Dear Friends,

Happy Tuesday! Things are busy as ever in the office, as I assume they are with you all. I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the fall weather and festivities here in District 32. 

This past Tuesday, members of the Finance Committee toured SunMed. We were joined by the Director of the Maryland Cannabis Commission (MCA), Tabatha Robinson, and Committee Counsel Amber Gundlach.  After the tour, we discussed several issues that are affecting legal Cannabis sales in Maryland, including the competition from illegal sales of intoxicating hemp products.  On October 15, I met with the Director of MCA to discuss legislation for the 2026 session.  

SunMed is a 500,000-square-foot facility in Cecil County that grows and processes cannabis. They produce a variety of products, including gummies, other confections, beverages, and more. SunMed employs over 200 workers. The committee was grateful for the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about cannabis and the market issues.

I was delighted to participate in the ribbon-cutting of a $3.9 million project to improve the stormwater at Lake Marion in the Provinces Community. The need for this project gained my attention when I was the County Councilmember in District One, about 25 years ago. It has taken years to gain support and accumulate the funding. Thank you to the Local Development Council for funding the engineering study about 5 years ago.

The project was a combination of funding and expertise, including Maryland DNR, Councilman Pete Smith, Erik Michaelson, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Baylands, Matthew Johnston (Executive Director of the Arundel Rivers Federation), and the Severn River Association. Delegate Mark Chang and I were happy to cosponsor a State Bond to help complete this beautiful project. Cindy Williams, the President of the Province's Civic Association, deserves the credit for her work and tenacity to make this project happen!

This project improves water quality to the headwaters of the Severn River, as well as adding to the beauty of the Provinces.  If you have a chance, take a walk around Lake Marion off of Quebec Street in the Provinces. When this matures in about two years, it will provide an amazing ecosystem for plants and animals.

The Leadership Anne Arundel Government Day is one of my favorite days all year. Delegate Mark Chang and I were paired up to speak to the LAA Class of 2026 members. I completed the Leadership Anne Arundel program in 1996; it was an amazing experience. My best wishes to the class of 2026!

I was deeply humbled and honored to receive the Towson University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award. As a proud 1994 graduate, I am grateful that all of my AACC credits transferred seamlessly to Towson University in 1989. Following four years of diligent night classes and summer sessions, I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I want to extend my appreciation to Towson, Len, and my children for their unwavering support throughout my four-year journey toward obtaining my BS. Thank you, Alumni Association President Jonas Jacobson, for nominating me for this prestigious award.

Congratulations, Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1563, on your 60th Anniversary Celebration. It was a wonderful celebration of your dedication and service to our county. Thank you, President Joe Addivinola, for your leadership.

The District 32 Team , and I had a very lively discussion at the Linthicum-Shipley Improvement Association.  Thank you to the association for allowing us to discuss the 2026 Legislative Session and how it will impact the residents of our community. 

• State-wide Resources from Governor Wes Moore’s Office: Click Here
• Anne Arundel County-Specific Resources: Click here
• Military Family Resources: Click here

• Energy Bill Payments: BGE is providing enhanced bill payment support for federal employees and contractors amidst the shutdown. See the Assistance Finder for more information, or call them at 1-800-685-0123

• Unsure if you will be impacted? Check out this FAQ from Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth’s Office regarding the government shutdown and its impacts on Marylanders: Click here

• Unemployment insurance information and application: Click here

• Food, Baby Supplies, and more: visit the Anne Arundel County Food Bank’s resource page here, or call the Warm Line at 410-222-FOOD(3663). 

For more up-to-date information, please contact my office or your federal representative's office. 

"The Maryland Food Bank has over 750 partners located throughout the state - operating food pantries, holding pop-up food distribution events, and inviting our Mobile Market trucks to act as a “grocery store on wheels” to more rural communities where transportation and food access are challenges. We provide over 1 million Marylanders annually with healthy food options and fresh produce – much of it locally grown, and strive to tailor our food response to the needs of the families and communities we serve."

Our priority is ensuring that Marylanders facing food insecurity know that we can help in times of need. To that end, you may contact the Maryland Food Bank by:

• Phone: (410) 737-8282
• Website: www.mdfoodbank.org/find-food/
• If SNAP assistance is needed, call 1-888-808-7327 or email snapteam@mdfoodbank.org

We want you to prevent sticky situations, unless it's the sweet flavors of sticky caramel apples. It's officially fall and we have many treats for you (no tricks). Thinking about insurance can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of fearing insurance, think of it as a strategic investment in your financial future. Consider coverage that can protect you from life’s unexpected sticky situations.

Treat yourself to reading about these topics:

• Is your shield up? Learn more about Cybersecurity risks
• Scared of fraudsters? Click here to report fraud
• Too much Halloween candy? Visit: Oral Health/Dental
• Watch your flames! Fire Prevention 

While the Maryland Insurance Administration does not sell insurance and we cannot recommend a particular policy or insurance company, we do want to help you learn what types of coverages are available. Additionally, we are here to assist you if you have a complaint involving an insurer, an insurance producer, public adjuster or adviser.

The MIA has released its monthly update to keep constituents informed about the resources provided by the MIA. Please see October’s report here. 

October in Maryland becomes WALKTOBER, a month where the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies promote and host events and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrians' safety, health, and commuting options in current walk programs and Initiatives.

The Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Planning, the Maryland Department of Health, MDOT State Highway Administration, Maryland Highway Safety Office, America Walks, and AARP are sharing a series of informational resources and free webinars throughout the month of October. Webinars are tailored to interest pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners, and residents. Throughout Walktober, learn how to safely use pedestrian infrastructure, improve walkability in your community, and incorporate walking into your daily routine.

Walking is Maryland’s official exercise. In addition to Walktober programming, MDOT is working to improve safe walking conditions throughout Maryland through a variety of active transportation programs, like the Complete Streets Initiative, 2050 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and Vision Zero. These resources are available to get involved with your county, find a local trail, and learn more about ongoing projects to improve pedestrian safety.

As per MDOT

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. 

From Amazon’s Newsletter “Working on it!”: Amazon is creating 250,000 seasonal positions nationwide for the upcoming holiday season, including 6,500 jobs here in Maryland, over 3,000 of which will be in the Baltimore area. These roles offer flexible scheduling options with an average wage of more than $19 per hour. Interested candidates can visit http://amazon.com/localjobs for weekly job postings through December. 

Note: Open roles are posted throughout the holiday season and fill quickly, so candidates should check back often. 

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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