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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Preventing Reckless and Dangerous Driving

Click to watch Councilmember Luedtke's testimony in Annapolis

In October 2023, an aggressive and reckless driver going more than 100 miles per hour on I-270 intentionally hit Montgomery County Police Sergeant Patrick Kepp. Sgt. Kepp lost both of his legs and has worked hard to resume his service to the County and advocate for better laws to prevent this situation from happening again.

This wasn't the first time this particular driver had been cited for dangerous levels of speeding and it's far from the only incident in which a reckless, negligent, or aggressive driver has threatened others’ safety. I frequently hear from residents who are concerned about this issue and who want action.

I’ve been working with Sgt. Kepp, State lawmakers, and the County Executive's office for the past year to craft legislation to increase penalties for dangerous driving and provide enhanced tools for dealing with repeat violators of Maryland’s vehicle law. Last week, I testified in Annapolis on House Bill 744 and Senate Bill 590, Motor Vehicles - Reckless, Negligent, and Aggressive Driving. 

The legislation, led by State Senator Nancy King and State Delegate Greg Wims, expands the list of traffic violations that qualify as aggressive driving and increases the fines and license point deductions for those found guilty of driving recklessly, negligently, and/or aggressively. Importantly, the bill makes these crimes a must-appear offense so that offenders must come to court for a true opportunity at intervention. 

It's not enough for a driver found to be operating their vehicle with such danger to simply pay a fine. Our law must provide a real chance to prevent repeated dangerous behaviors. 

Resources for Federal Employees

We're proud of our family, friends, and neighbors in the federal government workforce and the positive contributions they're making in service to all of us every single day. In light of the unprecedented and disturbing falsehoods and threats they are facing from the new administration, we've compiled a list of potential resources to support people in our community:

Resource Webinar for Federal Workers: Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation have held and are continuing to hold meetings to share information and resources with constituents who are federal workers. Watch a recording of the February 4 webinar. Watch the livestream of the February 19 town hall.  

Partnership for Public Service Federal Employee Resource Hub: Partnership for Public Service is a non-partisan organization that works to build a government that meets fundamental responsibilities to the public, no matter the political makeup of Congress or a presidential administration. Their Federal Employee Resource Hub is a resource to create a safe space for information sharing and community building and to answer frequently asked questions about how various proposals may affect federal employees. 

Civil Service Strong: Civil Service Strong is a coalition of multiple organizations, including unions, nonprofit accountability organizations and legal organizations. Their website contains resources and advice for federal employees, such as what rights civil servants have, guides to navigating whistleblower protections, and various fact sheets.

Maryland Department of Labor Resources for Federal Employees: The Maryland Department of Labor is continually updating their website with information for federal employees and contractors who have lost their jobs. The information includes unemployment insurance, reemployment support, employment with the State of Maryland, and much more. 

WorkSource Montgomery: WorkSource Montgomery is the County’s workforce development hub and has resources for job seekers. 

Resume Writing for Federal Employees in Transition: Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering several 90-minute emergency private-sector resume writing workshops focused on helping federal employees convert their federal resumes to a format that is ideal for the private sector. Internationally-recognized resume guru, Kathryn Troutman, will present the free, virtual workshops. 

Montgomery County Government Careers: On the job board, you can find a listing of employment opportunities with County government.   

Non-employment resources: food assistance, mental health support, Maryland Health Connection, and Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center.

Drone as First Responder Expands

Good news! The highly successful Drone as First Responder Program (DFR) is expected to begin in Bethesda by the end of this month. I spoke with Bethesda Today about the delays in launching the program in Bethesda and what could be tweaked to make this process smoother for future sites. 

We have seen the positive impact DFR has made in Montgomery Village, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, and Silver Spring. To learn more about this innovative public safety tool, check out this podcast episode I did with Conduit Street.

I'm also proud to co-sponsor a bill led by Council President Kate Stewart and Councilmember Kristin Mink that codifies protections for residents when it comes to new public safety technologies.

More Housing N.O.W. Public Hearings

The National Association of Realtors regularly surveys Marylanders about housing. The latest polling, released last month, is yet another indicator of the work we must do to increase housing options. Across the State and across age groups, Marylanders report that the cost of buying and renting a home is too expensive. A large and growing majority feel strained by housing costs and almost one-third have considered leaving Maryland because of the cost of housing. 

We must take action to address the serious burden residents are facing, which is why I'm a proud co-sponsor of More Housing N.O.W.: 

• Workforce Housing Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA)
• Workforce Housing Opportunity Fund, to be addressed during this year’s budget.
• Office to Housing ZTA with an Office to Housing Subdivision Regulation Amendment (SRA)
• Office to Housing Tax Abatement Bill
• Doubling of the County’s investment in the Homeowner Assistance Program, to be addressed during this year’s budget.

In addition to several in-person and virtual town halls, the public hearings for More Housing N.O.W. will be held on March 11. I encourage you to make your voice heard and share your housing story. If you have questions, please reach out to me at councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In the Community...

Hope and Support Circles for LGBTQIA+ Community 

Join the Montgomery County LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Montgomery County Pride Family for a Community Hope & Support Circle, a weekly virtual gathering designed to provide empowerment, joy, and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. Every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Zoom, you can find a space of understanding, connection, and support in the face of ongoing challenges and attacks. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, resources, or simply a place to be heard, you are welcome here.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Scheduling Appointments 

The Community Action Agency is scheduling appointments for this tax season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides free tax preparation help for County residents with a household income of $67,000 or less. Schedule an appointment. 

Apply for MCPS Advisory Committee on Communications & Community Engagement

Montgomery County Public Schools is forming an Advisory Committee on Communications & Community Engagement to strengthen collaboration between the Board of Education and the community. This committee will play a key role in ensuring that residents are informed and engaged in important school projects. Applications are due by February 28. 

MCPS Students Automotive Trades Foundation Lottery Car Sale on February 22

The Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation will hold its next Refurbished Car and Computer Sale on February 22 from 9-11 a.m. at Damascus High School. 

Save the Date: GreenFest on April 27

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of GreenFest, the largest environmental festival in the County, the first first 500 people to register will receive a free goodie bag to assist with their journey to greener living. When you register, consider nominating an Eco Hero! Help us celebrate members of the community, nonprofits, and businesses who are making significant contributions to preserving and improving our County’s environment. 

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.