District 6 Weekend Reader | Important Information Regarding Property Tax Bills, Registration Now Available for the Virtual Joint Public Hearings on the Countywide Map Amendment (September, 2021), Constituent Resources, COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Greetings District 6 Residents,

It is my pleasure to bring you this week's edition of 
the District 6 Weekend Reader. This weekly electronic newsletter is designed to provide you with updates
from the Prince George's County Council, important agency news, community events/forums as well as helpful resources in addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with regards to vaccination and testing
metrics and measures.

My office has received multiple inquiries about the recent updated tax bill. Please be advised that Maryland's Department of Assessment and Taxation did not use the correct rate for the Homestead Tax Credit in preparing property tax assessments. As a result, tax bills for County residents may reflect a 2% homestead tax credit which was decreased to 1% by way of Council Bill 57 2020.

While the error has caused an inconvenience for many, Prince George's County's Office of Finance (Treasury Division) has distributed revised tax bills and has communicated action steps for how SDAT will correct the error in the form of refunds and modified payment amounts. For residents who have paid their tax bill in full for the higher tax amount, you will receive a refund for your overpayment. Please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks to receive a refund check. If you have overpaid the first half of your tax bill due to the credit adjustment, your tax payment due in December will reflect a reduced amount. For more information, please contact the Prince George's County Office of Finance, Treasury Division at 301-952-4030.

To that end, I would like to share information regarding two property tax credit relief programs for homeowners.

HOMEOWNERS' PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. A property tax credit is available to all residential homeowners who have a combined household income up to $60,000 and net assets that do not exceed $200,000. Net assets exclude the value of your home(s) and the value of your qualified retirement plan(s). Property owners may be eligible for credits to reduce their tax liability. The Homeowners' Tax Credit is not automatically granted and each person must apply and disclose his or her income.

The deadline to apply has been extended to October 1st of each year.

This tax credit is also available to qualified home purchasers, who should apply in advance for the Homeowners' Tax Credit before acquiring title to the property. The purpose of this program is to help reduce the amount of monies needed at the time of settlement. Applicants must apply at least 30 days before their expected settlement date to receive any credit due at the time of settlement. For more information, please email sd​at.homeowners@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4433 and request "Form HTC-NP".

Homeowners' Tax Credit ​applications can now be filed online. You may also download the 2021 Homeowners' Tax Credit application​ in a .PDF format, but please be advised that applications submitted by mail will take longer to process than applications submitted online.

HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT
To help homeowners deal with large assessment increases on their principal residence, state law has established the Homestead Property Tax Credit. The Homestead Credit limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage. Every county and municipality in Maryland is required to limit taxable assessment increases to 10% or less each year.

To prevent improper granting of this credit on rented or multiple properties of a single owner, a law was enacted in 2007 that requires all homeowners to submit a one-time application to establish eligibility for the credit. 

Applications must be filed by the May 1 preceding the first tax year for which the credit is to be applied. Residents may file electronically online at https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/ or request an application at 410-767-2165, toll free in Maryland 1-866-650-8783, or email at sdat.homestead@maryland.gov.  You also may print a PDF copy of the application the SDAT website in .PDF format, but mail submissions will take longer to process than online submissions.

Find the status of your Homestead eligibility by looking up your property on the Real Property database.

For a complete list of tax relief credits, please visit the Maryland's Department of Taxation & Assessment online or contact the Prince George's County Office of Finance, Treasury Division at 301-952-4030. Please take note of the Prince George's County Office of Finance's new address: Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, Suite 1100 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, Maryland 20774.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the Council District office via telephone (301-952-3426) or email (councildistrict6@co.pg.md.us) should you have any additional questions or concerns. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Wear A Face Covering. It's The Law!
As we celebrate these final days of Summer this weekend, we must continue to remain vigilant in the fight to combat the COVID-19 virus and its multiple variants. During your holiday weekend outings throughout the County, please remember the County's indoor public mask mandate, effective Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 5:00 PM.  The mandate applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

At this time, all residents and visitors over the age of five will be required to wear masks in all indoor
public venues and businesses in Prince George’s County, even if they are fully vaccinated. This includes, but is not limited to restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues, conference centers, and office settings. Similar to previous mask mandates, some exceptions apply, such as when an individual is actively eating or drinking or individuals who have a bona fide disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.

The Health Department wants to remind residents that everyone over the age of five is required to wear face masks over their nose and mouth in all indoor public establishments in Prince George’s County, regardless of their vaccination status. Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the more contagious Delta variant, which is still spreading at a high rate nationwide, especially among the unvaccinated.

This pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, so it’s even more important to keep yourselves and your communities informed about COVID-19 and the latest updates by visiting the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard, designed to providing the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public. The
Prince George's Health Department is working closely with state and federal partners and is committed
to keeping all residents, employees, and visitors to Prince George’s County safe and healthy. Additional guidance can be found on the County's official Coronavirus web portal including fact sheets and various infographics to assist in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.  For your convenience, please refer to the COVID-19 Resources section of the Weekend Reader.

Be Safe. Be Well. Be Informed.

Residents Encouraged to Participate in
Virtual Joint Public Hearings on the Countywide Sectional Map Amendment (September, 2021)

The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council and Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will hold virtual joint public hearings on September 13 and 14 at 5:00 p.m. to solicit comments from the public on the Countywide Sectional Map Amendment (CMA).

The Countywide Sectional Map Amendment (CMA) is the second phase of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project that will apply new zoning regulations to properties in the County.

Service. Community. Progress. :
Legislative Branch Special Edition Annual Report

Beginning with the 2019 Federal shutdown to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have some unprecedented circumstances for all of us; none of which any of us have experienced in our lifetime. Through it all the Prince George's County Council has remained steadfast in its authority on legislative and business matters, zoning and land use matters in its role as the District Council and health policy matters as the Board of Health.  

Immediate Past Chair Todd M. Turner and the Prince George's County Council announce the Special Edition 2019/2020 Legislative Annual Report, "Service. Community. Progress. This two year edition provides narrative of the Council's focus through adverse times, while focusing on such issues including the Alternative Construction Financing and Maryland's Blueprint for the Future, the County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, economic development and job growth, social justice issues and the annual budget process. To view the interactive publication, click the embedded link or click the Annual Report graphic to the left. To review previous Annual Reports, please visit the Legislative Annual Reports page at PGCCouncil.us.

The Office of Prince George’s County
Executive Angela Alsobrooks launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, which provides transparent updates on our County’s vaccine distribution process and includes the latest numbers on vaccine supply and the pre-registration list.

Vaccine Supply & Administration

• The County Health Department has provided over 169,000 vaccinations, including more than 1,200 during the last two weeks. We provided over 4,100 vaccinations during the month of August.
• Our mobile units provided over 2,000 vaccinations in August in the community.
• During the last two weeks, 601 first doses, 550 second doses, and 110 third doses were provided by our County Health Department.
• When including all vaccination clinics in Prince George’s County, we saw a slight decrease in first or single doses over the last two weeks (August 22 – September 2) with 9,985 residents, compared to approximately 14,898 residents in the prior two weeks.

Progress Towards Vaccination Goals

• Over 959,000 vaccines have been provided to County residents. 523,104 County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine.
• As of September 1, the CDC has reported 77.8% of adults 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County.
• When including all residents ages 12 and older, 77.1% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC.
• Over 90% of seniors (ages 65 and older) in the County have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Finally, over 70% of eligible Latino residents (12 and older) in the County have been vaccinated.
  
  

Stay updated with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine using the following tools:

The COVID-19 Data Dashboard: Stay informed of the progress the County is making with vaccine distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Latest Updates: The latest updates will be posted at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Communications Toolkit: Help us spread the word about COVID-19 vaccines to family and friends so
we can ensure every Prince Georgian is #ProudToBeProtected.

Mobile Clinic Calendar
Find a day and time to get vaccinated that best suits your schedule by checking Prince George’s County’s calendar of pop-up vaccine clinics. Each clinic listed on the calendar is either a one-day mobile vaccination clinic or a clinic that will be in a location for a few days or more in the County. The clinics are operated by the County Health Department, the State of Maryland or a trusted community partner.

To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin in its entirety, click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin graphic above or visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/TCiN30rAu6m.

Food Resources

Stand Up & Deliver

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of our County’s public school children received free and reduced lunch. Since this pandemic began, more than 90,000 residents have been laid off from work.

This has further compounded challenges and increased the limitations for many families to provide meals daily.  Additionally, our first responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.

Additionally, our responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.

With numerous goodwill inquiries, calls, and emails from the community-at-large to lend a helping hand and safely assist where needed, the “Stand Up & Deliver” program was been established.  It is an innovative and targeted solution to build capacity for community-based organizations and small businesses to address the food insecurity and basic needs of our fellow Prince Georgians.

Through the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, Prince George’s County will distribute groceries and meals to go today, Saturday, September 4, at multiple locations and times throughout the County (see below).

• 10:00am: Ebenezer Church of God (7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784)
• 11:30am: United Baptist Church (7701 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784)

To view details for this week's events, please click on the event flyers above. Be sure to follow Council District 6 on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for weekly updates on distribution dates, times and locations.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Can't Pay Rent Because of COVID-19?

As a reminder to residents, the County still has funds available for under its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The Prince George's County's 2021 Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible household who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities.

The County has spent more than $24 million to provide emergency rental assistance to more than 3,400 households, and we still have millions of dollars remaining to assist those in need.


We encourage landlords and tenants to work together and take advantage of this opportunity. Visit hcd.mypgc.us for more information and to apply. For eligibility requirements and assistance completing and submitting the ERAP application, please visit hcd.mypgc.us and click "Emergency Rental Assistance Program". You will also find a list of non-profit partners that will assist, free of charge. Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available.

APPLY TODAY: Employ Prince George's 
COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Program

Over 100,000 Prince George's County Residents, specifically hourly and low-wage workers, have been laid off due to COVID-19. Employ Prince George's has established the Employ Prince George's COVID-19 Workforce Development Recovery Program. This program will offer:

• Career Planning Services;
• Free Skills Training, and;
• Job Placement Assistance.

Scholarship Program for Linnel Driving School
& Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc.

The Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc. (CPSTS) believes each high school student should be afforded the opportunity to obtain a credential vital for gainful employment. Therefore, CPSTS is sponsoring a FREE Scholarship Program for students who meet certain eligibility responsibilities.

CPSTS understands that a State of Maryland Driver's License can position a student to meet the hiring standards of many private and public job opportunities; therefore, CPSTS is proud to announce the following scholarship programs:

• The full tuition of $375.00 for each student who attends a Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) High School or participates in a Maryland Multicultural Youth Center (MMYC) program will be paid in full by The Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc.
• The scholarship is available to students who are members of the Junior or Senior class or MMYC students ages 16 to 18 years old. Although this is a free scholarship, registration is required. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that he/she is registered in order to participate in this scholarship program.
• Training classes will be held for ten (10) Sundays, beginning on Sunday, October 3, 2021, and ending on Sunday, December 12 , 2021. DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ALL CLASSES WILL BE ONLINE.

"The driver's license or affiliation with CPSTS does not guarantee employment by Prince George's County; however, it may assist with meeting the hiring standards of private and public job hiring qualifications."

PLEASE NOTE:

• Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) is not sponsoring, endorsing, or recommending the activities announced in this flyer/material.
• Neither PGCPS issued Chrome-Books or Email addresses may be used to apply.
  
  

ALERT: Reopening of County
Government Buildings
(effective August 30, 2021)

Residents,

Effective Monday, August 30, 2021, County Government buildings reopened to the general public after months of planning for safe reopening and access to both citizens and employees. 

Please note that most County Government agencies will resume normal operations, encouraging residents to make appointments while also accepting walk-ins. Some agencies will require residents to make an appointment to receive in-person services. Residents are encouraged to review an agency’s website to verify if an appointment is needed prior to visiting, and for instructions on how appointments can be scheduled.

As a reminder, the current indoor public mask mandate applies to County Government buildings, meaning all employees and visitors must wear a mask regardless of your vaccination status.

To view a larger version of this flier, click the graphic to the right.

Register for COVID-19 Town Hall:
The Delta Variant: Impact on Communities & Children (September 15, 2021)

Residents are encouraged to attend COVID-19 Town Hall: The Delta Variant: Impact on Communities & Children.

Hosted by Prince George's County Chair Calvin Hawkins and subject-matter experts from the University of Maryland Capital Region Health for an interactive and educational discussion with an opportunity to ask questions of medical experts.

To register, please visit https://bit.ly/2UoxNcm. To review a listing of featured panelists, please click on the graphic/flyer to the left of the screen.

Vaccination is still the best protection.

As the County tackles the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and increasing the number of vaccinations distributed, we are presented with the probability of tackling the Delta Variant's presence in our community.  

What is Known About the Delta Variant?

Delta is more contagious;

Delta is now the dominant COVID strain in the U.S., meaning that people who get COVID-19 may spread
it more easily to others.

Real-world data show all of the vaccines FDA approved for emergency use in the U.S. provide strong protection against getting very sick or dying from the Delta variant. We must continue to do our part into keeping our communities safe; look for one another; family members, neighbors, friends, especially our seniors, and those with comprised immune systems and respiratory illnesses. If you have not been vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible to protect yourself, your family and friends. Find a vaccine site near you at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine. 

3^rd Doses for Immunocompromised Individuals

Beginning Friday, August 20, the County Health Department began to administer third doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to immunocompromised residents (those with weakened immune systems) at the Sports & Learning Complex.

At this time, the CDC and FDA have not authorized additional Pfizer or Moderna doses for the general population, or for anyone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Eligible immunocompromised residents seeking a third dose do not need to receive it through the County Health Department.

Click on the flyer to the left to review additional details on eligibility and timeframe in which to receive the 3rd dose. To find the nearest vaccine site, visit: mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

REMINDER: Appointments Available
for Back-to-School Immunizations

The Prince George's Health Department’s back-to-school immunizations clinics continue through the end of August and into September. Routine childhood immunizations are available from the Health Department at the Cheverly Health Center and at its four school-based wellness centers. The clinics are open to all County residents and will also offer COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible students and their eligible family members. 

Maryland law requires students stay updated on their childhood immunizations schedule to attend school. Maryland’s back-to-school immunization requirements are available from the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Immunization.

For clinic schedules and to make an appointment, please visit health.mypgc.us/immunizations.

Click on the flyer to the left to review additional details on

Vaccination Sites

#DidYouKnow that appointments are no longer necessary at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the County Health Department? Individuals who live or work in the County can walk up to County Health Department vaccination clinics with no appointment needed. However, should residents wish to book an appointment in advance, they can visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

While the County Health Department currently operates four vaccination clinics in the County, in addition to three mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Who Is Eligible?

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine? All Marylanders over 12 years of age! Getting the vaccine protects you, your loved ones, and your community.


For County Regulated Sites:

Appointments are no longer necessary at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the County Health Department. Individuals who live or work in the County can walk up to County Health Department vaccination clinics with no appointment needed, or book an appointment in advance online at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Prince George’s County Health Department

• Locations: The Sports & Learning Complex and Mobile Vaccination Units.
• Appointments: Individuals who live or work in Prince George’s County should visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine to view clinic hours or schedule an appointment directly. Individuals who cannot schedule an appointment online on their own should call 311 and press # for assistance.

For State Regulated Sites:

While the County Health Department currently operates three vaccination clinics in the County, in addition to three mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Additional Non-County Operated Sites 

• Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare partners.

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or
distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

Maryland Youth Ages 12-17
Encourage to Register for
Maryland's Vaccination Scholarship Promotion

The creation of the 41 Million Dollar VaxU Scholarship Promotion was designed to help raise awareness and increase the number of Marylanders vaccinated for COVID-19.

Consisting of nine statewide drawings and offers vaccinated residents ages 12-17 a chance to win one of twenty scholarship prizes. Winners will receive a scholarship in the form of a Prepaid College Trust or College Investment Plan from Maryland 529 to cover the tuition and fees for a public four-year college or university.

Individuals ages 12-17 who provided a Maryland address at the time of vaccination and have received the COVID-19 vaccine in Maryland not at a Federal facility are automatically entered into the promotion.

Individuals are entered once and, unless they win, remain part of the VaxU Scholarship Promotion for each drawing.

Between July 12, 2021 and September 5, 2021 two winners will be selected each Monday. On September 6, 2021, four winners will be selected.

For more information, please visit the official VaxU Scholarship Promotion web portal.