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The Montgomery County Council proudly celebrates Black History Month with an annual commemorative event each February. This year’s annual commemoration will be held tomorrow, Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at the Council Office Building and will focus on African Americans and the Arts. As we honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans that have shaped our community and our nation, we also celebrate Black history through music, dance and art, and recognize the cultural impact and legacy of Black Americans in the arts. I'm thrilled that this year's commemoration will spotlight local artists and educators who are sharing and preserving their culture through art, dance and education. Tune in tomorrow for the Council’s commemoration and check out ways you can honor Black History Month throughout Montgomery County, including by supporting Montgomery County’s many Black-owned restaurants and businesses.
The County Executive recently transmitted his recommended capital budget to the Council for fiscal years 2025-2030, which includes more than $5.8 billion in total capital investments over the six-year period. As Council president, my overarching goal is to strategically balance capital investments for schools, fire and police stations, roads, libraries, recreation centers and facility improvements in a fiscally responsible, transparent and sustainable way.
We need input from you to help us make informed decisions on the capital budget. The Council will hold public hearings for the capital budget tomorrow, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Residents can also submit written, video or audio testimony for the Council’s consideration.
The County’s capital budget is considered for approval along with the operating budget at the end of May. The recommended operating budget will be transmitted in March, so stay tuned for more information on how to share your thoughts on the operating budget this Spring!
This year marked the Commission for Women’s 44th annual Women’s Legislative Briefing, which I was honored to participate in. It has never been more important for women’s voices to be heard. As a son, grandson, fiancée, brother, and uncle to powerful women and girls who have heavily influenced and inspired me, I've always been passionate about creating opportunities for women and strengthening and protecting women’s rights.
In my last term on the Council, I was proud to have spearheaded bills that now require Montgomery County Government to provide six weeks of 100% paid parental leave and accessible lactation rooms to our public employees. In the year ahead, we will do more, and I look forward to working with you all to make positive changes for women in the workplace, and beyond.
I was proud to be joined by County Executive Marc Elrich and special guests to present a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day. Korean American Day commemorates the first entry of Korean immigrants to the U.S. territories through Hawaii on Jan. 13, 1903. Korean Americans have made vast contributions to the U.S. in all aspects of American life. Through hard work, talent and resources, Korean Americans have helped to make Montgomery County one of the nation’s most diverse places to live. We were honored to be joined by the Honorable Judge Chung K. Pak, Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, Consul General Kiyoung Cho from the Korean Embassy, and other pivotal representatives of the Korean American community in Maryland.
Tax filing season is here! Montgomery County residents with household incomes of $64,000 or less annually are eligible for free assistance with tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Free tax appointments are available now through April 11 at locations in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Call 240-777-1123 to schedule an appointment or visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Cashback/.
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.
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