Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

November 21: Let's Talk Public Safety 

Please join me for a community meeting to discuss public safety in and around Montgomery Village.

Representatives from the Montgomery County Police and Department of Health and Human Services will join us to discuss the latest updates. We'll also talk more about initiatives the County and Council have undertaken to respond to and prevent crime. There will be a brief presentation followed by questions and answers in a town hall-like format.

I look forward to seeing you November 21 at 7 p.m. at Watkins Mill High School, located at 10301 Apple Ridge Road. Register for the meeting. (Registration not required).

Click the image above to register for the November 21 Montgomery Village public safety community meeting.

My Reproductive Rights Story 

Given the election outcome last week and the resulting uncertainty and anxiety, I want to reassure folks that the County will do everything we can to preserve access to reproductive healthcare. That is the will of the people as represented by a resounding 75 percent of Maryland voters choosing to enshrine this right in our State Constitution.

My own upbringing has shaped my deeply held conviction that reproductive healthcare must be protected.

Earlier this fall, during a press conference announcing the Council’s passage of a resolution affirming Montgomery County’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights, I shared a personal story: my birth mother was raped at the age of 15, a few months after the US Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. Although the court's decision had been issued, she was not given any choice about her pregnancy, including termination or keeping me.  She was denied the fundamental right to bodily autonomy twice. I was adopted by my parents on the eve of the first anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Now, I share my story to advocate for reproductive choice as my birth mom has encouraged me to do. If you’d like to hear more, I sat down with Montgomery Community Media to discuss how this has shaped me and contributed to my belief that every individual should have the right to determine if and when they get pregnant - and that medical decisions should remain between an individual and their doctor. 

Click the image above to watch Councilmember Luedtke's Montgomery Community Media story.

Upcoming Airpark Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Last year, I introduced legislation to establish the Airpark Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) to serve as a forum for stakeholders to regularly discuss issues of importance to the Airpark and the surrounding community. The next meeting of the Committee will take place November 19 at 7 p.m. At this meeting, the ACAC will receive an update from its Data Subcommittee and discuss its approach to providing recommendations. There will also be time dedicated to hearing from the community. Sign up to speak. 

In the Community...

Councilmember Luedtke honors veterans at an Operation Green Light event.

Veterans Day

I was honored to speak at an event for Operation Green Light, the annual initiative to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. To that end, here are some programs and services that exist to help veterans: 

• Veterans Network Directory
• EveryMind support for veterans and military families
• Regional resources for veterans and members of the military
• Federal government benefits for veterans and members of the military 

Honoring Ag Leader Doug Lechlider

Congratulations to Laytonsville's Doug Lechlider for winning this year's Royce Hanson Award presented by the Montgomery Countryside Alliance. The honor, named after the former Planning Board Chair who led the creation of our Agricultural Reserve, is given annually to an individual or group committed to protecting agricultural and open lands.

Thank you Countryside Alliance for recognizing Doug, who has long been an important voice for Montgomery County farmers and an awesome partner when exploring issues that impact our zoning and farm land preservation goals.

Youth Town Hall 

The Council is holding a youth town hall the evening of November 20. We look forward to hearing from young people about the issues that matter most to them. Student attendees will be able to share their questions and concerns and participate in a dialogue with our County's leadership. Students can earn SSL hours for their participation. The event is hybrid; pizza will be served before the town hall kicks off for those who attend in person. RSVP. 

Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors Program Seeking Youth Ambassadors 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is seeking high school students to serve as Vision Zero Ambassadors. This project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills as well as outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their communities. Applications are open now through December 2. 

Career Info Session for Students

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women are hosting a free virtual career guidance session for female middle school, high school, and college students from 6-7:30 p.m. on November 21. They will hear from panelists who work in STEM careers, fire services, law enforcement, and entrepreneurship. These women will share their experiences and knowledge about their chosen careers. Pre-registration for the Zoom meeting is required. 

HIV Support Group

If you are living with HIV in Montgomery County, you are not alone. Join our County’s free monthly virtual support group meeting every 4th Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

New Educational Resources Available Through Latino Health Initiative

The County’s Latino Health Initiative has released new educational materials, primarily in Spanish, on a variety of health topics including asthma, COVID, tobacco, healthy eating, physical activity, and more. There are also videos about its Community Health Worker Certification Program and Padres en Acción, which includes a 12-video series focused on fentanyl awareness. 

Winter Coat Drive for Young Students

MCPS Prekindergarten and Head Start Programs are requesting donations of new coats, hats, gloves, and boots for students in need. Donations for boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8 are most needed. Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or ordered online for delivery directly to Rocking Horse Road Center. Questions? Contact Lisa_W_Conlon@mcpsmd.org or 240-550-2615. 

Take Advantage of Tax Credits 

As we approach the end of the year, it is a good time to brush up on what refundable tax credits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers.

• The Earned Income Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income workers.
• The Child Tax Credit helps families with children. 
• The American Opportunity Tax Credit helps taxpayers who pay higher education expenses.
• The Premium Tax Credit helps taxpayers cover the premiums for health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Learn more about other credits and deductions you may be eligible for.

$10 Million Job Creation Fund Open

Applications are now open for the Job Creation Fund, offering eligible Montgomery County employers up to $500,000 in grant funding to support their growth and expansion. Eligible companies creating at least five new full-time, permanent jobs with a base annual salary of $100,000 can receive $10,000 to $12,000 per new job created.

If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you.