process.
“I’m thrilled to have championed a bill that makes Maryland one of the best places for concert-goers in the country,” Sen. Dawn Gile, D-Anne Arundel, told Capital News Service. “While we’ve made major progress this year, I also look forward to working with stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney General, to build on this work so that scalpers can no longer have safe harbor in our state.”
Medical Aid-in Dying
The End-of-Life Option Act would have allowed terminally ill Maryland residents the right to die by self-administering lethal medication. While advocates expressed optimism the bill would pass after years of advocacy on the issue, it stalled when it did not garner enough support to pass out of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
“I’m incredibly disappointed that the bill is one vote short [from passing],” Senator Waldstreicher, D-Montgomery, told Capital News Service.
Cage-Free Eggs
Before session began, Sen. Karen Lewis Young, D-Frederick, expressed high hopes of passage for her bill mandating that all eggs bought and sold in Maryland be cage-free by 2026.
But the idea encountered heavy pushback from the farming community, amid concerns that increased costs of the requirement could put them out of business. The bill did not make it out of committee in either chamber and it’s unclear whether sponsors will take up the fight again next year.
Motorcycle Helmets
Yet again, the legislature heard a bill that would make wearing a helmet optional for most motorcyclists. Yet again, it failed.
But the grassroots motorcycle group behind it is a hardy group. They’ve gotten such a bill introduced nearly every year since Maryland passed a mandatory helmet law in 1992.
“They’re diehards for what they believe in,” Del. Jay Jacobs, R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s, told Capital News Service. “They don’t let go of this stuff.”
Steph Quinn, Kiersten Hacker, Tyrah Burris, Sapna Bansil and Angelique Gingras contributed to this story.
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