Council Connections

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNIZED DURING PROCLAMATION CEREMONY

Prince George’s County Public School students are high achievers on and off the playing field, and during Council session on Tuesday, February 20^th the County Council welcomed some of the best and brightest to the Council Hearing Room for a Proclamation Ceremony to recognize their achievements.

The Thomas Pullen Jr. High School Basketball Team received a Council Proclamation recognizing their 2023/2024 Middle School Girls Basketball Championship win, along with Head Coach and Athletics Director Jonathan Spinks for “Exceptional Achievements and Coaching Service.”

Kettering Middle School 6th Grade Honors Academy received a Council Proclamation recognizing them as “State Finalists in the 14th Annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Stem Competition.”  

Council Members presented a Proclamation to the Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School Football Team recognizing their 6th State Championship win.

COUNCIL ADOPTS LEGISLATION PROCLAIMING ‘MEATOUT DAY’ IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

The County Council, during session on Tuesday, February 20th, unanimously approved CR-008-2024, proclaiming March 20th as “MeatOut Day” in Prince George’s County.  The measure notes the benefits of a plant-based diet and encourages residents to reduce meat consumption and consider the diverse plant-based alternatives.  Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) says MeatOut Day is an opportunity to explore the wide-range of plant-based options. “We know vegetarian and vegan lifestyles aren’t for everyone,” said Council Chair Jolene Ivey. “This initiative is about encouraging people to eat less meat when possible and think about the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. Eliminating meat, even if it’s for one day, can make a difference.” Council Members also approved the Chair’s signature for Proposed Correspondence to Prince George’s County Senate Delegation Chair Michael Jackson, and Prince George’s County House Delegation Chair Nicole Williams, transmitting the Council’s position on proposed State legislation and State Legislative Priorities for the 2024 General Assembly Session. Prior to adjournment Council Members received a Budget Process Briefing from County Auditor Turkessa Green during Tuesday’s session.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEWS STATE AND LOCAL MEASURES Reviewing state and local bills with potential policy or fiscal impacts on Prince George’s County was the focus of the Council’s General Assembly Committee meeting Tuesday, February 20th. Among the statewide bills receiving committee support include HB 1142 Montgomery County and Prince George’s County – Enforcement of Local Vacant Property Laws; HB 06 Public Safety - Law Enforcement – Quotas; and HB 696/SB 579 Breakfast and Lunch Programs Universal Expansion. For a complete list of measures reviewed during General Assembly, Click HERE.

TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECEIVE RESIDENTIAL SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM UPDATE

The Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee (TIEE) convened on Thursday, February 22^nd to review CB-005-2024 proposed legislation allowing the Revenue Authority and the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement to enforce parking laws regarding the stopping, standing, or parking of commercial vehicles on private property. Following a robust discussion, the measure was held for further review and discussion. Committee members also received a briefing on the Residential Speed Camera Program.

MATERNAL HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE CARE BILLS HELD IN COMMITTEE Maternal health and reproductive care are crucial for safeguarding the well-being of women and promoting the health and development of future generations. During the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee (GOFP) on Thursday, February 22nd, members addressed measures focusing on these critical issues. CB-003-2024 requiring lactation rooms in county buildings, and CB-004-2024 parental leave allowing for government employees to take leave after three months of employment instead of one year were reviewed. Both measures, sponsored by new mother and District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, were held for further discussion. CB-001-2024, legislation adding African American Business Enterprises to the Prince George’s County Business Expansion and Start-Up Grant Program as well as the Start-Up Loan Program was also held for continued discussion.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR COMMUTER BUS RIDERS

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)  has proposed reductions to  its commuter bus service.  Most of the impacted bus routes are outside of Prince George’s County, but a few may impact commuter bus riders in the County.   MTA is holding five public hearings – three virtual and two in-person) on the proposed changes between March 18^th  and 27^th.  Public comments will be accepted through April 29, 2024.  To learn more about the proposal or how to participate in the public hearings,  please visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024

COUNCIL MEMBER INGRID WATSON HOSTS REUSABLE BAG GIVEAWAY

District 4 Council Member Ingrid Watson gave away close to 1,000 reusable bags in Bowie on Friday to promote sustainability and reduce waste. The Council’s ‘Better Bag Bill,’ which went into effect Jan. 1, incentivizes the use of reusable bags by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and requiring retailers to charge at least 10 cents per bag. “Our retail stores no longer provide plastic bags, and there are residents who may need help adjusting to this new normal,” said Council Member Watson. “I want to make the transition to reusable bags easier by providing a sustainable alternative.” Council Member Watson has two more bag giveaways planned for Friday, March 1 at the City of Greenbelt Municipal Building, 25 Crescent Road, and Friday, March 8 at the Glenn Dale Community Center, 11901 Glenn Dale Boulevard. Both events are scheduled from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher hosted a Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 17 at the North Brentwood Community Center. She was joined by North Brentwood Mayor Petrella Robinson to celebrate 100 years of the town’s rich history that began in 1924 when North Brentwood became the first African American incorporated municipality in Prince George's County. Other public officials in attendance included Sen. Malcolm Augustine, Del. Diana Fennell and three County judges. The crowd was treated to a delicious meal as well as performances by poet Lorraine Konde, Prince George's County Youth Poet Laureate Saniya Pearson, actress Cortenia Smith, and singer Daryl Grady.

CHAIR JOLENE IVEY COLLABORATES WITH GOOD INTENTIONS FOUNDATION FOR COAT DRIVE

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) joined the Good Intentions Foundation and Savers for a coat drive at Cora Rice Elementary in Landover. Over 300 coats were provided to those in need of extra warmth at the school! “It’s incredible what we can achieve when we come together,” said Chair Ivey. “I’m thankful for community partners like Good Intentions Foundation to support the needs of residents in our county.”

February 27 - General Assembly Committee - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

February 27 - County Council - 10:30 AM - (Agenda Briefing)

February 27 - County Council - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

February 27 - County Council - 2:00 PM - Black History Month Program

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page