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March 2023
Last year, 19 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed and 541 people were seriously injured on our county’s roads.That’s why I introduced the Safe Streets Act of 2023, building on the “Vision Zero” strategy, a set of policies and action items aimed at making our streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers — everyone. This new legislation will prevent additional deaths and injuries by extending walk times at crosswalks, prohibiting “right turn on red” at busy intersections in downtown areas, and requiring infrastructure reviews following incidents in school zones to see if improvements can be made to prevent it from happening again.
You can learn more about the bill and watch my announcement here.
On February 27, I was joined by parents, students, elected officials and transportation leaders at Newport Mill Middle School to announce major legislation creating safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists on our roadways.
Montgomery County residents, along with all Marylanders, are facing an end to local rental assistance, which is imposing hardship on many families. With over 130,000 households in our county struggling to make rent every month, we must do more to provide affordable housing and help those at risk of eviction. That is why I am calling on Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland General Assembly to allocate $175 million in the FY24 budget to help an estimated 17,000 Maryland families receive rental assistance and avoid eviction.
Anyone can find themselves temporarily unable to pay their rent due to a medical emergency, car accident, funeral expense or job loss. By creating a statewide fund for emergency rental assistance and the right to counsel during evictions, Maryland can create a more equitable, sustainable housing economy.
Read the resolution here.
The rise in racial, ethnic and LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Montgomery County is disturbing and frightening. In 2021, there were 143 reported bias incidents in Montgomery County -- the highest number in nearly a decade. I am working with the county executive to form an anti-hate task force to prioritize policies that promote safety and combat hate crimes -- whether it’s racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia or transphobia.
We must stand against hate and bigotry.
Learn more about my proposal.
At a recent visit to Leisure World in Silver Spring, a diverse group of residents shared their unique stories and life experiences. We had an enlightening discussion about what it means to live in one of the most diverse communities in the nation, the importance of celebrating diversity, and what steps we are taking to combat hate and discrimination in Montgomery County.
Local breweries were on tap to share their tasty barrel-aged beer and raise funds for
Olney Help, a local nonprofit that has been providing emergency food and financial assistance to neighbors in need for 54 years.
In 2021, Olney Help, the Olney Civic Fund and its volunteers provided 995 families in the greater Olney area with food, rent, utilities, prescriptions and more.
A resident recently contacted our office to ask for help in reaching the state’s Division of Unemployment Insurance to find out if her claim had been approved. She had filed for unemployment several weeks ago and had not received a response, and was unable to reach the unemployment office by phone. We contacted her state delegate on her behalf, and his office inquired with the Maryland Department of Labor’s constituent liaison, who promptly got back to the county resident.
While some issues have state or federal jurisdiction, we are always glad to work with our partners to ensure residents have access to the help they need. As always, please feel free to reach out to me about any issue you may have by contacting me by email at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov or calling my office at (240) 777-7966.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library is holding its Sixth Annual “Girl Power Contest.” Residents (ages 5 and up) can submit a short story, poem, drawing or entry in the medium of their choice that addresses this year’s theme. The deadline to submit an entry is midnight on Friday, March 31. Winners will be announced in April and will be featured on the Commission for Women's social media and will receive a swag bag.
For more information about the Girl Power Contest, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw.
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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