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 It is a New Day. We are charting in a new course, a new direction, toward a Council evermore committed to service to the People - The People's Council. We pledge to a new day where transparency and accountability are the watchwords that guide our Council and our commitment to the People’s Agenda.
The PEOPLE’S AGENDA is bringing the Council to the people and committed to the following focus areas:
- Ensure Transparency in Our Government
- Increase Services for Our Residents
- Preserve our Green Space and Protect Our Environment
- Support Smart and Quality Development for Our Community
- Support Our Working Families
- Increase Opportunities for Our Local Minority Businesses and Nonprofits
- Bring Access to Quality Healthcare to Our Communities
In the words of one of the greatest authors of our time, Dr. Maya Angelou, "Nothing will work unless you do." And nothing will work unless we do.
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COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY PASSES LEGISLATION REQUIRING GAS STATIONS TO DISPLAY CREDIT CARD PRICES
Paying at the pump with a credit card is convenient, but are you paying more? During session on Wednesday, September 6th, the Council voted unanimously to enact CB-044-2023, legislation requiring gas stations to display credit card prices. Under the measure, convenience stores and gas stations will maintain an unobstructed line of sight allowing a clear view of prominently displayed credit card prices.
District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs, III, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill is about protecting consumers. “We have so many seniors and individuals who go to the pump every single day thinking that they are going to pay one price, but because they primarily use a credit card or debit card, they are forced to pay a higher price. We even have situations where gas companies will post the price of gas based on whether you receive a car wash or not, so you believe you are paying a certain amount when you are really paying several dollars more,” said Burroughs, adding, “The goal of this bill is to increase transparency.”
READ MORE ABOUT CB-044-2023
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COUNCIL WORKGROUP TO STUDY TRUANCY WITH FOCUS ON CAUSES, EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS
 Truancy, which refers to habitual, unexcused absence from school, has negative impacts on students, schools and communities. District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, who serves as Vice Chair of the Council’s Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Committee, has learned that many repeat juvenile offenders in the County are also chronically absent from school. To address the issue of truancy and its impacts, Council Member Oriadha presented CR-074-2023, establishing a Truancy Study Workgroup to study the correlation and identify goals and strategies for reducing overall delinquency across the County. This resolution will be considered in the Council’s EWD committee.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE APPROVES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGING
Prince George’s County is home to a growing, thriving senior population and the Advisory Committee on Aging plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of older Prince Georgians and their families. Committee members, comprised of citizen leaders representing the public and private community, bridge the gap between seniors and the decision makers responsible for shaping the policies and programs impacting their lives. On Thursday, September 7th, the Council’s Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee (HHSPS), approved the County Executive’s appointments to the Advisory Committee on Aging. HHSPS also held a briefing from Training Grounds, INC. on the programs and initiatives they provide to Prince George’s County youth and those in need. The briefing was led by Training Grounds, INC. Founder and Executive Director, Tom Brown.
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COUNCIL VICE CHAIR WALA BLEGAY AND COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD BURROUGHS EMBARK ON TRADE MISSION TO KENYA
 During the August Recess, Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq., and Council Member Edward Burroughs, III, traveling alongside the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation on a trade mission to Kenya, met with high-ranking leaders, including U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman. The Biden Administration recently launched the U.S.- Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, making it a great time to invest and collaborate! Council Vice Chair Blegay and Council Member Burroughs were among those working to position local companies for joint ventures and partnerships with Kenyan businesses. The Council is also exploring new ways to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with Kenya, including a sister city program and collaborations in education.
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 COUNCIL MEMBERS WELCOME STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL!
 Council Members joined with the community to host exciting Back-to-School events across Prince George’s County welcoming school students and their families, teachers, administrators and staff as they begin the new school year!
Council Member Jolene Ivey had a blast at her first-ever Back to School Food Truck Fest! It was a wonderful time for the community to come together and celebrate the first week back to school. She enjoyed sharing her love of food trucks with her neighbors as they welcomed kids to their classrooms!
 Council Member Edward Burroughs, III, hosted a Back-to-School event in partnership with Amazon, providing District 8 scholars with 150 tablets, book bags and school supplies, and treating students to a Chick-fil-A lunch!
VIEW SCENES FROM A FEW OF THE OTHER COUNCIL BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS
COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIR TOM DERNOGA ADDRESSES 9/11 ANNIVERSARY
 The Prince George’s County Council, on this solemn 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against our nation, joins with fellow Americans to remember the innocent lives we lost.
Nearly 3,000 Americans, including hundreds of first responders, perished in horrific acts of terror on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In the greatest loss of life among jurisdictions in our region, 24 beloved Prince Georgians were killed in the attack on the Pentagon. They were residents of Forestville, Temple Hills, Springdale, Camp Springs, Upper Marlboro, University Park, Clinton, Fort Washington, Lanham, Capitol Heights, Landover, Oxon Hill, Forest Heights, and New Carrollton.
Their contributions to our community are beyond measure and will be deeply felt for generations to come. In remembrance, we encourage residents to visit Prince George’s 9/11 Memorial Park, located near the entrance of the Bladensburg Waterfront and Peace Cross.
We remain committed to serving and strengthening the resolve of our communities. We will never forget.
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