Council Connections

RENT STABILIZATION BILL ADVANCES WITH AMENDMENTS

The Council, sitting as Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, June 18^th, unanimously advanced a bill that would establish permanent protections for renters in the County. CB-55-2024 would cap yearly rent increases for buildings constructed prior to the year 2000 at 6% or the regional inflation rate plus 3%, whichever is lower. The bill was amended to cap rent increases at age-restricted and senior housing centers at a maximum of 4.5% and to prohibit landlords from imposing new fees for services and amenities in the midst of a lease. The measure was later introduced before the full Council and will move on to a final vote.

COUNCIL ADOPTS BILL THAT REQUIRES FIREARM SAFETY PAMPHLETS

Also on June 18th, Council adopted CB-10-2024 which would require County gun shops and shooting ranges to provide gun safety and suicide prevention pamphlets. The bill is named after Grant Colefield, a 21-year-old who died by suicide at a gun range in 2019. His family spoke in favor of the bill, saying they believe it may have saved his life. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Krystal Oriadha, passed unanimously.

COUNCIL CONFIRMS NEW APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES

The Board of Library Trustees for Prince George’s County is a policy-making body that guides the development of library services and impacts all areas of library operations. It is composed of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the County Executive. At the June 18^th Council Meeting, Council approved the County Executive’s nomination of Ms. Sandra S. Johnson, Ms. Rhea L. Marshall, Mr. Mark Sandoe, and Ms. Chante Sedwick

June 26 - County Council - 7:30 PM - Special Meeting

June 26 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM - DETAILS

June 28 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 3:00 PM - DETAILS

June 26 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

June 27 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

June 27 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

June 28 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 2:00 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

COUNCIL CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth is a day of reflection and celebration of freedom based on the experience of enslaved Texans who learned of their emancipation on June 19th, 1865 –– more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Every year, we celebrate this historic moment, honor the resilience of the enslaved, and recommit ourselves to the fight for liberty and justice for all. Council Members commemorated Juneteenth at numerous municipal celebrations around the County last week, honoring the legacy and contributions of Black Americans to our country.

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) attended the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at Cottage City Town Hall and was joined by a number of other elected officials including Sen. Malcolm Augustine, Del. Diana Fennell, and Del. Julian Ivey. Chair Ivey also hosted a Juneteenth Seniors Luncheon in Hyattsville. Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) were both in attendance at the First Annual District Heights Juneteenth Freedom Walk & Festival. These events reflected and celebrated the duality of Juneteenth – a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, as well as a moment to reflect and commemorate the challenges that Black Americans were forced to overcome.

CHAIR JOLENE IVEY ATTENDS LEGENDS CHARTER SCHOOL 4^TH ANNUAL CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION

Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and her husband Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md) enjoyed their time at the Legends Charter School's 4th Annual Charter Day Celebration. It was impressive to see the major impact the school has had since the first class in 2020!

COUNCIL MEMBER WALA BLEGAY TOURS HOSPITAL WITH ER TASK FORCE

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) toured Luminis Hospital in Lanham along with members of her Emergency Room Wait Times Task Force. Council Member Blegay would like to extend thanks to the dedicated staff for their exceptional coordination and the comprehensive presentation provided. This visit marks the beginning of a countywide assessment aimed at addressing emergency room wait times. There will be additional visits to emergency rooms throughout the county to ensure a thorough evaluation and develop effective solutions to improve patient care.

COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS HOSTS DELTAS FOR PLANNING BREAKFAST

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) hosted the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building to discuss opportunities for collaboration and deepening the partnership between local government and community service organizations. The Deltas were joined by their sorors Council Member Wala Blegay and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, as well as other Council Members.

COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER ATTENDS NORTH BRENTWOOD'S 100^TH ANNUAL PARADE

Council Member Wanika Fisher and her District 2 team spent a wonderful Saturday morning at North Brentwood Centennial Parade and celebration. Thank you Mayor Patrella Robinson for all the great work you do in the Town of North Brentwood!

COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA HOSTS SCREENING OF "MOONLIGHT" FOR PRIDE MONTH

Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 6) hosted a feature presentation of "Moonlight," with the goal of providing a safe space for PRIDE Month. Special thanks to Judge Me Now Literacy, STEAM, & Life Resources, Inc. for providing concessions and Prince George's County Memorial Library System for hosting the screening!