 The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-33-2021 on March 30, 2021. The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020. The Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUALLY FOR BUDGET WORK SESSIONS AND REVIEW OF LEGISLATION
The Committee of the Whole convened virtually on Monday, May 3rd; Tuesday, May 4th; and Thursday, May 6th, of this week for scheduled budget work sessions and the review of legislation. Monday’s COW focused on FY 22 Budget Work Sessions for the Office of Central Services; Board of Elections; Office of Community Relations; Office of Finance; Office of Human Rights; and the Revenue Authority. Tuesday’s COW included the review of legislation and a Budget Work Session for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Operating and CIP Budgets. Thursday’s COW focused on FY 22 Budget Work Sessions for Experience Prince George’s; Financial Services Corporation; Economic Development Corporation; Board of License Commissioners; Office of Human Resources Management; Personnel Board; and the Office of Management and Budget/Non-Departmental.
WATCH Monday’s COW.
WATCH Tuesday’s COW.
WATCH Thursday’s COW
|
COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; ADOPTS RESOLUTION SUPPORTING UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
 The County Council convened a virtual session on Tuesday, May 4th, to review proposed legislation and conduct public hearings for legislation eligible for enactment, and resolutions eligible for adoption. The Council unanimously adopted CR-027-2021, supporting Universal Health Care for All, including expansion of the Affordable Care Act and the Medicare for All Act, a federal bill proposal that would guarantee comprehensive healthcare to all U.S. residents.
Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, says healthcare expansion is a win-win for Prince George’s County and its residents. “Prince George’s County has experienced higher rates of uninsured and underinsured residents compared to other counties in the state, impacting the wellbeing and health outcomes of our residents and communities. As the County works to implement the Health in All Policies approach adopted by the Council last year, health care expansion would not only ensure residents are covered for necessary medical care, it would also save taxpayers, businesses and local governments millions of dollars each year in rising healthcare expenses.”
Vice Chair Deni Taveras, proposer of the legislation, noted the impact of COVID-19 on the County’s healthcare systems. “COVID-19 hit Prince George’s County communities hard, impacting our public health and local economy, leaving businesses struggling and workers unemployed. Employer-based healthcare systems leave residents particularly vulnerable when they are most in need. Universal health care would ensure that the healthcare needs of our residents are met, regardless of their work or immigration status.”
READ the press release. WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.
COUNTY RESIDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS ADDRESS COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINAL FY22 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
 Nearly 90 residents including youths, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders from around the County signed up to address Council Members during Tuesday’s final FY 2022 Budget Public Hearing for the Prince George's County Proposed FY 2022 Operating Budget; Six-Year Capital Program (Including The Capital Improvement Budget); and the Prince George's County Board of Education Portion of the County FY 2022 Operating Budget; Proposed Budget of the Redevelopment Authority and Revenue Authority Of Prince George's County, and the Constant Yield Tax Rate. The new fiscal year begins July 1, and pursuant to the County Charter, the Council must adopt a new County Budget on or before June 1. The Council’s careful review of the proposed budget plan includes staff reviews, Council budget work sessions, and critically important public hearings.
WATCH Tuesday’s Budget Public Hearing.
COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS AND COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS JOIN GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW SCHOOLS IN DISTRICT 3, EASING OVERCROWDING
 Two new schools are soon coming to District 3! County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II and District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros joined PGCPS CEO Dr. Monica Goldson, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, and other County leaders on Tuesday, May 4th, to celebrate the soon-to-be renovated William Wirt Middle School in Riverdale, and the new, soon-to-be constructed Glenridge Middle School in Landover Hills. The new William Wirt Middle School will house up to 1,200 students, providing 400 additional seats, and ease overcrowding among Riverdale area schools. The school will also have features designed for community use, including a first-floor community use space, new athletic fields, a lighted walking trail, outdoor learning environments and natural light throughout the school. The Glenridge Area Middle School will house 1,200 students, alleviating current overcrowding in neighboring schools and supporting projected enrollment growth. It will feature walking trail connections to parks and fields, spaces for outdoor learning and an expansive gymnasium. VIEW this Facebook video of the Glenridge School groundbreaking
DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS LOOKS FORWARD TO NEXT STEPS AS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES DEVELOPER FOR FORMER MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK POLICE SITE
District 3 County Council Member Dannielle Glaros looks forward to next steps as the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (RDA) selects Advantage Properties, Inc. and Cove Property Management LLC to develop the former Maryland-National Capital Park Police headquarters site. The property, located adjacent to the future Beacon Heights-East Pines Purple Line Station site, will fulfill the community vision for a large mixed-income, mixed-use, transit-oriented community as outlined in the East Riverdale Beacon Heights Sector Plan and is now under contract with the development team. “As we evaluate ways to stimulate economic development along the planned Purple Line route post-pandemic, the selection of a developer for the project is timely,” said Council Member Glaros. “The community, Purple Line Corridor Coalition, Planning Department, Redevelopment Authority, Office of Central Services and Office of the County Executive have worked extremely hard to bring us to this critical next step. I am thrilled this project will leverage County-owned property to ensure additional workforce housing at this future Purple Line Station.”
READ the press release.
|
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETS VIRTUALLY
The 2021 Prince George’s County Redistricting Commission, appointed pursuant to the prescriptions of Section 305 of the County Charter, conducted a virtual meeting on Monday, May 3rd. Pastor James Robinson, Chair of the Commission, presided over the meeting with Commissioners Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, and David C. Harrington. This meeting is facilitated by Council Administrator Robert J. Williams, Jr. and Associate Council Administrator Colette Gresham, Esq. Dr. Nathaniel Persily, James B. McClatchy Professor of Law, Stanford Law School, who serves as consultant to the Redistricting Commission, presented an update on the 2020 Census Population Counts for Apportionment. Dr. Persily also discussed estimates of population counts for existing Council Districts based on projections from the American Community Survey and possible strategies to achieve equal population between Councilmanic Districts. The next meeting is scheduled for May 17th at 3:00 p.m.
WATCH Monday’s Redistricting Commission meeting.
|
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESPONSIBLE LEGACY TASK FORCE MEETS VIRTUALLY
The Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force, established by CR-81-2019, met virtually on Friday, May 7th. The task force is charged with reviewing all County monuments, parks, street names, County buildings and other places of honor, and creating a process to determine the future of names linked to a prejudiced past, and is working to ensure that the County’s legacy is one of equality, diversity and inclusion. Friday’s meeting included a review and discussion of recent public survey results with Shelby McRae, Council Office of Communications.
|
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE MEETS VIRTUALLY
The Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force met virtually on Friday, May 7th. Established by CR-062-2020, the task force is working to address issues related to the demand and supply of healthy food and areas with limited access to healthy food, food health connections, school meals, and food insecurity in Prince George's County. During Friday’s meeting, the Task Force received updates on current priorities; CB-028-2021, legislation addressing curbside grocery trucks; and food assistance provider initiatives. Members also received an overview of recent Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) meetings and community outreach strategies.
|
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
 The Prince George’s County Council celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and condemns acts of hatred and violence against Asian Pacific Americans. Discover the many contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to enrich our history and culture in America and Prince George’s County, on the Prince George’s County Memorial Library website.
COUNCIL SALUTES COUNTY SCHOOL TEACHERS DURING ‘TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!’
 Teachers impact the lives of their students every day—and in a year where instruction has been virtual, in-person or a mix of both, their immense work and impact in Prince George’s County have greatly contributed to our sense of community and connection, and to the progress of our County. The Prince George’s County Council appreciates the opportunity, as we conclude Teacher Appreciation Week, to salute all our educators in the County and say thank you!
 THIS WEEKEND! COUNTY EXTENDS APPOINTMENT HOURS FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
 The Health Department is extending hours of operation and appointment availability at three County-operated vaccine clinics this weekend! Teens 16 and older (and other age groups) can get appointments now at mypgc.us/ProudToBeProtected. Minors must have a parent/guardian at the clinic to sign a consent form.
VACCINE TELE-TOWN HALL MAY 11
 On Tuesday, May 11th at 6:00 PM, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks will host a Tele-Town Hall to provide the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccinations in the County, and answer community questions and concerns. To register, or submit questions or concerns, visit: https://bit.ly/PGCTownHallMay11
CHILDREN’S NATIONAL HOSPITAL NOW OFFERING COVID VACCINE FOR SELECT AGE GROUPS
 Children’s National Hospital is currently permitted to vaccinate individuals age 16-22 who live in Washington, D.C., or Prince George’s County, Maryland. The hospital is also accepting pre-registration for children 12-15 years old, who live in Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County. Pre-register on the hospital website. Children’s National in Prince George’s County is in the Woodmore Towne Centre in Glenarden.
 The County’s Vaccine Outreach Team is traveling door-to-door in several communities in the County, reaching out face to face, via phone and text to residents to address vaccine concerns, and share important information about government resources such as rental assistance. Please respond to the knock on your door, or the call or text, so Vaccine Outreach Team members can provide updates and assist you with scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
|
