Dear Friends,
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! It’s an exciting (and busy!) time of year where we have the opportunity to award our legislative scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are attending a Maryland-based school or specialized training program. Many thanks to our scholarship committee who have spent the past months reviewing a record-number of applications. We know that higher education can be extremely expensive and we’re thankful that we can help our young scholars meet their educational goals.
Since Sine Die, and throughout the month of May, legislative leaders hosted numerous bill- signing sessions that I attended, where a number of my bills were signed. You can check out our legislative record here -- the yellow highlighted bills were signed into law, but please note that a few bills also passed via the House version of the bill (so are not highlighted).
Governor Moore vetoed several pieces of legislation that garnered significant General Assembly support. SB587, to create a Maryland Reparations Commission and supported by the Legislative Black Caucus and many others, would have considered scholarship about how to address historical injustice and engage with the public about this issue. The RENEW Act, SB149, another bill that was vetoed, would have focused on energy grid planning and helping the state better prepare for climate change. Over the coming months, our legislative leaders will carefully consider whether to take legislative action in response to the vetoes.
You may have read in the newspaper that Moody’s recently downgraded our bond rating (which also downgraded the federal government’s rating), but we did receive reaffirmation of our AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s, signaling confidence in our long-term economic outlook and dutiful management of liabilities. Our actions during the 2025 session demonstrate that we take seriously our fiscal responsibilities, balancing the budget despite a multi-billion shortfall and persistent uncertainty from federal government actions.
Lawsuits rolling back the President’s executive orders continue to make their way through the courts, and it’s exceedingly difficult to keep track of them. Please scroll down for resources that are available to the thousands of federal workers who may be in need of assistance. Rest assured that we are working with our federal partners to protect due process and to ensure that our government is operating in a lawful and constitutional manner.
Please be aware of scammers that are trying to gain access to your private information and money. Only a few days ago, I received a text from someone purporting to be the motor vehicle administration, asserting that I owed tolls. Please take care to protect yourself and your loved ones by scrolling down for more information.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and restful beginning to the summer. I’m off on an adventure and will be in touch upon my return.
|
Shelly L. Hettleman
Senator, District 11
|
- Bill Signings
- Life After Session
- Senatorial Scholarship
- In the News
- Transportation Updates
- Job Resources
- Scam Alert
- Community Events & Updates
- Contact Information
|
After session ends, the Governor and legislative leaders schedule a series of bill signings. We have completed that process and several of my bills from this session were signed into law (5 in 1 day)! Some of the bills signed include an over-the-counter contraception bill, a gaming bill, a bill fixing how cell phone companies must sell to folks designated on their contracts (not just primary users), and a bill enhancing data collection on housing development. In addition, two bills providing funding to important services were signed into law: extending funding for the access to counsel in eviction program and the continuation of behavioral health crisis grants. I'm so grateful to everyone who has contributed to getting these across the finish line!
|
A transition to the interim period includes briefing community organizations about what happened during the legislative session. The District 11 Team also held our own Town Hall meeting. Over these past weeks post-session, I've enjoyed connecting with many of you and attending several community events!
|
Many thanks to all the constituents who attended our recent District 11 Town Hall. I enjoyed discussing the 2025 legislative session along with Delegates Cardin, Pasteur, Stein, and enjoyed hearing your questions and input!
|
It was a rewarding experience volunteering at the Baltimore Hunger Project to help pack bags for Baltimore City and County students who face food insecurity- many thanks to the Women's Caucus of the Maryland General Assembly for organizing this volunteer activity.
|
I had a great time walking in the Erin Levitas Foundation's Stroll & Roll. Named in memory of Erin, an inspiring sexual assault survivor, the foundation focuses on promoting sexual assault awareness, education, and support services.
|
May brought senior award programs and scholarship ceremonies across the county (including those at Bais Yaakov, Carver Center, Dulaney High School, Western Tech, and Owings Mills). Congratulations to all the outstanding seniors who were recognized! A special congratulations to this year’s 120 recipients of my senatorial scholarship — I’m proud to support your journey and can't wait to see all that you accomplish.
Please note- the 2025-2026 application deadline has passed. Remember that any D11 constituent who is attending a Maryland-based college or university is eligible to apply for future awards. The 2026-2027 scholarship applications will be available by Feb. 1 2026.
|
The proposed amendments to the DDA-operated Medicaid waiver programs are now posted online on the dedicated DDA Waiver Program website page. The DDA will share an overview of the proposed amendments to the DDA-operated Medicaid waiver programs in a webinar on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 9 - 11 a.m. Constituents can register for the June 16 webinar here.
The official public comment period will be from June 9 to July 8, 2025. Public comments can be submitted to wfb.dda@maryland.gov or mailed to:
DDA Federal Programs Unit
201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor
Baltimore MD 21201
In addition to the June 16 webinar, the DDA will provide more detailed information on the following topics discussed in the overview at the following sessions:
|
Maryland Transit Administration Updates Fare Collection System with New Bus Fareboxes
|
For more information, please visit here.
|
Maryland Opens Emergency Loan Program for Former Federal Workers
|
Maryland has launched a new emergency loan program to support former federal employees experiencing financial hardship following job loss, providing short-term relief as broader workforce support efforts continue.
The Maryland Department of Labor has launched the Federal Emergency Loan Program, offering interest-free loans to former federal workers who are facing financial hardship due to layoffs, closures, or relocations. The online application portal opened on Wednesday, June 5.
The General Assembly established the program through the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, enacted earlier this year, to support Maryland residents who have been affected by federal job losses.
Eligible applicants can now apply for a $700 no-interest loan, with repayment due 180 days after signing the loan agreement. Borrowers may request a 90-day extension if hardship continues.
To qualify, applicants must be Maryland residents;
- Have lost federal employment on or after January 1, 2025, due to layoff, closure, relocation, or similar involuntary separation within the past six months; and
- Be experiencing financial hardship, such as difficulty paying for housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare, transportation, or similar expenses.
The Department of Labor will administer the program and verify eligibility through documentation and applicant attestations. The loan application is available online, with additional information on the Maryland Department of Labor website.
Counties are monitoring the ripple effects of federal workforce reductions, especially in areas with considerable concentrations of federal employees and contractors. In addition to the State’s loan program, several counties are hosting job fairs, offering workforce support services, and partnering with local organizations to assist affected residents.
Emergency support programs like this one provide short-term assistance while broader efforts continue to connect displaced workers with reemployment and retraining opportunities.
For questions, applicants may contact MDfedworkerloan@submittable.com or call 410-541-1075 during weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Visit the Maryland Department of Labor website for more information and find the resource notice here.
|
Resources for Maryland’s Federal Workers and
Federal Contractors Impacted by Job Loss
|
Governor Moore has recently launched the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website, which serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding.
The website provides resources for impacted federal workers, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and an index of key rules and regulations that govern the federal employment process.
The site includes resources for Unemployment Insurance, Career Support, Health Coverage, Legal Resources and more.
The website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.
|
For more information, please visit here.
|
View the resource list here.
|
A text message scam is targeting Maryland drivers, falsely claiming to be from the Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles and demanding immediate payment for an alleged traffic violation.
What we know:
The message warns recipients that penalties will occur if they do not pay by a specific date. They reference a fake administrative code and cite consequences such as suspending vehicle registrations and driving privileges.
Officials issued an alert, stating that they have received reports of a text message claiming to be from the Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles demanding immediate payment. This is a scam.
Officials clarified in the warning that they will never demand payment via text message or ask you to click suspicious links.
If you receive this message, authorities recommend that you do not click any links provided, delete it immediately, and report it to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office or FTC.gov.
The Attorney General's Office is cautioning consumers to beware of gift card scams. Reporting contact information can be found below. Other information on common scams and how to protect yourself can be found here.
|
For more information, please visit here.
|
Starting July 1, several tax changes will go into effect. These changes are part of Maryland’s plan to address long-term budget needs and include updates to both sales and income tax laws.
|
MDTA, Maryland Higher Education Commission Launch Internship Program for Key Bridge Rebuild Project
|
For more information, please visit here.
|
For some BGE summer readiness tips, check out BGE'S recent letter here!
|
Join the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board Pillar 1 Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee virtually on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 4:30PM-6:00PM
|
Click here for more information and to register.
|
Join us for the 6th Annual Maryland State Police Leadership and Career Development Seminar July 24-27, 2025
|
Visit here for more information and to register.
|
Apply to be a vendor here!
|
Want more information on solar energy, free home energy audits, and more? Check out OPC's recent newsletter here.
|
Hurricane Season Begins in June
|
Check out some preparedness resources here.
|
|
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
