LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM WAIT TIMES IS INTRODUCED
  Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay introduced legislation during session on Tuesday, September 26 establishing a Task Force to address Emergency Room Wait Times. The measure (CR–082-2023), charges the proposed 11-member task force with evaluating best practices and making recommendations for reducing emergency department wait times in the County. As Chair of the Council’s Board of Health and considering resident complaints about excessively long wait times, Vice Chair Blegay convened a July briefing to discuss the matter with hospital executives. The discussion spurred Blegay to establish the task force to identify root causes and recommend effective solutions.
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TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE ADVANCES PACKAGE OF WALKABLE URBAN STREETS BILLS |
 District 3 Council Member Eric Olson, who chairs the Council’s Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE), is the lead sponsor on a trilogy of legislative measures aimed at improving safety and walkability on more urbanized County roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, by addressing their construction and design. On Thursday, with unanimous TIEE committee approval, CR-67, CR-68, and CB-69, as amended, were all moved forward for a full Council vote.
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ADDRESSES TRUANCY AND RECEIVES EMPLOY PRINCE GEORGE’S UPDATES |
 District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, upon learning that many repeat juvenile offenders in the County are also chronically absent from school, presented CR-74-2023, legislation establishing a Truancy Study Workgroup to examine the correlation and identify goals and strategies for reducing overall delinquency across the County. On Tuesday, September 26th, the Council’s Education and Workforce Development Committee (EWD) reviewed the measure, which was favorably approved for Council consideration. EWD also received an Employ Prince George’s Briefing which included a presentation from President and CEO Walter Simmons and other principals focusing on several key areas, including the Virtual Career Center, American Job Center Community Network Job and Resource Lab Municipality Partnerships, and updates on the Blueprint for Maryland Career Advising and the Prince George’s County Apprenticeship Innovation Program.
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PLANNING HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ADDRESSES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT APARTMENTS AND SENIOR HOUSING RESIDENCES |
 The Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) also convened Tuesday and reviewed legislation proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq. (District 6) requiring security surveillance at high occupancy dwellings and security guards at age-restricted senior housing residences. It was favorably considered with amendments. PHED also addressed zoning measures, including one concerning cannabis dispensaries, which was the subject of robust dialogue and public comment and held for further discussion.
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE ADVANCES CANNABIS REINVESTMENT AND RESTORATION COMMISSION AND GROCERY STORE TAX CREDIT
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 The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee (GOFP) convened on Thursday, September 28 to review several pieces of legislation, and voted to advance an Act concerning the Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Commission; an Act concerning Grocery Store Tax Credits; and an Act concerning Revision of the Fair Election Fund. The committee had large public participation for the hearing on legislation regarding the Police Department Towing Contract. That bill was held for further consideration of amendments.
COUNCIL HOSTS MEET AND GREET EVENTS
 On Tuesday, September 19, the Council met with the County Executive’s new Latino Affairs Liaison, Samantha Howard. Noting the County’s rich diversity, she shared her plans to host listening sessions across the County to address community needs and concerns. Born in Puerto Rico and a resident of the County since childhood, she also discussed plans to advocate for the community. “Part of what I hope to bring to this position is to empower the community to see my face and my story and say, ‘She is going welcome me in and be someone I can reach out to,’” said Howard.
 On Monday, September 25, the Council welcomed the President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, as well as MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a Meet & Greet. The discussion focused on learning more about how Maryland counties can work together and play a role in determining future state policy and budgetary implications. MACo is the non-partisan voice of all 24 Maryland counties promoting effective, efficient government through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
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