Mental Health Awareness
Last week, I hosted the second convening of mental health providers to discuss the recent release of the Office of Legislative Oversight’s report covering the availability of youth behavioral health care. Mental health is a central priority to my Council presidency, and I recognize that addressing this critical issue requires collective effort and action.
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and I also presented a Council proclamation recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month. We were proud to be joined by County officials, health care providers and nonprofits, and heard from three BTheOne youth ambassadors on the importance of youth mental health.
 A BTheOne Youth Ambassador speaks at the Council’s Mental Health Awareness Month commemoration.
Expansion of Child Care Providers Tax Credit
I recently introduced legislation to provide broader and more generous property tax credits to Montgomery County child care businesses to help them stay in operation. The proposed legislation would expand eligibility for the existing child care tax credit and increase the permitted amount of the credit from $3,000 to $10,000. Access to affordable, quality child care is not just a parenting issue but an economic issue. Supporting our child care providers is essential to making sure our residents are able to live and work in our County and is key to our economic growth. A public hearing will be held on July 8. Thank you to Delegate Julie Palokovich Carr for introducing the enabling legislation in Annapolis last session.
 DC News Now coverage on legislation to expand the child care tax credit.
Applications Open for Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee
Applications are open to fill 13 vacancies on the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and eight vacancies on the Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee. The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board acts as a liaison between the Silver Spring communities and the County government by identifying neighborhood and business concerns and making recommendations to County officials. It also advises the Silver Spring Regional Services Center Director on area needs and priorities. The Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee provides information and advice to the County government and the Silver Spring Regional Services Center Director regarding promotions, maintenance, service levels, and budgetary guidance for the downtown Silver Spring Urban District.
The deadline to apply for these vacancies is July 4. Check eligibility and apply today.
Juneteenth Celebrations
I want to express my gratitude to the countless County employees, volunteers and community organizers who contributed to making Juneteenth a wonderful celebration across our community. Please join me in congratulating Montgomery County’s six African American community leaders who received the County’s Living Legend Awards at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. James Baker, Dr. Judi Moore Latta, Cathy Matthews, Jo Ann Owens, Dr. Betty Holston Smith and Maryland State Delegate Gregory Wims were honored for their lifelong leadership, advocacy and public service. Their dedication to Montgomery County has uplifted all of our residents, and we thank them for their exceptional service to our community.
 MCFRS Promotional Ceremony
I had the honor to attend the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Promotional Ceremony to celebrate the commitment, hard work, courage, and service of the promotees and their families. Thank you to our outstanding first responders for their service and to Fire Chief Corey Smedley for his leadership.
 Pride in the Plaza
We closed out Pride Month with a fun-filled celebration at Pride in the Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring on Sunday. It was an honor to participate in Pride Month celebrations across Montgomery County throughout the month of June. While we formally recognize June as Pride Month, we work every day, alongside excellent community and nonprofits partners, to support, protect and uplift our LGBTQ+ community. Happy Pride!
Check out the Council’s Spotlight on Pride Month.
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