Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that there are so few remaining days of summer. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather that is providing some relief from the scorching heat we’ve had.

These are challenging days. We awaken to daily assaults on the due process of law and civic norms, with much uncertainty ahead. Congress recently passed the Reconciliation Act which is likely to have significant impacts on our most vulnerable residents. Many egregious provisions will not be implemented until after the next election, beginning in 2027. Our non-partisan, Department of Legislative Services has reported that significant alterations in how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Payment (SNAP) and Medicaid are administered will likely result in reductions in food assistance to over 100,000 households and healthcare services to roughly 150,000 individuals.

Some Maryland households may benefit from a rise in the cap on the deduction of state and local taxes from $10,000 to $40,000 which may result in lower revenue to the state, and most of the individual tax provisions benefit the wealthiest among us. It is difficult to predict the full impact to our hospital system and budget. To read an analysis of how we expect the bill to impact Maryland, click here.

We’re about to find out how the President’s mercurial approach to tariffs will impact the economy, as new levies are applied to imports. There is no doubt that the rise in energy costs is also contributing to households’ budget heartaches. These issues are complicated, so I’m including an article here that will shed some light on transmission costs and the impact of the proliferation of data centers (which help to feed our appetite for artificial intelligence), and other factors that drive up costs. Many of you have also written with concerns about a reduction in choice of energy providers, and I'm working with colleagues to seek a fair solution to this issue that also protects consumers from the abuses that had existed under the old system. Rest assured that my colleagues and I continue to seek ways of addressing issues that contribute to rising costs.

On a brighter note, you can shop tax free this week as students prepare to return to school. You can learn more about what’s covered and what’s not here. And, the Baltimore area, including Towson, was recently named as one of the best places in the country for new college grads to get a job.

These are busy days in Baltimore County as the council considers a new redistricting map resulting from voters’ approving an expansion of the council to 9 members. Please review the maps here and consider sharing your views with the councilmembers at their upcoming hearings.

Wishing you an enjoyable end to the summer and I look forward to being in touch soon. As always, if we can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to email us at shelly.hettleman@senate.maryland.gov.

Shelly L. Hettleman
Senator, District 11

In the Community
In the News
Important Benefits Access Update
Job Resources
Energy/Environment Updates
Transportation Updates
Education News
Comptroller Updates
Community Events & Updates- National Night Out Schedule
Contact Information

Top Left: Many thanks to Hatzalah, a community safety organization, for the beautiful print that will hang proudly in my office.

Top Right: I attended a very meaningful event with friends, colleagues and community commemorating the lynching of a young boy for the 5th Annual Howard Cooper Community Remembrance Ceremony at the new peaceful Truth & Community Remembrance Park.

Bottom Left: It was incredible to get a behind-the-scenes look at Stevenson University’s brand-new Berman Family Performing Arts Center.

Bottom Right: I really enjoyed having lunch and chatting with the residents of North Oaks in recognition of Baltimore County Restaurant Week.

Linked below are some recent news articles that discuss my legislative initiatives.

Fraud schemes against older Marylanders continue sharp rise, advocates say

Two of my bills from this session—SB669 and SB674—are featured in the Maryland Commission for Women's 2025 Legislative Session Report on Women’s Issues. Take a look at the full report here!

Governor Moore Announces Streamlined Benefits Access for Marylanders Through Maryland Benefits One Application

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.

For more information, please visit here.

Resources for Maryland’s Federal Workers and
Federal Contractors Impacted by Job Loss

Governor Moore has recently 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 website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.

If you are a veteran or military spouse who is a federal worker, view the resource list here.

Make sure you use these tax credits before they’re gone!

For more information and to view updated deadlines for home energy tax credits, please visit here.

BGE Launches $15M Customer Relief Fund for Energy Cost Assistance

Responding to the rise in energy bills, a new $15 million initiative has been created to provide meaningful support and relief to BGE residential customers who are struggling with high energy costs.

Applications are currently open and can be found here.

Funds are limited, so the earlier you apply, the better!

Expect higher electric bills this summer, read this guide and stay ahead. For more information, please visit here.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission's Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit (SLDRTC) program provides $9 million in tax credits to Maryland residents filing their 2025 tax returns. The SLDRTC application is now OPEN and the deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.

To view a list of frequently asked questions and information on how to apply, visit the website.

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION RELEASES VISIONARY BMORE BUS PLAN