Dear Friends,

Happy fall! While it may still feel like summer here in District 32, autumn is in full swing. There are lots of events in the community this month, so be sure to read below! 

Things are beginning to amp up as we gear closer to the 2026 Legislative Session here in Maryland. Bills are being drafted, schedules are busy with meetings, and there is a lot to be done. 

If you are like me, it is hard to keep up with the seemingly ever-changing vaccine guidelines. On Monday, we received a vaccine briefing from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Deputy Secretary Meg Sullivan.

Dr. Sullivan stressed three points:

·       Vaccines are safe

·       MDH is committed to vaccine access across the State

·       Maryland is committed to following scientific evidence

The Health Department has provided a “Dear Colleague” letter to providers offering guidance regarding the distribution of vaccines and the terms, conditions, and procedures for providers of the COVID-19 vaccinations.  The Department has also issued a statewide standing order.  The order authorizes qualified health care professionals to administer vaccinations using the most current guidelines developed by AAP, ACOG, and AAFP as standards.  This builds on current Maryland law, which allows – but also does not require- pharmacists to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to anyone 3 years and older.

In addition, Maryland has joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative along with several other states, assisting us in making decisions based on scientific evidence to ensure vaccine access for our residents.

The Department of Health is continuing to watch the CDC and will continue to monitor Maryland’s vaccine policy.  You can find the most up-to-date vaccine information on the department's website.

 I met with some folks from SEIU 32BJ to discuss labor standards and funding at BWI Airport. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me!

I was delighted to present a Senate Citation to Mr. Otis Duffie to thank him for serving 8 years as a Commissioner on the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board. Mr. Duffie is the ultimate volunteer in our community,  especially at St. Mark's Church and the West County Democratic Club.

As the Senate appointment to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, I attended the two day retreat at Wade's Point to discuss strategy for how the Trust can continue to assist our communities.  The Trust funds grants for  environmental issues like stormwater fun-off and and tree planting. If you do not have a "Bay Plate" on your vehicle, please consider purchasing one when you renew your plates.  The funding goes directly to the Trust to help our communities.

As a member of the Senate, I am responsible for making appointments to certain committees.  At present, I am looking for volunteers for two committees:

• The Citizens Committee for the Enhancement of Communities Surrounding Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

The Community Enhancement Committee reviews and evaluates grant applications from eligible communities.  To apply, a committee member must live inside the 1998 certified Airport Noise Zone. Typical projects reviewed include speed humps, streetscapes, bus shelters, and sidewalks. Projects need to be transportation-related. (Projects must also be in the 1998 Noise Zone.) You can find a detailed description of the grant program on the MAA website.

• DC Metroplex BWI Community Roundtable

The Roundtable was formed at the request of the Federal Aviation Administration and monitors the implementation of air traffic procedures established by the FAA and makes recommendations to the FAA for alternative routing, noise, and environmental effects. To apply, you must be a resident of District 32. You can find a detailed description at the MAA website.

To be considered for either of these appointments, please send your resume and letter of interest to me at pamela.beidle@senate.maryland.gov. Please include the committee name in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Maryland Insurance Administration has released another statement regarding the dispute between UnitedHealthcare and Johns Hopkins. Here is the link to the statement. If you have any further questions, call the Maryland Insurance Administration at 410-468-2244 or 1-800-492-6116 ext. 2244. 

Did you know that the Maryland Insurance Administration now has a Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT)? As a consumer, if you have questions or concerns about health coverage for you or your loved ones, the H-CAT staff is here for you.

The H-CAT team can:

· Answer health coverage questions and help you address health insurance problems and concerns.

· Explain what is covered in your health plan and explain how it works.

· Help you understand how to find a health care service provider, including for mental health or substance use needs.

· Help you or your loved ones file a claim with a health plan.

· Assist you or family members in filing a complaint, if necessary.

· Direct you to other resources that can help meet your needs.

For a quick look at what H-CAT can do to help you, click here.

To contact H-CAT:

- Email: Hcat.mia@maryland.gov

- Phone: 410-468-2442

- Website: https://qrco.de/hcat

“Despite increases, Maryland remains a national leader in affordable rates; new subsidy to offset loss of enhanced federal tax credits.” - From the MIA’s Statement on 9/19/25.

View the full statement here. 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has shared an update about the Medicaid Waiver Programs that are operated by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). They have implemented a new “October 2025 Waiver Changes and You” webpage, where there are resources, next-steps, contact information, applications, and more. 

The DDA is hosting a series of webinars and has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document for all stakeholders. If you are interested in joining the webinars, the dates and topics are the following, and webinar sign-up is available at this link:

• Waiver Changes and You - September 16, 2025, 12 - 2:30 pm

• Provider Opportunities and Requirements - September 19, 2025, 12 - 1:30 pm

• Self-Directed Services Updates - September 25, 2025, 12 - 2:30 pm

• New and Updated Forms - October 1, 2025, 12 - 1:30 pm

• LTSSMaryland Updates - October 2, 2025, 12 - 1:30 pm 

Updates and more details are available on our new “October 2025 Waiver Changes and You” webpage. 

I am pleased with the legislation we passed during the 2025 Legislative Session that will now help stabilize and uplift the Maryland Department of Transportation. We are planning to allocate $21.5 billion to improve safety, preserve our transportation systems, and drive economic growth across Maryland. 

Under this plan, the Complete Streets Policy has now received full funding! The Complete Streets Policy is an initiative that aims to redesign roads to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as public transit, over cars. 

See a highlights brochure of this program from the Maryland Department of Transportation here. 

This new website promotes playgrounds where people of all abilities can play together. It builds on the framework and Toolkit for Inclusive Playgrounds that the Council and MDOD released in 2023. Find the website here!

Three schools in Anne Arundel County, two of which are in District 32, have been named Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner schools! Glen Burnie High School, Old Mill Middle School South, and Arundel High School have all been bestowed this great honor from the Special Olympics of North America. Through inclusive sports and programs for students with and without intellectual disabilities, these schools have created a climate of kindness and acceptance here in our county. For more details, read the full story here. Great work!

• Fall Outdoor Maintenance: 

  • Clear gutters and downspouts of debris

  • Inspect Your Roof – Look for missing or damaged shingles

  • ​Rake leaves to avoid slips and falls

  • Remove overhanging tree limbs

• Lighting: The days are getting shorter, so make sure your lighting is adequate to prevent slips and falls.

• Deer: It's that time of the year when nearly half of deer-vehicle collisions occur. Stay alert, especially during the early AM and PM hours! If you spot one deer, there are usually more to follow. ​​

• Porch Pirates: Protect your purchases from 'porch pirates,' consider scheduling deliveries for times you’ll be home, using secure parcel lockers, or requiring a signature upon delivery. Installing a doorbell camera or security system can also deter thieves.

• Daylight Savings Time: Don't forget to check your smoke and CO detectors.

• Update your emergency kit for the colder months. Don't forget a blanket, salt, and ice scraper.​

Find more resources and information here.

The application window for the Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc. Driver's Education Scholarship is officially open! Applications will be open from August 25 to September 30, 2025. Please note that space is limited and the application will close once the session is full. 

This initiative is designed to provide critical support to eligible youth in Meade High School by removing financial barriers to driver's education. Please see the flyer and link below for more information. 

My office remains open year-round to help you with issues and answer your questions. During the interim, my Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford, and our new Legislative Aide, Abigail Bento, will be in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday and working remotely on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

The interim is busy, there are community events, meetings, committee site visits, task force studies, and oversight committee meetings to attend.

Thank you, District 32, for allowing me to serve as your State Senator. I am looking forward to seeing you out and about in the community.

Sincerely,

Pamela Beidle

Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly

Click here to be directed to our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. 

The Anne Arundel Libraries have an abundance of exciting upcoming events. There are events for all ages, ranging from infants to adults. With it being National Deaf Awareness and Hispanic Heritage months, there are special events! Please see the link below to help you find your local library and events near you: https://www.aacpl.net/

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