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Friday, May 15, 2026

Holding the Line on Affordability

Throughout the County Council's annual budget process, I focused on the realities so many Montgomery County families are facing right now: rising housing costs, economic uncertainty, childcare expenses, healthcare affordability, and the growing challenge of simply maintaining stability in an increasingly expensive region.

That is why I opposed recommended tax increases, supported a more progressive income tax structure, and fought to reduce the amount of one-time funding used for ongoing costs. 

While we made progress on some of these elements, the budget a majority of the Council preliminarily approved today only increases the County's structural deficit - setting the table for even more difficult decisions and more discussions of tax increases next year. That is why I could not support it.

There are many investments in the budget that I strongly support and fought to add or protect, including continued funding for uninsured residents through Montgomery Cares, homelessness prevention services, MCPS, emergency communications staffing, and important capital projects like the Damascus High School renovation, Shady Grove West Library, Bowie Mill Bikeway, and Johnson’s Local Park. These are meaningful services and projects that will make a real difference in people’s lives.

At the same time, I could not support a budget that - because of last-minute changes after weeks of tireless review and public debate - relies so heavily on one-time funding sources to pay for ongoing costs. The result is a projected $293 million shortfall just to match this same level of spending for the next fiscal year.

I believe we have to be honest about the long-term financial challenges facing Montgomery County and the difficult decisions that will follow if we continue down an unsustainable path. My concern is not about whether these priorities matter — they absolutely do — but whether we are putting ourselves in a position to sustain them responsibly in the years ahead.

I was also deeply concerned by last-minute reductions to funding for needed school HVAC improvements. This means the County will have less money than we should to take on the unsafe conditions in so many of our aging buildings.

Moving forward, I remain committed to working collaboratively with County leadership, labor partners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to confront these long-term fiscal challenges responsibly while continuing to protect core services and invest in the well-being of Montgomery County residents.

Celebrating Our Public Safety Professionals

Public Safety Committee Presenting Public Safety Appreciation Week Proclamation.

This week, the Montgomery County Council recognized Public Safety Appreciation Week with a proclamation honoring the dedicated public safety professionals who serve communities across Montgomery County each and every day. I joined colleagues in recognizing the extraordinary work of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency communications staff, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders whose service helps keep residents safe during moments of crisis and uncertainty.

Public safety is about more than emergency response — it is about trust, partnership, and the people who show up for our communities day after day. We are deeply grateful to the public safety professionals who work tirelessly on behalf of Montgomery County residents and thankful for the opportunity to recognize their commitment and service this week.

In The Community...

Top left: Councilmember Luedtke and leaders of the Olney Farmers and Artisans Market honor MedStar Montgomery President Dr. Emily Briton; Top Right: At the Fallen Heroes Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil with Sgt. Patrick Kepp; Bottom left/right: With Rep. Jamie Raskin at the Olney Days Parade

Gaithersburg Book Festival

The Gaithersburg Book Festival returns Saturday with more than 125 authors, children’s programming, workshops, and free shuttles from Shady Grove Metro. A fun, family-friendly option right here in Montgomery County.

Parks Playhouse Junior

Families with young children can check out upcoming free “Parks Playhouse Junior” performances hosted by Montgomery Parks, including a performance later this month at Southeast Olney Local Park.

Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center

Need help navigating benefits, healthcare access, SNAP, or utility assistance? Need legal help? The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center continues to offer free appointments and support services for residents, regardless of immigration status. They will also host free walk-in attorney consultations for low-income Montgomery County residents on Thursday, May 21 beginning at 6 p.m. Space is limited. 

Summer Reading Challenge

Montgomery County Public Libraries are gearing up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Unearth A Story,” launching June 13. Keep an eye out for kickoff events and programming across the county’s library system.

Electronics and Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Events

Montgomery County’s next electronics and household hazardous waste recycling events are happening Saturday in Rockville, Silver Spring, and North Bethesda, with an additional collection event Sunday at MedStar Montgomery in Olney. Residents can safely dispose of electronics, batteries, and other hard-to-recycle materials free of charge. 

Preserving Prathertown

The Prathertown Community Development Corporation is hosting “Preserving Prathertown” on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Library, alongside a series of upcoming free community workshops and webinars on topics including resume writing and job searching, aging in place resources, and artificial intelligence basics.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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