We introduced legislation this week to save struggling retailers and restaurants hundreds of dollars in annual license fees as they fight to keep the lights on, retain employees, and continue serving our community.
The legislation, which I introduced with Councilmember Evan Glass, would have the County take advantage of a 2019 state law championed by Delegate Al Carr and others that allows counties to reduce the annual trader’s license fee a business must pay to a flat $15 fee. Right now, these fees range from $15 to $800 for all retail businesses, depending on the value of that retailer’s inventory.
This bill will provide modest but important financial relief to hundreds of local business owners at an especially difficult time. It’s a continuation of our commitment since the beginning of the COVID health emergency to support local employers and their employees, starting with the Public Health Emergency Grant program, continuing with the Telework Assistance Program, Reopen Montgomery and a number of other initiatives and budget appropriations aimed at helping local businesses survive and recover.
The virtual public hearing on this bill is set for 1:30 PM Tuesday, Sept. 22. Sign up here if you’re interested in testifying.
Do you want to help our 3R Initiative to give local businesses the tools they’ll need to successfully Reopen, Relaunch, and Re-imagine? Take this quick consumer survey from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.
If you have lost income due to the impact of COVID on our community or know someone who has, please take a look at the County's $20 million rent relief program.
Priority will go to target areas in the county so check this map to see if you are in a priority zone. If you are not, you could still potentially receive funds as you would be placed on a wait list and contacted as capacity allows. Learn more here.
If you are not eligible for this program, please contact our office or one of the other organizations that may be able to assist above.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections recently announced new locations for secure and monitored ballot drop boxes that will make returning your ballot for this fall’s General Election easier. We’re very excited about this option for those who fill out their mail-in ballot and encourage you to drop off your ballot at any of these locations in District 1 or throughout the County up until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Nov. 3.
District 1 Drop Box Locations:
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Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center (4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815). Available for use by Sept. 28-Sept. 30.
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Montgomery County Conference Center, Marriot Bethesda North (5967 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda, MD 20852). Available for use by Sept. 28-Sept. 30.
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Poolesville High School (17501 West Willard Road, Poolesville, MD 20837). Available for use by Sept. 28-Sept. 30.
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Potomac Community Recreation Center (11315 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854). Available for use by Sept. 28-Sept. 30.
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Walt Whitman High School (7100 Whittier Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817). Available for use by Sept. 28-Sept. 30.
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Friendship Heights Village Center (4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815). Available for use by Oct. 15.
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Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814). Available for use by Oct. 15-Oct. 17.
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Walter Johnson High School (6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814). Available for use by Oct. 15-Oct. 17.
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Winston Churchill High School (11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, MD 20854). Available for use by Oct. 15-Oct. 17.
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Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center (7700 Scotland Drive, Potomac, MD 20854). Available for use by Oct. 22-Oct. 24.
Cheers to The Beer Fairiez, the local family that has found a way to thank and honor healthcare heroes and first responders during the COVID health emergency with help from some local craft brewers.
Please join us online this Friday at 11:30 AM to ask questions and share your thoughts with us. Click this graphic to join.
I truly appreciated the opportunity to join our Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Swift Water Rescue Team as they did training and patrolled the Potomac River. We’re fortunate to live by such a beautiful natural asset and to have a specialized and highly-trained team able to save and protect us from the dangerous rapids beneath the surface.
Click here to register
Click the image for more information
New State Assisted Housing Relief Program
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If you live in one of these state-financed properties and are having difficulty paying rent because of COVID-19, please check out Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's new Assisted Housing Relief Program. The application review process will begin on Sept 21st.
MCPS
- MCPS is providing meals at these sites for students. Meals will be provided at MCPS sites from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at school sites and from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at bus distribution sites. Meals will be provided four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Libraries
- Library branch book drops are open and contactless holds pick up service has resumed.
COVID-19 Renter Relief Act
- The Council passed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, which became effective April 24, 2020 and prohibits landlords from increasing existing tenants’ rent by more than 2.6% after April 24th and during the COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency. FAQs are online.
How You Can Help
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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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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has 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. In particular, the County is looking for private matching funds for food security under the Food Security Fund.
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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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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.
If You Need Support
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Domestic Violence: There is support available during this time and all services are free of charge. If you know someone that may need help, the County has a guide on how best to assist them.
- Contact the Family Justice Center by calling 240-773-0444 or emailing safe@montgomerycountymd.gov
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours) can be reached at 800-799-7233
- There are many organizations available to assist including:
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Internet: Low income families and older adults can get Home Internet Access for as little as $9.95 per month. Click here for additional information.
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Food Assistance: Call 311 and you will be connected to our new food call center or you can look at 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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Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting www.mysaval.store/ Order on Tuesdays before 4:00PM and pickup Thursdays between 2:00-3:30PM at the United Methodist Church in Poolesville. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles. If you have any questions please call John at 443-896-7244.
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Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
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For Individuals with Disabilities: The State and other partners are collaborating to supplement existing programs for people with disabilities who may be experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic. To connect with these feeding opportunities, constituents should call 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 call specialist will connect the caller to a variety of statewide program options.
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My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Participants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
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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:
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Healthcare: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period if you have recently lost your job. You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage. Apply by December 15th.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: If you are behind on your rent, please click here. If you are facing eviction, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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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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