I hope you and your family are enjoying the sunshine and all that Anne Arundel County has to offer this season. Friday, May 9th, marks the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to take a moment to thank all of the incredible educators in Anne Arundel County for the vital work they do every day. I look forward to seeing you out and about in the community!
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On Tuesday, three of my bills were signed into law by Governor Moore:
I was proud to see this diverse legislation enacted, each addressing key priorities, from protecting public health to improving government efficiency.
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The signing into law of SB842 was particularly gratifying. This bill gives the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) the authority to seize illegal electronic smoking devices (ESD), like vape pens and e-cigarettes, without a warrant, similar to traditional tobacco enforcement.
Senate Bill 842 repeals the authorization for a licensed ESD manufacturer to sell directly to a consumer, ensuring that an ESD is only sold to a consumer at a licensed retailer or vape shop vendor where a face-to-face age verification can take place. Specifically, a licensed retailer or vape shop vendor must verify the age of any consumer who appears to be under the age of 30.
This is an important step in regulating the ESD market and protecting the health of Marylanders.
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There are two remaining bill signing ceremonies this session. The next is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th at noon. The list of bills to be signed will be posted on the afternoon of May 12th and can be found here.
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Resources for Impacted Federal Workers
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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 will be busy but not as stressful as the session. There will be 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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County Council- Fiscal Year 26 Budget
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Last thursday, County Executive Pittman delivered his Fiscal Year 26 Budget to the County Council and to the public. More information on his proposed FY26 budget can be found HERE. The County Executive's Budget Remarks can be accessed at this LINK.
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The County Council will host two public hearings on the FY26 Budget:
- May 14th at 7:00 pm - Council Chambers, 44 Calvert St, Annapolis
- May 21st at 7:00 pm - Arundel High School, 1001 Annapolis Rd, Gambrills
For additional information about the County Council's Public Budget Hearings and how to testify, as well as the dates of the department presentations to the Council, visit this LINK.
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2025-2026 Student Member of the Board of Education
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Congratulations to Brayden Morgan, a junior at Glen Burnie High School, on being elected as the 2025–2026 student member of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education (SMOB)!
Brayden was chosen by members of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils (CRASC) to represent student voices on the Board.
You can read the full press release HERE.
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Broad Creek Water Tower - Submit Your Ideas
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Department of Public Works- Stevenson Road/ Quarterfield Road Study
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This project will evaluate the feasibility, costs, and impacts of potential improvements along Stevenson Road from Quarterfield Road to New Cut Road, and along Quarterfield Road from Janet Dale Lane to Donaldson Avenue, due to construction of Old Mill High School West, for access, traffic safety, capacity, and pedestrian and bicycle compatibility.
The project webpage with additional information can be found at this LINK.
A public meeting will be scheduled for later this summer.
Questions? Contact the DPW Project Manager, Adam Greenstein at
pwgree08@aacounty.org
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If you would like to help Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control’s homeless dogs but aren't able to have a dog where you live or can't commit to fostering a pet long term, there's a new shelter program just for you: Paws Around Town.
Any Anne Arundel County resident who meets the simple requirements to be a shelter foster now can take a dog out for just a few daylight hours, or home for as little as one night, to give the dog a brief but very welcome respite from shelter living. Dogs can go home with their fosters or elsewhere in the county, but must remain leashed at all times and cannot meet other pets (so no dog parks, for example).
For instance, Te Ka, shown below, went on a day trip with this shelter foster that included a a long hike at Kinder Farm Park and some downtime at the foster's home.
Te Ka is "gentle, super sweet and calm," the foster wrote afterward. "She still has puppy energy, but at 40 pounds she was very manageable. Sweet, gave kisses, took treats gently. I can't believe she has been here so long." (Te Ka, 3, came to the shelter Nov. 28 as a stray.)
Such brief breaks from shelter life provide "much-needed enrichment and a chance to experience life in a more relaxed environment," says Taryn Syck, the shelter's foster and volunteer coordinator. “This not only provides the dogs with valuable experiences that improve their well-being but also helps us learn more about their behavior outside of the shelter, which can be crucial for their future adoptions."
For more information about Paws Around Town and how to become involved, either come to the shelter or look here on its website: www.aacounty.org/animal-control/paws-around-town
The link to the foster application form: https://www.aacounty.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Foster_Application.pdf
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AAEDC and AAWDC Impact Survey
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Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) along with the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC), recently launched a survey to assess the impacts of Federal workforce moves and spending cuts on residents, businesses, current and former Federal employees, and Federal contractors.
Responses to the brief questionnaire will help us determine how to best provide support, so please take the Anne Arundel County Federal Government Transition Impact Survey today!
Take the survey:
https://bit.ly/AAFedGovImpactSurvey
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Community Events/Opportunities
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