Melony G. Griffith - Maryland State Senator District 25

District 25 Scholar Brooke Burton named to Maryland Youth Advisory Council! Congratulations!!! Thank you President Senator Bill Ferguson

to Councilmember, Brooke Burton. She is a first-year member from and a student at University of Maryland Eastern Shore .

She is appointed by the President of the Senate Senator Bill Ferguson

Thank you President Senator Bill Ferguson!

It is with a mix of pride and gratitude that I congratulate Senator Melony Griffith on her selection as the next President and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association. Over her nearly 30-year tenure in elected office, serving the people of Prince George’s County and all Marylanders, Senator Griffith has left an indelible impact on our State. Her dedication, expertise, and unparalleled work ethic have been instrumental in shaping Maryland’s landscape, most recently as the Maryland Senate's Chair of the Finance Committee.

The tenacity that Senator Griffith brought to her work serving her constituents makes her the perfect choice to lead the Maryland Hospital Association at this critical juncture. Healthcare is a vital issue that touches the lives of every Marylander, and I can think of no one better suited to improve the state of our hospitals, healthcare services, and ensure health equity than her.

While Senator Griffith’s day-to-day presence will be greatly missed in the Senate, I am thrilled this next chapter of her career remains in the public service of our State’s residents. On behalf of the entire Maryland State Senate, I wish Senator Melony Griffith the best in her new role.

Energy assistance guidelines change-FYI

The Office of Home Energy Programs has increased the income guidelines for two of their four grants. If you need help with your home energy bill, you may consider applying for assistance through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). OHEP offers four different grants, and you apply for all four of these grants on one application.

• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): MEAP income-guidelines have increased. MEAP is a home-heating grant that you can apply for every year. For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application. You do not need a turn-off notice to apply, and the bill does not have to be in the applicant’s name.
• Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA): GARA income-guidelines have increased. GARA is a grant of up to $2,000 to help pay down past-due natural gas charges. You must have a past-due bill of at least $300 and can only apply for this grant once every five years, though certain waivers to this rule apply. You must receive the MEAP grant, and the applicant’s name must be on the gas bill to qualify. You do not need a turn-off notice to be eligible.
• Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): EUSP is a grant to help pay for your electricity bill that you can apply for every year. For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application. You do not need a turn-off notice to apply, and the bill does not have to be in the applicant’s name.
• Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA): ARA is a grant of up to $2,000 to help pay down past-due electric bill charges. You must have a past-due bill of at least $300 and can only apply for this grant once every five years, though certain waivers to this rule apply. You must receive the EUSP grant, and the applicant’s name must be on the electric bill to qualify. You do not need a turn-off notice to be eligible.

If you want to learn more about how to apply for OHEP or about other resources to get caught up with your gas and electric bill, check out our website. www.opc.maryland.gov

Greetings business owners! Mark your calendars for this.

Tomorrow, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland will host a virtual Community Listening Session, a forum intended for community members to meaningfully engage and share with Caucus members as we listen to learn more from our constituents.

The deadline for community members to sign up to speak is 3 pm on Wednesday, October 4.

Event Registration Link: https://bit.ly/lbcmdregistration
Sign-Up Form to Speak: https://bit.ly/lbcmdlistens

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

MARYLAND PROCUREMENT TRAINING

As part of our continued effort to support State procurement, the MDPA offers training sessions specifically for the vendor and business community, focusing primarily on the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) platform and how to best utilize its full scope of features, tools, and functionality.
Here's a look at what's coming up in October...
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Introduction to eMMA for Vendors | Register for this session here!
Tuesday October 3, 2023 | 2pm - 2:55pm
This is an introductory training session for vendors who are currently conducting business with the State, and/or for vendors who are interested in conducting business with the State. This session introduces features of the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) and provide information to connect the business community to greater economic opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including basic functionality and establishing a vendor profile.
Maintaining Your Vendor Profile | Register for this session here!
Thursday October 12, 2023 | 2pm - 2:45pm
This training session for vendors provides a basic understanding of viewing and responding to solicitations using the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), particularly Invitation For Bid (IFB) responses and the necessary steps for responding to an amended solicitation.
Responding to Solicitations on eMMA | Register for this session here!
Monday October 16, 2023 | 2pm - 2:45pm
This training session for vendors provides a basic understanding of viewing and responding to solicitations using the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), particularly Invitation For Bid (IFB) responses and the necessary steps for responding to an amended solicitation.
Increasing Your Visibility on eMMA | Register for this session here!
Wednesday October 25, 2023 | 2pm - 3pm
This training session for vendors builds off the 'Introduction to eMMA' session and explores best practices for refining vendor profiles by way of detailing product and service commodity codes, as well as updating team and contact roles, accessing the bid holder's list, browsing public contracts, and searching for fellow vendors.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to register in order to attend? Yes, registration is required in order to attend training sessions on the days they're held. Registration is completed on a first come, first served basis with a maximum attendance of 1,000.
How can I ask questions during the training session? Training sessions are conducted in listen-only mode, however participants are encouraged to enter their questions in a designated question area of the webinar control panel, which is explained at the beginning of instruction. Following each session, attendees receive a follow-up email that includes a compiled Q&A, presentation slides, a link to the video recording, as well as any additional handouts (if applicable).
Will these sessions be offered again in the future? Absolutely! While we continue to update and improve content and offerings, most training sessions are offered on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule. If you can't make a certain training session, be sure to check out our website for updated schedules, or email us at [email protected] to inquire about upcoming dates for specific sessions.
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The Maryland Procurement Academy (MDPA) provides training and performance support resources for Maryland’s procurement professionals, as well as vendors seeking to do business with the State of Maryland.
We invite you to visit and bookmark our eMMA Training Web Channel, which houses fresh uploads of our most recent training webinars, as well as eMMA Flash Sessions, and other resourceful tutorial videos to help improve your experience with the State's eProcurement platform.
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Pin it, print it, keep it handy! Grab your copy of the training schedule:
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Regards,
Maryland Procurement Academy
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MDDGS/2023/09/29/file_attachments/2631594/October%20VILT%202023%20-%20Vendor.pdf
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PGAHC

Senate Finance spent time with the Maryland Aviation Administration. It was a valuable exchange that will inform the committee’s work.

Tomorrow is the big day! 🎉 We're just 1 day away from PGFF 2023. The excitement is palpable! See you at the festival!

*Important info re student financial aid

Stay tuned for the December launch date of the 2024–25 FAFSA® form!​

Get ready for a revamped FAFSA experience and a smoother application process.​

Learn more about updates to the FAFSA form: StudentAid.gov/decemberfafsa

On September 29, the Cedar Heights Community Center in Seat Pleasant, MD will be buzzing with opportunity as we host the 50+ Older Workers and Veterans Job Fair. This free and open to the public event is specifically designed to connect seasoned professionals and veterans with leading employers in our area.

Alongside networking and employment opportunities, we are offering complimentary general health and prostate cancer screenings on-site. This is part of our commitment to promoting not only career growth but also the health and well-being within Prince George’s County.

So, mark your calendars and make sure you don't miss out!

To register for the Job Fair, visit https://tinyurl.com/Sept29JobFair

Interested in the Free Prostate Cancer Screening? Sign up today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/EmployPG-FreePSA

Invest in your career and your health. We look forward to seeing you there.

MESSAGE FROM PEPCO REGARDING STORM:

A coastal storm, with sustained winds between 25 to 30 mph and potential gusts up to 60 mph, periods of heavy rainfall, potential significant storm surge, and localized and coastal flooding, is forecasted to impact the Pepco service area early Saturday morning through Sunday morning. The forecasted weather may down trees and tree limbs and cause damage to the local energy grid and result in power outages for customers. We are committed to providing our customers with safe and reliable energy service and preventing those power outages that can be prevented. We are closely following the weather conditions. Our employees and local contractors remain ready to respond to any issues that may occur.

What is Pepco doing?
We are closely monitoring a coastal storm which is expected to bring severe weather, including gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding, to the Pepco service area early Saturday morning through Sunday morning.
The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall may down trees and tree limbs and cause damage to equipment on the local energy grid, resulting in power outages for our customers.
We are prepared for this event and have enhanced our staffing plans to ensure necessary resources are available to respond for our customers.
In addition to internal line mechanics and other field workers, Pepco has local overhead line contractors and tree-trimming personnel available to assist in any restoration effort.
The company also will have additional customer care representatives available to handle customer emergency and outage calls.
Should Pepco need extra assistance, the company can call on shared resources from other nearby companies in the Exelon family.
When storms and extreme weather hit, Pepco is prepared and dedicated to restoring service for our customers safely and as quickly as possible. Pepco personnel will work around the clock until every customer is restored.
Every day throughout the year, Pepco has teams of employees, both in the field and back office, on call to respond quickly if needed to supplement the company’s 24x7 staffing.

What does Pepco want customers to know/do?
Just like we prepare for damage that may occur, we encourage our customers to prepare for any forecasted severe weather as well.
Customers who need power for critical medical equipment should be prepared to relocate to a facility with electricity in case there is a power outage.
Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
Charge cell phones and other mobile devices. Consider backup chargers.
Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
More tips available at pepco.com/storm.
If storm damage does occur:
Always stay away from any storm damaged electrical equipment, especially downed power lines and tree limbs that may come into contact with power lines.
Check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.

Pepco encourages customers to report outages and downed wires.
Safety is our top priority. We urge our customers to stay away from downed wires and other equipment and assume any downed wire or equipment is energized.
To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) or report and track through our mobile app or our website at pepco.com/storm.
Customers can text “Out” to 48710 to report their outage.
Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 48710 to sign up for this service.
Customers also can receive outage alerts by signing up online at
pepco.com/Alerts.
Customers also are encouraged to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect to get the latest information from the company.

Reporting Outages or Downed Wires; Requesting Call Backs
Customers’ reports are vital to Pepco’s restoration efforts. Pepco also recommends that, when reporting an outage, customers request an automated call when their power is restored.
Call backs allow Pepco to notify customers when work in their area is completed and they also help Pepco locate outages that may be specific to customers’ homes.

Pepco (@PepcoConnect) / X For 24/7 restoration updates or to report an outage, https://t.co/oltbUgZ7SZ, call 1-877-737-2662, or use our mobile app. Account not monitored 24 hours a day.

WSSC Water offering new payment plans

WSSC Water has partnered with Promise to offer payment plans. This new financial assistance program allows residential and commercial customers with a past-due balance of $50 or more to establish a payment plan. By establishing a payment plan for past-due water and sewer bills and staying current with the plan, customers will avoid late fees and possible water service turnoffs.

Learn more about the payment plans offered by WSSC. https://www.wsscwater.com/payplans

Maryland Department of Aging and Engage with® Partner to Enhance Service Delivery to Older Adults

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2023
Baltimore, MD - The Maryland Department of Aging today kicked off its new partnership with the Mental Health Association of Maryland’s Engage with® initiative to make Maryland’s workforce more age friendly. The Engage with® Skills Training Program will provide immersive skills and communications training to Maryland professionals who are crucial to the care and support of older adults in a variety of settings, from call centers that ensure access to crucial services to housing and home care providers supporting aging Marylanders in their homes.

“Maryland’s older population is a large, fast-growing segment of our population, and we want to make sure our workforce is prepared to effectively support them to age with health and dignity,” said Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques. “By focusing on respect, active listening, clear communication, and meaningful interactions, this program will improve access to high quality services for Marylanders as we age.”
Through this partnership, professionals from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies will receive free training on a variety of topics including core communications skills, responding to mental health issues, navigating dementia and traumatic brain injury, partnering in care, and more.
“We are excited to partner with this dynamic organization to offer free training to the boots-on-the-ground care providers who are committed to the future of older people in Maryland,” said Betty Romero, director of the department’s Multisector Plan for Aging. “We look forward to developing additional partnerships and collaborations with more stakeholders as part of our ongoing efforts to make Maryland the first aging-friendly and longevity-ready state.”

The Multisector Plan for Aging is a roadmap for creating and strengthening programs and policies to meet the multiple challenges of Maryland’s increasingly diverse older population, people living with disabilities, and caregivers in an equitable manner. Learn more about the plan at aging.maryland.gov.
If you have questions on the Engage with® Skills Training Program or want to participate, contact [email protected] or (443) 921-2940.
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Congratulations to Governor Wes Moore and the Honorees!

It was a pleasure to discuss the expanding film industry in Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland recently on Fox 5 News DC. Remember to attend this year’s Prince George’s Film Festival. For more info visit https://www.pgfilmfestival.com

Bringing more film to Prince George's County Maryland Senator Melony Griffith talks about the upcoming prince George's County Film Festival.

Service!

Attention filmmakers!!!

One of many opportunities! Stay tuned.

A lot of information shared during the LBCM Town Hall at BSU.

Click on link to RSVP: http://bit.ly/LBCMDprincegeorgescounty