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I have been amazed and uplifted over the past few weeks by residents stepping up to look out for neighbors, by organic volunteer groups checking in on older and vulnerable residents, by local businesses changing operations overnight to manufacture hand sanitizer and medical masks, by restaurants offering and delivering meals to high-risk residents for free. We are so thankful for the heroism of our frontline health care professionals and first responders and for so many others who are doing their part to support them, and each other.
I have never been more confident in the resilience and compassion of our community or more humbled to represent District 1 on the County Council. We are in this together and we will get through this together.
- On Monday, Governor Hogan announced the State acquired $9 million worth of COVID-19 testing equipment from a South Korean company that will allow for 500,000 tests. We are awaiting details on when and how this testing equipment will be disbursed. The Council also is passing additional funding today so that local businesses can manufacture personal protective equipment and the County Government can purchase and get face coverings out quickly to nonprofit service providers, vulnerable residents, and transit riders.
- On Saturday, a Governor Hogan order requiring all customers of commercial establishments and users of public transportation and ride-sharing services to wear face coverings went into effect. This is an expansion of the Montgomery County Health Officer order that went into effect last week and applies to customers of grocery stores, pharmacies, large retail stores, and farmers' markets.
- More than 4,800 businesses and nonprofits had applied for the County's Public Health Emergency Grant program as of Monday morning and the County Executive Branch said they expect grant money to begin being disbursed by the end of this week. We know the demand significantly outweighs the supply of grants, which is why we approved an additional $5 million for the program aimed directly at restaurants and small retailers and are continuing to pursue other economic assistance and tax relief initiatives.
- For residents in need, this week the County also will get out the first cash assistance checks to clients they have identified and they will begin working with nonprofits and faith groups to identify additional residents for this program. In the weeks to come, the Council will be working on special appropriations for expanded rent assistance and to help our partners increase their reach for residents in need of food.
The precise economic impact of this crisis is unknown, but it will be significant at the local, state, and federal levels. The County Council by law must pass a balanced operating budget for fiscal year 2021 by June 1st of this year. Last week, we began the process of looking at new revenue forecasts and options moving forward. With total estimated reductions in tax revenues projected to potentially reach $600 million for the current fiscal year and fiscal year 2021, we'll have to make difficult decisions.
What's clear is that now is not the time to raise property taxes, as the County Executive has proposed. I and most of my colleagues have stated unequivocally that we will oppose the County Executive's recommendation.
While tough choices are ahead of us in the next few weeks, it was extremely helpful to see and hear the virtual budget testimony of so many residents and advocates whose help and support are so important. Last week's budget public hearings were done via written testimony and live phone-in testimony -- a first for the Council and a way of expanding access to public hearings that we should keep in place far after the current public health emergency is over. We are required to limit presence at the Council chambers for now, but we aren't limiting participation. We need your input now more than ever as we finalize a lean budget that focuses on the immediate health needs, essential government services, and work that must be done to help our residents and economy recover.
This Friday at 11:00AM please join us to hear from some great speakers about managing personal finances during this public health emergency. Simply click this image.
Reminder on the Stay at Home Directive
- The Governor issued a stay at home directive for all Maryland residents at the end of March. This means staying at home, unless you have an essential errand such as picking up groceries or medications, going to the doctor, or taking care of a family member or friend. Residents can still go outside for walks and exercise.
- Residents should not travel outside of Maryland. However, if you do, you should self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
Special Grocery Store Hours
- The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.
MCPS
- MCPS will continue to provide meals at these sites for students during this time (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday through Friday)
Closures
How You Can Help
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Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
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Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
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Making or Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Frontline staff need additional supplies and so you can make a mask for them or donate new items you may have in your possession.
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Donation site for new or handmade PPE.
- For companies interested in selling PPE to the County, please use this email procure@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Donate Blood: American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for an appointment now.
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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has started a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency.
If You Need Support
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Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: The National Restaurant Association has launched a Relief Fund to give $500 checks to restaurant employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Food Assistance: See the Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
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Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
- Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting https://www.mysaval.store/ The most recent pick up location was Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles.
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Healthcare: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace now, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period so that residents can enroll by June 15th (new date). You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
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Pepco: Pepco is extending its customer support policies, through at least June 1st, which include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees, and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: Evictions related to this public health emergency are prohibited at this time, if you face housing or eviction issues, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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Federal Relief: This guide on federal programs outlines the benefits recently passed by Congress.
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Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
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