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April 9, 2026
I am pleased Council unanimously passed my Native Plant Protection Act. With this legislation, we will further strengthen Montgomery County’s commitment to environmentally sound policies both now and in the future.
The Native Plant Protection Act supports the growth of native plants in residential areas and prohibits the commercial sale of invasive “running bamboo”. Bamboo is an aggressive species, spreading underground up to fifteen feet per year.
This legislation reflects a new step forward in Montgomery County’s commitment to environmental sustainability as celebrations for Earth Month begin.
Read this Bethesda Magazine article to learn more: https://bethesdamagazine.com/2026/04/08/oh-shoot-county-council-ban-invasive-running-bamboo/
 Graphic announcing the passage of the Native Plant Protection Act featuring basket of native plants
Budget season has officially begun. I appreciate everyone who testified before the Council to share their thoughts about the proposed $8 billion budget for FY26.
This is the most difficult budget I have experienced during my two terms on the Council. While the needs of our community have grown, so has the economic anxiety of our neighbors. The County Executive’s funding priorities are important and worthy, but they are also funded with a 6.1% property tax increase.
At a time when thousands of our neighbors have been fired or had their federal contracts revoked by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the prospect of adding to their economic anxiety is not something I can support.
As my colleagues and I begin reviewing the proposed budget, I will focus on strengthening our social safety net and keeping Montgomery County an affordable place to live.
 Councilmember Glass observes Council session
From Bethesda to Chevy Chase to Rockville to Germantown, Montgomery County showed up in force to make one message clear — No Kings!
I had the honor of speaking at a rally on the National Institutes of Health campus, taking the opportunity to thank our researchers, scientists, support staff and patients for their support of public health. The signs, the stories and the dedication to protecting and preserving our democracy was palpable. Thank you for turning up and speaking out.
 Councilmember Glass addresses No Kings protestors at the National Institutes of Health
On Wednesday, I visited Cold Spring Elementary School and met with the school and PTA leadership. I appreciate their commitment to creating a strong educational environment for the students and teachers in MCPS. Cold Spring has unique building challenges like many of our schools with aging facilities. These site visits are key as I work with my colleagues to approve a capital budget that meets our needs.
 Councilmember Glass tours Cold Spring Elementary School
My office was alerted about a Verizon wire that impeded one of our sidewalks, making what was once a pedestrian pathway impassable. My team collaborated with stakeholders across Montgomery County to solve this problem and make the sidewalk usable once more.
With tax day around the corner, it is important to take a minute and read up on some common tax scams to make sure you, your family, and your finances stay safe this year:
- Big payouts - If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Make sure you don’t accidentally follow bad advice you see on social media, as it may lead you to lying on your tax forms.
- Website links – Double check web links. If it seems odd or is misspelled, you may get taken to a harmful website.
- Demands and threats – Scammers will try to pressure you to increase the chances of you making a mistake. Impersonators will demand you pay immediately and potentially threaten you with arrest or deportation.
- Check your mail – Scammers may send you a tax bill to try and trick you into paying them instead of the IRS. Make sure you check your mail to ensure its authenticity.
 Beware of Scams, Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Finances
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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