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August 16th, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
Working for MD… In Louisville! ✈️
Great trip last week representing Maryland in Louisville! Thank you to Speaker Adrienne Jones for selecting me to represent MD at theNational Conference of State Legislatures. I was honored to be trusted with this role, and thrilled to represent alongside my friends and colleaguesDelegate Emily Shetty and Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett!
My committee assignment focused on assessing and improving policies on Children, Families, and Human Services issues for Marylanders. It is the responsibility of the committee to make recommendations and policy directives to the federal government on behalf of all states. While reviewing proposed changes to the policy directive, I jumped at the chance to submit some amendment language.
Throughout Maryland & our Nation, access to quality, affordable, and accessible child care is one of the biggest issues facing families. My 4 amendments make a statement to Congress that we must consider economic, geographical, and transportation issues facing working families trying to find child care.
This is a small but crucial step to make sure Congress knows how federal dollars can most effectively be spent to help Maryland working families in need of access to child care. Looking forward to working more on this issue during the 2025 Legislative Session!
To read more about the Committee's work, check out their website here!
Special Guest in Chicago, Speaker Adrienne Jones!
Very excited to announce Speaker Adrienne Jones as the special guest at my upcoming event in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention!! It is sure to be a wonderful event as I am joined by many of my colleagues from my years working in national Democratic politics. If you are going to be in Chicago next week I would love to have you join me!
Let’s Celebrate Women’s Equality Day! 💪
! am very excited to be a panelist at the upcoming Women’s Equality Day event organized by theAnne Arundel County Office of Equity and Human Rights to commemorate Women's Equality Day on Monday, August 26th, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This significant day celebrates the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
Come join me and a group of fantastic other panelists this Women's Equality Day to engage in a panel conversation about "Election 2024: What it Means for Women," and reaffirm our dedication to equal treatment under the law.
This event will be held at Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library 1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD.Click HERE to RSVP and I hope to see you there!
Tropical Cyclone Debby Damage Assessment
The City of Annapolis is continuing to work through all the local impacts of Tropical Cyclone Debby and provide support for our community. At its peak, coastal flooding at City Dock reached over 4.4 ft making this flooding event the 8th highest in the City’s history. Unfortunately, this marks the first time in recorded Annapolis history that two top 10 floods took place in the same year, a tragic but anticipated repercussion of climate change.
Picture Credit: Capital Gazette
Throughout my tenure in office, I have passed multiple bills that have built the legislative structure to assist our businesses and communities recovery after severe weather. These efforts include over $2 million dollars in State disaster relief dollars. I am committed to continue these efforts, and I stand ready to help Annapolis and Anne Arundel County secure the resources they need for disaster relief now and into the future. I will continue to reach out to the Governor's office and MDEM as we navigate through the aftermath of this most recent flood.
If you have suffered business or residential damage from the storm, please fill out this damage assessment form for the City of Annapolis. This damage assessment tool is for residents and business owners (within the municipal limits of Annapolis) impacted by Tropical Storm Debby. This voluntary survey will help ensure that all damages are reported.As of Thursday, August 15th, Cyclone Debby caused some of our Downtown businesses $160,000 in total damages.
Damage Assessment Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/AnnapolisTropicalStormDebby
Building Resilient Libraries Together 📚
Earlier this year, Maryland took a historic step to protect literature in our school and public libraries when we passed my bill, the Freedom to Read Act. However, this issue remains a huge concern around the Country. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to be featured in Public Libraries Online as they profiled book banning across the United States. It is truly inspiring to read about the steps other states have taken to fight against book bans and support literary freedom. If you would like to read more about it, click here for the full article!
🎒Tax Free Week in MD🛍️
Did you know that this week is #ShopMDTaxFree Week? You still have a chance to get some last minute shopping in!
From August 11th - 17th, clothing/footwear priced $100 or less are exempt from MD sales tax AND the first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax-free! During this event, clothing, footwear and backpacks/bookbags are eligible items for the sales tax exemption.
Don't miss out on the chance to save and support our local Maryland businesses, through tomorrow August 17.
AACPS Summer Meal Program
Starting June 17th through August 22nd, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) will be providing breakfast and lunch service Monday - Thursday to children at the following locations. Breakfast and lunch is available to children ages 2-18 and there are no income or registration requirements. Make sure to spread the word if you know someone who wants to come enjoy a healthy meal!
For more information please click here
For the Love of the Library 2024!
One of my favorite fundraisers of the years, get ready for For the Love of The Library 2024! You’ll experience the library like never before while enjoying delectable bites from Chef Kurt and Chesapeake Chef Service, delightful drinks, a Wine & Whiskey pull and immersive stations that showcase the heart of the library. There will also be opportunities to bid on a number of live auction items. Don’t miss one of the most premier events in Anne Arundel County!
Make sure to block off your calendars on September 27th today, and click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets!
You can follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Stay safe and healthy,
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