Dear Friends,

I thought when the session ended, I would have lots of time to enjoy the beautiful weather, rain and all. While I do admit, I got some to travel, visit, and do some spring cleaning, my legislative duties continue!  I have been busy visiting community groups to provide legislative updates, attending briefings and bill signings, and much more!

This week is National Hospital Week, and I want to take a moment to thank all of the incredible health care providers in our community for the care and support they give every day. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you out and about in the community enjoying all that Anne Arundel County and Maryland has to offer.

Governor Moore held another bill signing Tuesday and I was pleased to have two more of my bills signed. 

• SB372: Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025

• SB696: Public Health - Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients and Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Overstays

I was especially proud to see SB372 signed into law. This bill ensures that telehealth services—including audio-only phone calls—remain a permanent part of Maryland’s healthcare system.

Here’s what SB372 does:

• Keeps audio-only calls (like phone consultations) included in the definition of telehealth.

• Requires Medicaid and private insurers to pay providers the same rate for telehealth as they would for in-person visits.

• Allows providers to prescribe certain medications through telehealth if they’ve had an in-person visit or ongoing relationship with the patient.

• Improves access to care—especially for people without video access, in rural areas, or with mobility challenges.

SB372 helps ensure that convenient, affordable, and flexible care options remain available to all Marylanders, even beyond the pandemic.

The next bill signing  is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th at noon. The list of bills to be signed will be posted on the afternoon of May 19th and can be found here.

This week, Moody’s Investors Service, one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies, downgraded Maryland’s bond rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing the state’s high exposure to federal job cuts and shifting federal policies. However, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Maryland’s AAA rating with a stable outlook, and we are still awaiting one final rating.

Despite the downgrade, Maryland remains one of the highest-rated states in the nation.

A Joint Statement from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Comptroller, House Speaker, and Senate President on Moody’s rating can be found below: 

“To put it bluntly, this is a Trump downgrade. Over the last one hundred days, the federal administration’s decisions have wreaked havoc on the entire region, including Maryland. Washington, D.C. received a credit downgrade. Thousands of federal workers are losing their jobs. Actual and proposed cuts to everything from health care to education will continue to exact an incalculable toll on Maryland and states across the country. 

“As our people deal with the repercussions, our proximity to the nation’s capital makes us particularly vulnerable to this administration’s reckless policies. We are proud of the work that Maryland residents who are federal workers provide to our nation, and we are disgusted that the Trump Administration continues to indiscriminately fire these dedicated public servants.

“Last week, we met with Moody’s to discuss our collective work protecting the full faith and credit of the State of Maryland. Together, we turned a deficit into a surplus, gave the middle class tax relief while still raising critical revenue through strategic tax reforms, and reduced spending by over $2 billion – the largest amount that's been cut in a Maryland state budget in 16 years. Maryland's creditworthiness has only been strengthened by our collective work on this budget.

“Over the last two years, Maryland has seen strong economic momentum. We’ve created nearly 100,000 jobs, seen some of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, and experienced one of the fastest job growth rates. Yet, this was not enough to overcome a downgrade caused by the recent actions of the Trump Administration.

“As Moody’s acknowledged, state actions ‘closed a budget gap although the need for further corrective steps may arise directly from federal funding cuts or the economic consequences of federal layoffs and other policy shifts, to which Maryland has a very high degree of exposure.’

“Maryland still holds one of the highest possible credit ratings in the nation, and as we have for decades, we will always pay our debts. We have taken proactive steps to protect our people and fortify our state in the face of federal headwinds. And together, we will continue to answer crisis in Washington with courage in Maryland.”

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.

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.

• MD Labor Resource Website - This website provides information on resources like unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support.
• FAQs for Federal Employees - Unemployment Insurance -Resource for Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).
• Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview - 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.
• Virtual Workshop - 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.

The website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.

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.

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.

Sincerely,

Pamela Beidle

Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly

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

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. 

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is partnering with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to launch the Key Bridge Rebuild Internship Program, creating new paid public sector opportunities for Maryland college students. The program builds on the Authority’s commitment to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge while developing the future workforce in the engineering and infrastructure development fields. Students from Four Major Maryland Universities to Gain Experience in Engineering, Development and Public Sector Fields.

For details on the rebuild efforts, visit KeyBridgeRebuild.com. 

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will begin installing new fareboxes on all local buses starting this summer, with full implementation expected by the end of the year. As part of the transition, the CharmCard® will be phased out and officially retired by December 31, 2025. Riders are encouraged to switch to the CharmPass mobile app for an easier, more convenient way to pay.

For more details and key transition dates, visit mta.maryland.gov/charmpass.

Provide your input to AACPS regarding your schools! Use the map tool at the website below to submit your comments.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has established a website to provide key information about its new long range facilities plan and is collecting input from families, students, employees, and community members through June 1, 2025.

The information will be used in the formulation of data-driven overall rankings for projects in the pIan, which will guide major program construction over the coming decade. Key components of the plan and a link to provide input can be found at www.aacps.org/facilitiesplan. 

In both 2005 and 2015, AACPS retained the services of a consultant to develop a 10-year Strategic Facilities Utilization Master Plan (referred to in both instances as the MGT Study). AACPS has retained Perkins Eastman as the consultant to help develop the 2025 plan.

The study will cover building utilization, sustainability, educational adequacy, facility age, and facility condition. The Board of Education will be presented with the final report in September 2025.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department announced the launch of the Automated Red Light Traffic Enforcement Program. The program will utilize fixed red light camera units to maintain automated traffic signal enforcement, with the goal of improving safety on county roadways. 

Two camera units went live on May 7, 2025, at Arundel Mills Boulevard (westbound) at Arundel Mills Circle and George Clauss Boulevard (northbound) at Quarterfield Park Drive. The Anne Arundel County Police Department uses crash data and safety assessments to determine suitable camera locations. 

The full press release can be found HERE.

Details about the program including FAQs can be found at this LINK.

Access the library anytime from anywhere! With this convenient app, you can access your digital library card, discover your next read, place holds, manage your account and stay up to date on upcoming events—all from the palm of your hand. Download the new AACPL app today and unlock a world of reading and resources right from your mobile device! Just remember to keep the Libby app for digital reading and our trusty AACPL Checkout app for self checkout. Databases and similar resources are web browser only.

The Maryland State Highway Administration will temporarily close and detour the westbound MD 100 ramp (Exit 14 – MD 174 / Quarterfield Road) to eastbound & westbound MD 174 starting 8 p.m. Friday May 16. 

The continuous weekend ramp closure will open to traffic no later than 5 a.m. Monday morning May 19.

Drivers will be directed to continue along westbound MD 100 to southbound I-97 then to Quarterfield Road. Crews will install guardrail and resurface the ramp while the closure is in effect.  All work is weather permitting and will be rescheduled if this work is postponed.

State Highway Administration crews will use portable message signs, temporary traffic signs and barrels to guide travelers along the signed detour. The roadwork is part of the 3.3-mile MD 100 Safety and Resurfacing Project, scheduled for completion in summer 2025.

The Maryland Park Service is launching a new Day-Use Reservation System, which will go live May 19 for Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park, to be followed by several other parks later in the season. This new system requires all visitors to reserve their day-use passes in advance during peak times, to reduce overcrowding, limit traffic backups at park entrances, reduce the frequency of capacity closures, and ensure that every visitor knows they have a space before arriving.

Reservations will be made through the Maryland State Parks website. The link to the new system with instructions will be available starting May 19; the first day that reservations will be required is Saturday, May 24 for Greenbrier and Sandy Point state parks.

With the new system, advance reservations are mandatory on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day— no same-day drive-up access will be allowed. Reservations must be made online and can be made starting seven days in advance of a visit. Reservations may be edited or canceled until 8 a.m. the day before the visit. 

Visit this LINK for additional information.

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation is teaming up with the Better Block and neighbors to create a temporary transformation of the plaza into a more welcoming and usable space for the public. On June 6-7th, we will demonstrate the temporary transformation with a two-day festival showcasing local businesses and entertainment as well as a refreshed plaza. But we need your help! 

We need your help in building, painting, unboxing, and putting together the community events. Over these volunteer workshops, we will be exploring placemaking and learning how quality public space can affect a community! All ages are welcome. Please sign up using this LINK for as many volunteer workshops as you like, and we will see you in Glen Burnie!

Additional information about the Glen Burnie Better Plaza can be found here: https://www.betterblock.org/glenburnie

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