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March 7, 2024
This Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 am, I will be hosting a discussion with federal and local leaders about combating opioid overdose deaths. The discussion will be an opportunity to learn more about resources for individuals struggling with addiction and hear personal stories and advice from experts. Free Narcan will also be available.
Please RSVP here.
 Join Councilmember Glass and these experts for this important conversation.
As we approach budget season, I wrote a letter to the Washington Post about having more transparency in Montgomery County Public Schools' $3.2 billion budget. There is currently legislation in the General Assembly that would require all school districts in Maryland to provide greater details about their budgets in an effort for county leaders to better understand how our taxpayer funds are used.
In preparation for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a state law that expands equitable learning opportunities, it is even more important that we address school funding challenges by requiring more transparency in the budget process. Parents, educators and elected officials want to reduce the size of our classrooms, hire more educators, offer competitive wages and help our students learn to the best of their abilities.
These are shared priorities, but we cannot achieve them without greater transparency, oversight and accountability.
Earlier this month, I wrote to County Executive Elrich and Police Chief Jones requesting an expansion of the private security camera incentive program. I’m pleased to announce that the program has now been expanded to include more communities surrounding our downtown business centers. Residents in these areas can get reimbursed up to $250 for a camera installed at their home, and businesses and nonprofits can get reimbursed up to $1,250 for five cameras.
You can learn more about the program, check eligibility and complete an application here.
 More residents of Montgomery County can now be reimbursed for the purchase of a security camera like the one shown here.
I was thrilled to join neighbors and colleagues at the recent grand opening of the long-awaited Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center. This is the first Recreation Center conveniently located in the heart of Silver Spring’s central business district, making it easily accessible for residents in and around the community.
The new 120,000 square foot facility houses multiple indoor pools, a gymnasium, dance studios, multipurpose activity rooms, a café, social space, and the new Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame. More information about the center and membership passes can be found here.
 Councilmember Glass at the new natatorium.
I recently spoke at a public hearing about the importance of Metro to Montgomery County and the greater DC region. As WMATA works with leaders in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia to approve a budget for the next year, I wanted to voice residents’ concerns about the impact of potential service cuts.
As Chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee, two of my top priorities have been ensuring equitable access to transit and reducing our carbon emissions. Supporting a strong Metro system is key to meeting both of those policy goals.
I would like to thank Governor Wes Moore for his commitment of $150 million of new investment to support Metro's operations in the coming year.
March is Women’s History Month. I am proud of the work we have done locally to advance gender equity, including the elimination of the gender pay gap in county government. It continues to be an honor serving with the largest female-majority Council in our history.
A resident reached out to ask for my assistance in making their neighborhood’s streets safer. He noticed that the intersection of Rolston Road, Bradmoor Drive and Lindale Drive in North Bethesda did not have any pedestrian markings or adequate signage, despite being a busy area near a middle school. My office contacted Traffic Operations on the resident’s behalf, and he recently let me know that they got back to him with a plan that will calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety.
The County’s Recreation Department is collecting new and gently used dresses, suits, dress shoes and accessories for the third annual “Project Prom Dress” giveaway event. Prom is a milestone experience for so many high school students, but the high cost of attire can prevent them from being able to attend. These donations remove that financial hurdle.
Donated items will be dry cleaned and on Saturday, April 13, all county high school students will be able to “shop” for one free outfit at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center just by showing their student ID.
For more information on how to donate items, email recreation.customerservice@montgomerycountymd.gov.
 A selection of dresses available to students at last year's Project Prom Dress boutique.
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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