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This Monday was Crossover day, a legislative deadline that bills have to get through to guarantee consideration in the other chamber. I am so proud to say that SIX of my bills, all with bipartisan support, have made it through the House and are off to the Senate.
Consequently, I had my first ever in-person bill hearings in the Senate for HB 283, my bill to ensure that all students have a seat on the bus as they travel to and from school, as well as
HB 285, which expands a tax credit program to disabled federal officers such as Capitol Police and FBI agents.
Stay tuned as we enter the final three weeks of the 2022 Session and this legislation works its way through the Senate!
Supporting Our Law Enforcement Officers
My bill HB 285, which expands an existing tax benefit to disabled federal agents, passed unanimously through the House and is off to the Senate. Currently, counties are able to offer a property tax credit to disabled State Officers. My bill would add federal job series: 0083 and 1811 which encompasses officers in the US Capitol Police, ATF, CIA, NSA, NIH, USPS, the Supreme Court Police, Pentagon Police – just to name a few. Extending this property tax credit to disabled federal agents shows how we value these Federal Officers from Maryland, their families & their dedication to our country. It shows our intent on retaining these brave men and women in Maryland as neighbors, community members & heroes.
Spring break during Session means a trip to work with Mom! Yesterday was extra special as my son came to work with me. After a morning of watching the House floor from the gallery, he accompanied me to my bill hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. A big thank you to the Junior Delegate!
Join the D30a Team!
We need your help! With the 2022 election just a few short months away, your representatives from D30a are ramping up outreach efforts. This Saturday, March 26th at 1:00 pm, Senator Elfreth, Delegate Henson, and I will be going out into our community to talk with constituents about all the work we have done as your representatives in the Maryland General Assembly.
Volunteers will be meeting at the Maryland Democratic Party Headquarters before going out to knock on doors. Please join us - you can email Dylan@sarahelfreth.com with your RSVP!
If you are interested in signing up for Team Dana Jones and working with my fabulous group of folks all year round, you can sign up on my website!
Rocking My Socks for Down Syndrome
March 21st was World Down Syndrome Day. I showed support for people with Down Syndrome by “Rocking my Socks”- a world Down Syndrome Day tradition. This tradition started because the chromosomes are shaped like socks and people with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome.
I rocked my amazing, mismatched socks (sent to me by the amazing people at the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland) -along with many of my colleagues on Monday during our floor session to show my support for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of those with Down Syndrome.
Opening of the Historic Annapolis Museum
This past weekend, Historic Annapolis celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Museum exhibit, Annapolis: An American Story. This new permanent exhibit will represent the rich diversity of our local community - a museum for all. You can check out this exhibit daily, by booking your tickets here.
Unemployment Phishing Scams
The Maryland Department of Labor has seen a rise in fraudulent emails and text messages in the hopes of stealing the identity of honest Marylanders. The use of these phishing scams is not new, however, they are increasing. Because of these evolving schemes, the Department of Labor has been removing links from their emails and have also told claimants not to click on any links from emails or texts that claim to be from the Department.
The Department of Labor will NOT ask claimants for personal information or for claimants to verify eligibility for unemployment benefits by email or text message.
To be safe, Claimants should access their BEACON portal directly by typing the address into their browser or by contacting a live claims specialist by phone at 667-207-6520 for assistance.
Help Replant Annapolis
Since 2013, Anne Arundel County has lost 2,500 acres of forests, the highest rate of forest loss in Maryland. Annapolis alone has lost over 100 acres of tree canopy cover since 2011. In response to this loss, WSA, in partnership with Anne Arundel County and with support from the Helena Foundation, announces Replant Anne Arundel.
Over the past two years, Replant Anne Arundel has planted over 9.000 trees and engaged over 850 residents. Based on the Replant Anne Arundel model, the city of Annapolis recently announced Replant Annapolis, a city-funded tree planting program, scheduled to begin plantings this year in 2022. This program is focused on helping the city achieve 50% urban tree canopy by 2036.
Learn how you can get involved in these programs by becoming a Tree Trooper here.
Love Our Libraries
This month, AACPL is hosting a number of events around Women’s History - from a Girl Power story time to discussions around Women in Space and the History of Women’s Suffrage. The full calendar of women’s history events can be found here.
I encourage everyone to follow the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Facebook page to get updates on programs and new resources. You can check out their calendar to find the perfect event for you and your family to enjoy!
Celebrate Maryland Day this Weekend!
Friday, March 25 is Maryland Day! This day commemorates the day when settlers landed on Maryland soil in 1634. To commemorate this weekend, there are dozens of unique heritage-based events in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County allowing visitors and residents to experience the local history, culture, and heritage of Maryland.
Several regional parks are open for FREE this weekend, there is a free ArtFest Open House at Maryland Hall, as well as a number of virtual activities including a bicentennial celebration of Harriet Tubman. With over 40 locations offering experiences for free or just $1 that can be enjoyed during this special weekend celebration, there is something for everyone. Find the entire list of events and activities at MarylandDay.org.
Honoring Women from Around the County!
Congratulations to this year’s Michelle Obama Award recipients! This special event will honor ten amazing women in our community who have had a tremendous impact here in Anne Arundel county. As a past recipient of this award - I am so very proud of these truly amazing women.
The ceremony will premiere on Tuesday, March 29th at 6:00 pm on the County Executive's Facebook, Arundel TV's YouTube Page, and Channel 38 on Verizon or Channel 98 on Comcast / Broadstripe.
Annapolis High School
After more than two years since their last musical, the Annapolis High School Drama Company is thrilled to present Hello, Dolly! These students have been deep in rehearsals for the past several months preparing to bring this story to our community, and it's finally time for them to shine!
Support Annapolis High school and its theater program by attending the show. You can purchase tickets at the door for $10 or online here!
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit my new website to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, COVID-19 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,
