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September 10, 2021
Hello Neighbors,
This week I filed my 2022 candidacy for re-election along with my District 30 colleagues, Senator Sarah Elfreth and Delegate Shaneka Henson. I am proud to have served the constituents of District 30a through the past year-and-a-half with such effective legislators as Senator Elfreth & Delegate Henson. I am eager to continue my work on the issues that matter to the residents of our district, especially improving schools, protecting voting rights, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, supporting those in need, and increasing government transparency and accountability.
You can learn more about my colleagues and me by reading our District 30a slate press release here. We will also be hosting outdoor house parties this Fall throughout the district to meet with constituents and hear about the issues that are important to you. You can see an event schedule here which will be updated regularly. If you would like to support my campaign, click here!
Telephone Town Hall
Days after hurricane Ida hit Louisiana, we saw the devastating effects of this storm here in Annapolis. I am so thankful that there were no major injuries or deaths as a result of last week’s tornado, but there is still so much left to do to help rebuild the communities that were affected. My colleagues and I will be hosting a telephone town hall Monday, September 13th starting at 6:35 pm for those who were affected by the tornado. Residents can join by calling 877-229-8494 and using the code #120656. In the meantime, you can go to the Resources tab of my website to learn more about the assistance and programs available to residents.
Continuing the Cleanup
Thank you so much to over 100 volunteers who came out to help with the Parole Community Cleanup last Sunday to help remove debris from last week’s tornado. Special thanks to the City of Annapolis, the Red Cross, and Monica Alvarado of Bread & Butter Kitchen for the ice cream treat after an afternoon of hard work! The great turnout we had for our cleanup shows what an amazing, tight knit community we live in! Please stay tuned to my website, facebook and twitter for more opportunities to help our neighbors affected by the tornado.
We Need Your Help!
AACPL’s Discovery at the Mall Community Pantry has helped almost 150 families in its first 6 weeks, but they don't have enough supplies to meet the needs of our community.
If you are able to, please consider making a donation to support those who need a helping hand. Most requested items include -
- Size 4, 6, 7 Diapers
- Size 2T-3T, 4T-5T Pull-ups
- Any size pads and tampons
- Heaviest flow/large incontinence supplies
You can drop off donations at Discoveries or make a purchase from their Amazon wishlist to send the items directly to the library.
Back to School Backpacks
Every child deserves to go back to school with everything they need to succeed. These past two weeks I joined fellow community members in purchasing and packing up backpacks that were distributed to students throughout the district. I purchased materials to pack numerous fully stocked backpacks to contribute to the supplies being given out by community leaders in Oxford Landing, before attending Tyler Heights Elementary later that week where we packed over 400 backpacks for students there.Thank you to all those who donated and to all the volunteers who came out to help!!
A New Tyler Heights
I was so thankful for the chance to stand alongside the teachers and staff of Tyler Heights Elementary for the ribbon-cutting for their revitalized campus that will provide the space and resources for our students and teachers to be their best. Over the past year, I have spent countless hours working alongside this team to serve the community at the Tyler Heights Community Resource Fair and Pop Up Pantry. Thank you to all the teachers, staff, parents, and advocates for supporting our students and investing in our community's future.
Celebrating Young Poets
It was such an honor to attend the launch party for the Annapolis Youth Poetry book “Around Each Corner” at the Michael E. Busch Library. The book is a collection of 45 poems that tell stories of triumph, heartache, clashing cultures, and proud heritage.
The book of poems was collected earlier this year with the help of the Center of Help, Annapolis High School, the Annapolis Art in Public Places Commission, and the Mayor’s Office One Annapolis initiative. The project got its start in the classroom of Annapolis High School teacher Mrs. Romey Pittman, where young people were asked to share poetry that told their stories, background, experiences, lives, and traditions.
In Memory of Michelle Cummings
This past weekend at Navy Football’s home opener game we honored the life of Michelle Cummings who was taken too soon by senseless gun violence here in Annapolis this past June. Special thanks to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who was in attendance at the Motherhood of the Brotherhood’s tailgate.
Homeowners’ & renters’ Tax Credits
Did you know that you could be eligible to receive homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit from the State of Maryland? The Renters’ Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income and do not receive federal or statehousing subsidies or reside in public housing. The credit is issued in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000 per year.
If you think you may be eligible you can use the online tax credit application system to submit an application. The deadline to file for both tax credits is October 1, 2021. For more information and eligibility requirements, click here!
Hiring Event
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) and Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) are teaming up to help hospitality industry employers connect with qualified workers. An in-person hiring event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis at 173 Jennifer Road on Wednesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Job seekers can visit www.ApplyAnneArundel.com to access a list of hospitality industry job openings in Anne Arundel County and to register for the upcoming in-person hiring event.
Hospitality industry employers who would like to participate in the hiring event can email Scott Wallace, AAWDC’s Business Solutions Manager, at swallace@aawdc.org. There is no charge for businesses to participate.
Love Our Libraries
2021 is the Anne Arundel County Public Library's 100th anniversary! Our library system offers a wide variety of programming and resources. In honor of their centennial celebration, each week, I will be highlighting one program, resource, or event that our libraries have to offer.
Join AACPL for Paws to Read, on September 13th from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Come to the Discoveries with your young reader where they can practice their reading skills with a cute pup to listen. Learn more about the event and sign up for a time slot here!
I would 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!
Experiencing History
Last night I spent the evening at the opening of “Founding Freedoms: the Essential American Documents,” an amazing exhibit in the Maryland State House that includes original printings of our country’s founding documents. It was captivating to hear a fantastic lecture from David Rubenstein, the author of “The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream” in honor of this exhibit’s opening night. The exhibit will be open until mid-November in the State House and is free to the public. A special thanks to the Maryland Historical Trust and to Historic Annapolis for sponsoring the event!
Shanah Tovah!
To all those who celebrate, I hope that you had a very happy Rosh Hashanah filled with times spent with friends and family.
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 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,
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