I hope you and your family are finding ways to enjoy the season, even with the recent mix of heat and rain across Anne Arundel County.
As the weather shifts between warm and humid days, it is important to take care of ourselves and stay cool. Anne Arundel County has cooling centers available for anyone needing relief from the heat. If your home becomes too warm, I encourage you to visit one of these centers. You can find a location near you by clicking here.
Remember to stay hydrated, stay safe, and take care during these warmer weeks.
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Senatorial Scholarship Renewal Update
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If you are a recipient of the Senatorial Scholarship and your renewal is not yet reflected on the MHEC portal, please note that the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has informed our office that there is a delay in posting scholarship renewals.
If your renewal is still not available by late July, please feel free to contact our office for assistance.
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I was honored to be recognized by the Maryland Hospital Association as this year’s MVP Senator. Congratulations as well to Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, named MVP Delegate, along with Senator Craig Zucker and Delegate Emily Shetty, who were recognized as Senator and Delegate of the Year.
Thank you to all of our hospitals and health care professionals for the incredible work you do each day to serve our communities. Dr. Mohan Suntha brought all the hospital CEOs to the stage for a special thank you, it was a powerful moment and a wonderful evening of celebration.
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On Monday, we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the newly remodeled Heritage at the Town Center (formerly Glen Square). The renovations are stunning, featuring beautiful new apartments and bright, spacious common areas that will serve residents well.
This project is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships between local and state agencies. The collaboration between the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Arundel Community Development Services has helped create a vibrant and welcoming space for the community.
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We recently celebrated the launch of The Better Plaza at the Glen Burnie Town Center, an exciting new space created with community input and vision. With support from the Better Block Foundation, the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this project was made possible through grants aimed at reimagining and revitalizing our town center.
Join us every Thursday for the Farmers Market, and mark your calendars—Summer Concerts begin June 30. Together, we’re building a vibrant, welcoming space in the heart of Glen Burnie.
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Visit the Facebook page for a listing of vendor and food truck participants. Everything from farmers and bakers to crafters and creators!
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With each new Fort Meade Commander, local leaders come together to sign the Community Covenant, a symbol of our continued partnership with the installation. Although Colonel Yolanda Gore has served as Commander for the past 10 months, the most recent covenant signing reaffirmed our shared commitment to supporting Fort Meade and the surrounding community.
Signers included the Anne Arundel and Howard County Executives, as well as other state and county officials, workforce and economic development leaders, local nonprofits, and veterans organizations. This collaboration has led to meaningful progress, and we remain committed to working together for the benefit of our region.
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Health Insurance Premium Increases Likely Without Federal Action
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The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has announced that health insurance premiums for nearly 300,000 Marylanders could rise by an average of 17 percent in 2026 if Congress does not extend the federal subsidies currently set to expire at the end of this year.
Health insurers have submitted requests for rate increases between 8.1 and 18.7 percent for individual Affordable Care Act plans on Maryland’s marketplace. Without these subsidies, many families could see higher costs and fewer options for coverage.
I am deeply concerned about the impact this could have on Marylanders. We have worked hard to bring our state’s uninsured rate down to just 6 percent, and this progress is now at risk. To me, health care is like food and water. It is one of the most important benefits we can provide. Seeing these proposed changes is troubling, and I fear we could see our uninsured numbers rise once again.
The MIA will host a virtual public hearing to hear from Marylanders on the proposed rate changes:
Public Hearing Log-In Information:
When: July 30, 2025, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ZoomGov Link: https://maryland-insurance.zoomgov.com/j/1615565010
Dial-In: (646) 828-7666
Webinar ID: 161 556 5010
If you would like to testify during the hearing, please email: healthinsuranceratereview.mia@maryland.gov.
Written comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on July 27, 2025 to be included in the hearing.
I encourage everyone to participate. Your voice matters in protecting access to affordable health care.
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Resources for Impacted Federal Workers
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The Maryland Department of Labor is accepting applications for the Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program, which offers a $700 no-interest loan to Maryland residents who were recently terminated from federal employment due to mass layoffs, relocations, or closures and are experiencing financial hardship.
Loans must be repaid within 180 days, with a one-time 90-day extension available upon request.
To apply, create an account and submit your application through the online portal: Apply here
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My office has heard from numerous federal employees expressing concerns about job security and the potential defunding of essential services they provide. In addition, many constituents have voiced worries about funding and their rights.
To assist those affected by these challenges, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth has also compiled a comprehensive resource guide, which will be especially valuable to federal workers, immigrant families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community during this period of uncertainty. Click here to view the guide.
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Governor Moore has also 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.
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The Comptroller of Maryland - Frozen Federal Funds Reporting. Recent federal actions have resulted in the freezing and/or revocation of federal loans and grants to some nonprofit organizations. The Comptroller of Maryland has been closely monitoring this situation, particularly given the potential impact on Maryland’s economy, workforce, and communities. To assist us in assessing the scope and impact of these funding cuts, we invite you to share information with us if you have had problems accessing federal funding.
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The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has prepared resources to support Maryland workers impacted by the federal government transition, including employees of the federal government and federal government contractors.
- Resource pages
The MD Labor resource page provides information about unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support, linking to our FAQs, application portals, and most-requested flyers for rapid access to key information. Governor Moore’s Resources for Impacted Workers page also provides legal resources, information on federal employment rules and regulations, and county programs and resources.
- Unemployment insurance FAQs
Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). See our Unemployment Insurance FAQs for Federal Workers. Other workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government—may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance. See the Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview flyer for details. Individuals who are found eligible can receive up to $430 in weekly benefits (pre-tax).
Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia.
- Unemployment insurance phone line
To apply for unemployment, workers can file online or call 667-207-6520 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Federal workers should select option #9.
- Virtual workshop for impacted workers
A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.
- Support in finding a new job
MD Labor offers résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more. These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). See our resource guide (guía de recursos en español) for details. See our FAQ page for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.
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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 Legislative Aide, Ash-Lynn Randolph, will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and working remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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.
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Pamela Beidle
Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly
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Maryland Has Successful Sale of $1.6 Billion in General Obligation Bonds
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Maryland State Treasurer Dereck E. Davis announced the successful sale of $1.6 billion in General Obligation Bonds, approved by the Board of Public Works, composed of Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Davis. The bonds will support capital projects, grant programs, and refinance existing debt to save taxpayer dollars. The sale achieved an all-in true interest cost (TIC) of 3.55 percent.
The offering was well received by the market, with multiple competitive bids for each group of bonds. The Treasurer’s Office expects the next state bond sale to take place in 2026.
Treasurer Davis noted the strong demand reflects continued investor confidence in Maryland’s fiscal strength and creditworthiness.
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Office of Planning and Zoning's Upcoming Community Meetings
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If you missed a recent meeting and would like to see a recording of the meeting and/or offer comments (if within the comment period) visit the Office of Planning and Zoning's Community Meetings website.
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Glen Burnie Library Findings Report
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the initial customer/resident survey, community town hall and other outreach meetings as part of the process to build a new Glen Burnie Library. More than 1,000 people provided feedback.
Results of these efforts are now available and include information on:
- The community input process
- What the community loves about the library
- What features/resources people want to see at the new library
- What look, feel and experience they want at the new library
- Key findings
- Next steps in the project
Visit this LINK to see the Findings Report. The construction timeline will be developed and shared by early 2026. Stay up to date on the new Glen Burnie Library by visiting our website or email us at NewGlenBurnie@aacpl.net.
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Sarah E. Carter Building (Arundel North) GBTC News
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In July, a long term maintenance/construction project will begin in the Sarah E. Carter (Arundel North) Building at 101 Crain Hwy N, Glen Burnie. All Anne Arundel County government services on the first floor will remain open, including the Cashier's Office.
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Community Events/Opportunities
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