Dear Friends,
These are days that history will remember. Yesterday was incredibly emotional as we witnessed the return of 20 living Israeli hostages to their loved ones. And we mourn, as the remains of 28 hostages await return to their families. I am cautiously optimistic that the fragile ceasefire will take hold, and negotiations will continue to bring stability, security, rebuilding, and healing to Israel and to Gaza, both of which have long days ahead recovering from the trauma of the past two years. I appreciate the efforts of the President and hope he and his team remain focused on the difficult days ahead to solidify a meaningful, lasting peace.
While the news is looking up in the Middle East, it is unfortunate that the U.S. government shutdown continues. Thousands of hardworking federal employees continue to do their jobs without being paid as this Administration threatens to fire them. I support our outstanding Maryland congressional delegation who is holding firm (with the exception of one) in their efforts to preserve critical tax credits that make access to healthcare affordable and to ensure that workers receive the backpay to which they are entitled – even as the Administration asserts it will not pay workers their earned wages.
As we approach the open enrollment period when individuals need to make their health insurance decisions, I believe that more and more people will realize the full effect of the Administration’s efforts to discontinue these tax credits as they see massive increases in health insurance premiums. Hopefully, the people's voices will rise in opposition to these changes and that will pressure congressional leaders to open a dialogue to resolve this impasse.
If you or someone you know are experiencing hardship due to the shutdown, there are resources available to help, many of which the General Assembly passed anticipating this situation. We have outlined what is available and where to go for help below.
As always, please let us know if our office can be of assistance in any way.
Sincerely,
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Shelly L. Hettleman
Senator, District 11
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- In the Community
- Job Resources
- Legislative Update
- In the News
- Important Benefits Access Update
- DDA Updates
- Energy/Environment Updates
- Vaccine Update
- Education News
- Transportation Updates
- Comptroller Updates
- Community Events & Updates
- Contact Information
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Top Left: Members of the Baltimore County Senate delegation had a productive meeting with BCPS Superintendent Myriam Rogers and learned about the significant progress BCPS students are making—especially in areas like attendance and test scores.
Top Right: I had a blast attending the ribbon cutting for School of Rock Pikesville and touring their beautiful new space (including witnessing my first-ever guitar smashing!) Be sure to check them out!
Bottom Left: I had a wonderful time celebrating a decision to permit the historic Pleasant Yacht Club to continue operating near Tradepoint Atlantic on the East side of the county. It was great to visit the stunning venue in person!
Bottom Right: I visited the Baltimore County Police Department Training Facility at the Greenspring campus of Stevenson University with colleagues, where we participated in mock simulations and training exercises. Grateful to the dedicated trainers and officers working every day to keep our communities safe.
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For more information about these resources and additional resources, please visit here.
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For more information and to apply, please visit here.
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On October 1st, several of the bills I worked on this past legislative session took effect, including:
SB181/HB1090 Correctional Services - Geriatric and Medical Parole - reforms how the Maryland Parole Commission considers the health and age of incarcerated people when making parole decisions by guaranteeing that those with documented severe chronic or terminal medical conditions have the opportunity to request parole. It removes the Governor from the parole decision-making process and ensures there is an appropriate balance between public safety and compassionate release.
SB669/HB675 Public Safety - Rape Kit Testing - Tracking Program and Grant Fund - will alter our Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund to ensure that we are able to provide support services to survivors whose kits are being tested as well as funding for investigations of sexual assaults. The bill will also support telehealth services and continue to make funds available for state and local police labs for rape kit testing.
SB846 Business Regulation - Cellular Phone Carriers - Authorized Users -Like many of you, visiting a cell phone store is one of my least favorite activities. So, I was infuriated when told that I could not purchase a new phone without my husband physically being in the store with me – even though my name was on the account. They justified the policy by claiming it was intended to protect them from fraud, but I’m also aware that not all companies have this policy. When I shared my frustrations on social media, many people shared similar stories, so I had a bill drafted. The new law requires all cell phone contracts to enable multiple users of the account to make changes if agreed to when executing the service contract.
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Governor Moore Announces Streamlined Benefits Access for Marylanders Through Maryland Benefits One Application
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Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland Benefits One Application, a new mobile-friendly tool that will help eligible Marylanders apply for vital benefits. The application will make it easier to apply for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants, Children (WIC) programming, and energy assistance in a single application from a computer or smartphone.
To access the Maryland Benefits One Application, visit Marylandbenefits.gov.
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has Approved the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Community Pathways Waiver Consolidation and Implementation effective 10/6/25
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With the federal government shutdown now in effect, BGE is offering enhanced bill payment support to assist affected federal employees and contractors in managing their energy costs and avoiding service disruptions.
BGE remains committed to supporting our customers during challenging times. We encourage furloughed federal workers and contractors to contact our Customer Care team to learn more about available assistance, including flexible payment arrangements, waivers of late payment charges, and other support options.
Available support includes:
- Flexible payment options: Impacted customers will be eligible for multiple payment arrangements and budget billing plans.
- Late payment charge waivers: A 30-day waiver on late payment charges will be granted in increments for affected customers.
- Streamlined verification: Customers will not be required to provide government ID to access additional support measures.
- Proactive assistance resources: Customers who contact BGE’s Care Center will be proactively offered support services available through BGE’s self-service Assistance Finder, which provides simple and personalized recommendations.
Impacted federal workers and contractors are encouraged to contact BGE’s Customer Care team at 1-800-685-0123 for information about these support measures and how to access them.
BGE customers can visit bge.com/heretohelp for more ways to manage their bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes:
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Maryland Department of Health issues respiratory virus vaccine guidance, COVID-19 vaccine standing order
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In light of confusing information coming from the federal government, I am pleased that Maryland is offering steady, reliable advice based on science. For more information about health updates and vaccines, please visit the Maryland Department of Health Website and Vaccine Update Page.
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Tuesday, November 4, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204
At this job fair, BCPS will recruit candidates for a wide-range of positions, including teachers, related service positions (occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists), nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, additional adult support positions, bus drivers, building service workers, substitute nurses, food service workers, senior heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics, senior building automation systems technicians, and grounds workers. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. BCPS encourages applicants to apply online prior to attending this job fair.
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MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION IMPLEMENTS FALL SERVICE CHANGES TO IMPROVE SERVICE RELIABILITY AND ENHANCE CONNECTIONS
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For more information, please visit here.
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Key Bridge Rebuild Pardon Our Progress Update and New Text Alerts
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Progress continues on the Key Bridge Rebuild as preparations for the Test Pile Program ramps up. Equipment has begun arriving in Baltimore, and test piles are currently being delivered to the site. These 220-foot-long, 8-foot-diameter piles will be driven into the Patapsco River and subjected to immense pressure to ensure they can support the future bridge structure. Pile driving is expected to begin on or about September 27, 2025, weather permitting. Please pardon our progress as we move forward with this important work.
Whether you live, work, or travel near the bridge, we want you to know what to expect and what we’re doing to minimize disruptions.
- Work Hours: Construction activity will typically occur Monday through Saturday, during daylight hours within a 12-hour window.
- Noise & Vibration Monitoring: Monitoring equipment is being used in nearby communities to provide real-time feedback to the construction team and help minimize disruption.
- You Will See: Large equipment, construction crews, and increased activity on land and in the water.
- You May Hear: Noise typical of large construction projects, and loud, repetitive hammering sounds from pile driving.
In addition, we’re excited to share a new way to stay informed as the Key Bridge Rebuild progresses. You can now sign up for Text Alerts to receive timely updates right to your phone.
By subscribing to text alerts, you’ll receive information on:
- Construction activities and major project milestones
- Mariner notices and navigation updates
- Community meetings and public engagement opportunities
For more information on the Key Bridge Rebuild, please visit here.
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Several tax changes recently went 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.
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For more information and to sign up for a clean-up, please visit here.
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Event details and registration can be found here.
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