Prince George's County Council Adopts $5 Billion FY 2023 County Budget
 Greetings District 8 Neighbors,
I am excited to share with you that on June 1, 2022, the Prince George's County Council unanimously adopted a balanced $5 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The 2023 Fiscal year begins July 1, 2022. To read more about the budget adoption, Click Here
District 8 hosted Devyn Wong in our office and Council Member Burroughs invited her to sit in on the Budget Adoption. Devyn graduated from Holton Arms School and will be attending Emory University this fall with a concentration in Public Policy Administration. We know Devyn will do well and we are looking forward to hosting her again.
After knocking on doors around the district, I have heard your voices and continue to listen to your concerns. Many seniors have expressed their anxiety about being on fixed income and having to pay the exorbitant Prince George's County property tax bill on top of other increasing costs such as food, prescription drugs, gasoline, and other necessities. I know this is making it even harder for our seniors to age in place comfortably.
On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, I presented CB-029-022 "AN ACT CONCERNING A PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FOR ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS" to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy GOFP Committee, and it was unanimously passed. After the conclusion of a two-week public notice period, a public hearing will be held. Shortly thereafter, the legislation will come before the County Council for the third reader, and if passed, the senior tax credit will take effect for the 2023 fiscal year.
Should CB-029-022 pass, eligible homeowners would receive a twenty percent tax credit (the most under state law, for a maximum of five (5) years. The eligibility criteria for the tax credit are as follows:
- Be a county homeowner over the age of 65
- Live in the same home for ten (10) years or more
- Have a maximum home value of $500,000 (maximum value that shall increase annually on July 1 by the lesser of (i) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding calendar year or (ii) three percent (3%)
To view the NBC News story on the bill Click Here
I want to thank the co-sponsors of the bill, my colleagues: Chair Calvin Hawkins, Council Member Tom Dernoga, Council Member At Large Mel Franklin, Council Member Jolene Ivey, Council Member Rodney Streeter and Council Member Deni Taveras.
************
If you are interested in testifying during a County Council meeting regarding this or other bills, please click here to signup for our Legislative Advocacy team.
Also, if you would like to see the calendar of upcoming County Council Meetings, click on this link: County Council Meeting Calendar.
In service,
Edward Burroughs III
Prince George's County Council, District 8
REGISTER TO VOTE
Visit Board of Elections page for more information, Click Here
CONGRATULATIONS to the
2022 GRADUATES!
 I am so proud of the Class of 2022 graduates! You all have displayed tremendous perseverance and fortitude for this accomplishment during a particularly challenging time. I still recall the feeling I had when I graduated from Crossland High School. I was excited but also anxious as I thought of what the next chapter of my life would hold. Stay focused and open to learning more about life and yourself outside of the classroom. Embrace your positive support system and know that you can and will make positive differences in the lives of others and the world, in whatever career you choose.
Congratulations to the District 8 graduates - Crossland, Friendly, Oxon Hill, and Potomac High Schools and to the elementary school, middle school, and college graduates. Best wishes for your future!
COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD BURROUGHS, COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVARES AND COUNCIL MEMBER JOHNATHAN MEDLOCK HELD A JOINT LISTENING SESSION ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY
Council Member Edward Burroughs III (District 8), Council Member Deni Taveras (District 2), and Council Member Johnathan Medlock (District 6) teamed to host a Joint Listening Session on the proposed Police Accountability legislation before the County Council on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex. Community members came from across the county to participate in a review of the police reform measures proposed and submitted by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to the County Council, as required by State law passed in 2021, for a greater understanding of the bill.
UPDATE: The County Council had a public hearing on the Police Accountability Bill on May 31, 2022. The Council agreed to review the suggested modifications the public provided in their meeting on Monday, June 6, 2022. The Police Accountability Bill is to be implemented by July 1, 2022. Review the bill Click Here
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR ENERGY BILLS?
PEPCO - Reminds Customers “We’re Here To Help” As Millions of Dollars Remains Available to Support Customers Who May Be Struggling
Over 31,000 Pepco customers received $58 million in assistance in 2021 alone.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2022) — Pepco is reminding customers of the millions of dollars that remains available to assist those who may be challenged with paying their energy bills. In addition to the extended payment arrangements and assistance Pepco provides customers, the company supports customers in identifying federal, local and other funding that may be available to help customers meet their energy needs.
Pepco works hard to keep every customer connected by offering payment arrangements and helping customers secure grants and other support from many available energy assistance programs. In 2021 alone, Pepco helped 31,030 customers secure $57.9 million in energy assistance, funding that helps pay customer energy bills and money that customers do not need to pay back.
“Our customers need to know that we are here to help them through difficult times,” said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings. “We will help every customer understand their energy usage and their bill, and we will connect them with the support they may need to help make ends meet.”
Pepco Customer Care will work with customers having difficulty paying their energy bill by helping enroll customers into available payment options, including:
- Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
- Extending payment periods for balances
- Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
Millions of dollars in energy assistance remains available for customers. Pepco works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Maryland customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 1.800.332.6347.
Other energy assistance for Maryland residents includes:
- Eligible Maryland customers can receive assistance through the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), which helps customers pay for a portion of their current electric bill. The Arrearage Retirement Assistance(ARA) program helps customers with large, past due electric bills. If eligible, customers may receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 toward their past due bill. The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to help limited income families during the heating season. Information regarding these programs can be found on the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs website or by calling 1-800-332-6347.
- Maryland's Emergency Rental Assistance Program also has funding available to help renters pay their utility bills. Renters can call 877-546-5595.
Customers can contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 to discuss payment arrangements or visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance to learn more about energy assistance options.
In addition to payment arrangements and energy assistance support, Pepco has many programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including
Budget Billing which averages payments over a 12-month period. The company also offers energy efficiency programs and energy saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. Information regarding these programs can be found at pepco.com/WaysToSave
Find additional information by visiting pepco.com
Pepco's mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.
District 8 Community Days
District 8 In the Community
Council Member Burroughs and the District 8 Team have been across the District and in communities meeting and visiting business owners, houses of faith, educators and students in our schools.
We were also honored to be a part of the Centennial birthday celebration for our District 8 resident, Mrs. Jessie DeFlorimonte, presenting her a Proclamation for her 100th birthday and attending her virtual birthday gathering hosted by her family.
Mrs. DeFlorimonte's family shared that she had been diagnosed with vascular dementia last year and how important it is for loved ones and caregivers to keep three things present: love, patience, and humor. Mrs. DeFlorimonte's family shared how much they appreciate her love and that she still makes them laugh. After a discussion of her having a centennial birthday, she told them to be sure to drop $100 bills in the gifts, or at least 100 coins. We are grateful to the family for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful and special occasion and wish Mrs. DeFlorimonte more blessed days ahead.
 Council Member Edward Burroughs III with Pastor Lincoln M. Burruss and First Lady Burruss at Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs.
 Council Member Burroughs with Principal Brandi Stinson, Flintstone Elementary School in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
 Council Member Edward Burroughs, Chief of Staff Brandon Cooper at Broad Creek Historic Meeting.
Council Member Edward Burroughs engaging with Student Member of the Board (SMOB) leaders at Charles Herbert Flowers High School.
 Council Member Edward Burroughs with Pastor Kempton Thompson, City of Joy Church in Camp Springs, Maryland.
 Proclamation presented to National Spine & Pain Center
Join Us As a District 8 Cares Volunteer!
To View the Bi-County FY2023 Budget Meeting Click Here
Take Out Tuesday's - National Harbor
.
Looking for a new place to dine and support local businesses, "Take Out Tuesday's provides great content and introductions to the owners of these establishments. You may already be familiar with one of these eateries and can learn more about the cuisine and/or the owner. Enjoy and Support our local businesses!
National Harbor choices
Visit Bond 45, The Brass Tap, The Irish Whisper, and Brother Jimmy's BBQ National Harbor
Warning - Don't watch while hungry!
|
Urban Tree Canopy
|
