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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Justice for Immigrant Victims of Crime

It's incredibly important that we as a local jurisdiction do everything in our power to protect vulnerable community members and uphold the values that are so important to each of us. I'm proud that this week, the Council passed the Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act. This is an important added protection for immigrant victims of crime that removes a hurdle to justice for those subject to substantial mental or physical abuse as the result of a felony crime. 

I’m thankful for my colleagues, Evan Glass and Natali Fani-González, who sponsored this legislation with me as well as the victims' rights advocates, immigrant service providers, and law enforcement who spoke up in support.

Montgomery County is committed to supporting our immigrant community and ensuring our public safety services are working effectively for all.

Human Trafficking Awareness

Councilmember Luedtke presenting a proclamation in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Also important for upholding our values are the actions the Council is taking to combat human trafficking, a complex and pervasive crime in which perpetrators use violence, threats, manipulation, deceit, and coercion to trap victims. 

Raising awareness about human trafficking, which impacts approximately 27.6 million individuals worldwide, is a critical first step towards eradicating this form of modern-day slavery and ensuring justice for its victims.

I presented a proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month in order to increase recognition of the ways in which this crime disproportionately targets vulnerable populations such as women and girls, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and newly arrived immigrants. I used the proclamation as an opportunity to call attention to the vital work being done by the Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee, Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program, University of Maryland SAFE Center, attorneys, law enforcement, and other service providers who work collaboratively to assist victims and provide training on trafficking laws. 

Last week, my legislation, Contracts and Procurement - Prohibition Against Human Trafficking - Enforcement, was recommended for approval by the Government Operations Committee and is now headed to the full Council. This legislation prohibits the County from doing business with contractors or subcontractors found to have violated state or federal human trafficking laws, similar to a recent measure enacted by Prince George’s County. The bill underscores our County’s commitment to preventing human trafficking in all its forms and in all ways that we as a local government can control. 

Thank you to my colleagues who have supported and co-sponsored this commonsense step.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available:

• Montgomery County Trauma Services Line: 240-777-4357 (HELP)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Housing for Workers

Click the image above for more information about the More Housing N.O.W. proposal.

I'm a proud co-sponsor of More Housing N.O.W. (New Options for Workers), to address the critical lack of housing that is affordable to teachers, firefighters, police officers, biotech and healthcare workers, and everyone in, or striving to be in, the middle class. 

This proposal aims to provide more housing options where they’re most needed and most likely to be built: along corridors with the greatest access to jobs, amenities, and public transportation. It does so by allowing more residential building types with a workforce affordability requirement and by creating a new countywide fund to incentivize the construction of workforce housing units.

It also expedites the approval process for projects that convert high-vacancy office buildings  into residential and establishes a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for conversions that are cost prohibitive. More Housing N.O.W. also doubles the County’s investment in the Homeowner Assistance Program from $4 million to $8 million in the FY26 Housing Initiative Fund. I urge all who are concerned about the lack of housing supply in our County and the growing difficulty to afford to live here to support this much-needed initiative. Thank you Councilmembers Friedson and Fani-González for sponsoring!

Damascus Library Renovation Updates

Last week, I met with Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) Director Darcell Graham to discuss the improvements being made to Damascus Library and the plan for the community while the facility is closed for the work.

While the Damascus Library is closed for renovations, patrons are encouraged to visit nearby library branches and take advantage of the library's extensive digital services and resources.

I'm encouraged that MCPL has partnered with the Department of Recreation and MCPS to ensure that residents continue to have access to in-person programming. For example: The Damascus Recreation Center will host a weekly story time (Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.) and a monthly daytime book club (Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.).

The County is working on solidifying the dates and times for an evening book club and on securing a small space for some library materials, as well as a book drop easily accessible by the Damascus community. Baker Middle School has agreed to host afterschool programming for teens. Follow along with the Damascus Library renovation project for updates on its website. 

In the Community...

The County Council commemorating Black History Month

February is Black History Month and the Council was proud to commemorate the occasion with a proclamation, a video highlighting this year's theme of Africans Americans and Labor, and a celebratory luncheon for some of the extraordinary Black leaders in our community. Check out Visit Montgomery's list of Black History Month events happening throughout the County. I was honored to celebrate the many contributions and achievements of Black leaders - including many longtime local leaders and advocates who have been crucial to making our County a better place.

Rural Montgomery Community Survey

Visit Montgomery is seeking community input to better understand the perceptions and tourism potential of the rural areas in Montgomery County, including our Agricultural Reserve and the area’s farms, wineries, breweries, and scenic landscapes. Take a few minutes to complete the Rural Montgomery Community Survey. Your responses will support the development of strategies to promote this beautiful part of the county while preserving its unique character. This survey is the first step of a community engagement process aimed at gaining an authentic understanding of why people love Rural Montgomery County. You can learn more about the project at BrandRuralMontgomery.com. 

Respite Resource and Health Fair 

The Arc Montgomery County will host its annual Respite Resource and Health Fair on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. The Fair allows families and caregivers to connect with respite care providers, health services, and community resources. Free health screenings, workshops, and interactive booths will be offered.

Summer RISE Student Registration Open Until February 18 

Summer RISE offers students a hands-on, career-based learning experience with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer. 

Substances and Addiction Webinar

On February 11 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Latino Health Initiative is hosting a Facebook Live event with Dra. Cristina Rabadán-Diehl, a bilingual scientist and expert in substance use disorders, specializing in opioid use disorder. She has more than four decades of experience providing technical assistance, education, and training to health professionals, educators, communities, youth, and families in both Spanish and English. Participate in the event. 

RespectFEST in March and April

Save the date! RespectFEST returns in late March and runs through early April. This series of virtual and in-person events about healthy relationships and dating violence is geared towards 6th-12th graders, parents, and youth-serving providers. 

2025 Maryland Young Leaders Awards Application Open Until February 12 

The Maryland Commission for Women is looking to celebrate extraordinary young leaders (ages 11-20) who work on issues important to women and girls and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their work to advance the rights of women and girls in Maryland. Four awardees will be selected as to receive a citation from Governor Moore and a $2,000 award to advance their work or education. 

Senior Tax Benefits 

If you are 65 or older, you can take advantage of several tax benefits on your Maryland return. You are allowed a higher income level before being required to file a return, and you are entitled to an additional personal exemption of $1,000. You may also qualify for a pension exclusion that increases each year, and your Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits are not subject to Maryland tax. Learn more about some of the most commonly used credits. Additionally, the Office of Comptroller has 12 locations around the state to assist filers for free to complete their state income tax and answer questions. 

Click the image above to nominate an individual or organization for the Unsung Sports Hero Award.

Do you know an individual or organization who goes above and beyond to increase sports opportunities for underserved communities in Montgomery County? The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee wants to celebrate their good work with the Unsung Sports Hero award. Winners will be selected and honored at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame award ceremony. Send in your nomination by February 28. 

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