Don’t Prince George’s County Seniors Deserve a Property Tax Cut
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Celebrate Black Restaurant Week and Juneteenth in Prince George’s County!
Great news! The Prince George’s County Council has established that the week of Juneteenth will be the annual Prince George’s County Black Restaurant Week. This year’s week is June 19-June 25 and the County Council encourages every resident to buy at least one meal per day at a black-owned restaurant in the County.
The Empower Prince George’s Campaign is providing a list of Black-owned Restaurants in the County below. This list is for informational purposes only. If you know of a black-owned restaurant in Prince George’s County that is not included on this list, please e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net. This list is also available at www.princegeorgesblackrestaurants.com. Some additional resources for identifying black-owned restaurants near you are www.eatokra.com and www.buyblack.org. Please share this information widely.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS:
Accokeek Seafood Plus
15790 Livingston Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607
Aroma Ultra Lounge
4000 Town Center Blvd Bowie, MD 20716
https://aromaofbowie.com/
Blue Waters Caribbean and Seafood Grill
6349 Old Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748
www.bluewaterscsgrill.com
Burgers at Apollo
4531 Telfair Blvd #108, Camp Springs, MD 20746
https://www.burgersatapollo.com/
BurnBox Pizza Eatery
36 Watkins Park Dr. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
http://www.burnbox.com/
The Carolina Kitchen-Brandywine
15812 Crain Hwy, Brandywine, MD 20613
https://thecarolinakitchen.com/
The Carolina Kitchen-Hyattsville
6501 America Blvd, Hyattsville, MD 20782
https://thecarolinakitchen.com/
Clout Southern Cuisine & Lounge
731 Cady drive, Fort Washington, MD
https://www.cloutishere.com/
Copper Canyon Grill
9300 Taj Lane, Glenarden, MD 20706
https://ccgrill.com/glenarden/
Cori’s Modern Kitchen
4710 Auth Pl, Camp Springs, MD 20746
https://www.corismkb.com/
Crab Boss Restaurant
14125 Brandywine Rd., Brandywine, MD 20613
https://www.crabboss.com/
De’Ranch African and Caribbean Restaurant
3511 Maryland Ave Cheverly, MD 20785
http://deranchrestaurant.com/
Ella Ray’s Cafe
3263 Donnell Drive, Forestville, Maryland 20747
https://www.ellarayscafe.com/
Era Wine Bar
3300 Rhode Island Ave, Mt Rainier, MD 20712
https://www.erawinebar.com/
Everlasting Life Restaurant
9185 Central Ave., Capitol Heights, MD 20743
https://www.eliferestaurant.com/
Famous Lounge and Restaurant
5010 Brown Station Rd #150, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
http://famous-lounge.com/
Fireman’s Cafe
9101 Kinney Pl B, Clinton, MD 20735
http://www.firemanscafe.com/
Flora’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
10621 Greenbelt Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Food for Life Cuisine
4929 Suitland Rd, Suitland, MD 20746
https://food4lifecuisine.menufy.com/
Fourk’d Catering and Eatery
7097 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20748
http://fourkd.com/
The Furlough Cheesecake
185 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745
https://thefurloughcheesecake.com/
Gangster Vegan Organics
6202 Rhode Island Ave, Suite 105, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
https://gangstervegandmv.com/
Greenbar
940 E Swan Creek Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744
https://www.getgreenbar.com/
Henry’s Soul Café
5431 Indian Head Hwy., Oxon Hill, MD 20745
https://www.henryssoulcafe.com/
In a Minute Cafe
816 Largo Center Drive, Largo, MD 20774
https://inaminutecafe.com/
Infuse Restaurant and Bar
6339 Allentown Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748
http://infuseinfuse.com/
Jordan’s Bistro
4715 Raleigh Rd Temple Hills, MD 20748
https://jordansbistro.a-zcompanies.com/
Keith & Sons Soul Food Café – Landover
7814 Central Ave, Landover, MD 20785
Keith & Sons Soul Food Café – Seat Pleasant
5948 Martin Luther King Jr Hwy, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
KitchenCray Café
4601 Presidents Dr, Lanham, MD 20706
https://kitchencray.com/
Krab King
5720 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
https://www.krabking.com/
Love Life Cafe
929 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD 20707
https://thelovelifecafe.com/menu.php
Metro City Wing House
4404 St Barnabas Rd, Marlow Heights, MD 20748
http://www.metrocitywings.com/
Milk & Honey Café-Fairwood
12500 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie, MD 20720
www.milknhoney.com
Milk & Honey Café-College Park
10280 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
www.milknhoney.com
Milk & Honey Café Express-Woodmore
9201 Woodmore Center Dr., Suite 404, Glenarden, MD 20706
www.milknhoney.com
Mrs. K’s Restaurant
5909 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
https://mrsksrestaurant.com/
Olde Towne Inn Grill and Bar
14745 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
https://www.otigrillandbar.com/
Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge
7651 Matapeake Business Dr Suite 104, Brandywine, MD 20613
https://pianokeyslounge.com/
The Real Milk & Honey Market & Pancake Factory
4531 Telfair Blvd., #201, Suitland, MD 20746
https://www.therealmilkandhoneydmv.com/
Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen
14207 Old Annapolis Rd., Suite A, Bowie, MD 20720
https://www.rubysbowie.com/
Shagga Restaurant
6040 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781
http://shaggarestaurant.com/
Shortcake Bakery
4700 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20786
https://www.shortcakebakery.com/
Smoke N the City
7045 Berry Rd Suite A3, Accokeek, MD 20607
https://www.smokenthecity.com/
Smokeshack Ribs Restaurant
9119 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20774
http://www.smokeshackribs.com/
Smoothie King-Watkins Park Plaza
48 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
https://locations.smoothieking.com/ll/US/MD/Upper-Marlboro/48-Watkins-Park-Dr_
SoBe Restaurant & Lounge
10621 Greenbelt Rd #201, Lanham, MD 20706
https://www.soberestaurantandlounge.com/
Southern Peach BBQ & Soul Food
3609 St Barnabas Rd Ste B Suitland, MD 20746
https://www.facebook.com/southernpeachbbqnsoulfood/
Spizzy-Brandywine
15902 D Crain Highway, Brandywine, MD 20613
https://drinkspizzy.com/
Spizzy-Camp Springs
5830 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748
https://drinkspizzy.com/
Swahili Village Bar & Grill
10800 Rhode Island Ave Suite N, Beltsville, MD 20705
https://swahilivillages.com/beltsville/
Trinity Grill & Bar
3010 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD 20782
www.trinitygrillandbar.com
Tropical Smoothie Café-Landover Hills
6300 Annapolis Road, Unit #5, Landover Hills, MD 20784
https://locations.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/md/landover-hills/6300-annapolis-road
The Uncaged Chefs
6027 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, Maryland 20747
https://www.theuncagedchefs.com/
AS A REMINDER, PLEASE SUPPORT THE EMPOWER PRINCE GEORGE’S AGENDA!
LET’S CREATE EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF OUR FAMILIES!
Prince George’s IS Baker Country: Why I Support Rushern Baker for Governor
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Prince George’s County Council Member Mel Franklin salutes the Baker-Navarro ticket for proposing an historic Black Agenda
November 5, 2021
For Immediate Release
Statement of Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin on the Baker/Navarro Road Map for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in Maryland
Council Member Franklin salutes the Baker-Navarro ticket for proposing an historic Black Agenda
Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net
Largo, MD – This week, candidates for Maryland Governor and Lt. Governor, Rushern Baker and Nancy Navarro, announced the release of the Baker/Navarro Road Map for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, an agenda tailored to address the specific needs and issues of black communities across the state. Today, Council Member Mel Franklin, who led a team in helping craft this Baker/Navarro Black Agenda, released the following statement:
“I am thrilled that Rushern Baker plans to release the most comprehensive equity and inclusion agenda for black families that I have ever seen. It is a true privilege for me to offer ideas to support his campaign for Governor and I’m truly excited that he will build a stronger and greater Maryland. From the Baker-Navarro “Black Business Agenda” to their bold plans to empower black communities in the areas of jobs and generational wealth, higher education and public schools, access to health care and housing, transportation and addressing environmental racism, Rushern Baker and Nancy Navarro will create unprecedented opportunities for predominantly black communities across our state in ways never seen before in our history.”
“Some of the inspiration for the Baker Equity and Inclusion Agenda comes from the black agenda proposed during the most recent session of the General Assembly by Speaker Adrienne Jones. Baker’s agenda will seek to build substantially on the successes achieved by Speaker Jones and the Legislative Black Caucus and implement an expansive agenda to uplift black families across the state. Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Darryl Barnes issued a bold challenge this summer to the various campaigns for Governor to release a strong black agenda to uplift Maryland’s predominantly black communities. I am truly pleased that the Baker-Navarro team has responded in such a comprehensive way by offering an agenda that far surpasses any put forth in this or previous gubernatorial elections.”
The Baker-Navarro press release announcing the Baker/Navarro Road Map for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in Maryland may be found below.
###
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Baker for Governor Campaign Team <teambaker@rushernbaker.com>
Date: Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Subject: RELEASE: Baker/Navarro Road Map for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in Maryland
To: Baker for Governor Campaign Team <teambaker@rushernbaker.com>
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
November 1, 2021
For Information Contact:
Andrew Mallinoff
Campaign Manager
PH: 443-841-6712
Baker/Navarro Road Map for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in Maryland
The Baker/Navarro Campaign is committed to developing a navigable roadmap for greater equity, inclusion, and diversity for all Marylanders. Led by At-Large Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin, a team of advisory committee members have been working for several months to develop a plan to accomplish these critical goals. The advisory committee is composed of business and community leaders with a track record of success; they are well positioned to provide the Baker/Navarro team with the best insight on how to create a meaningful agenda that leads to the desired outcomes.
“I am thrilled that Rushern Baker plans to release the most comprehensive equity and inclusion agenda for black families that I have ever seen. It is a true privilege for me to offer ideas to support his campaign for Governor and I’m truly excited that he will build a stronger and greater Maryland.” Franklin continued by stating that, “some of the inspiration for the Baker Equity and Inclusion Agenda comes from the black agenda proposed during the most recent session of the General Assembly by Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County). Baker’s agenda will seek to build substantially on the successes achieved by Speaker Jones and the Legislative Black Caucus and implement an expansive agenda to uplift black families across the state.”
Among others on the committee are Robert Bruce, CEO and President of Medtec, a Maryland healthcare information technology firm; Brunson Cooper, Managing Director of Corenic, a Maryland construction company; and Dr. Daryl Thorne, EdD, LCPC, NCC, Assistant Professor on issues relating to inclusion, diversity, social justice issues at Trinity Washington University.
Dr. Thorne states: “I am excited to be part of a team dedicated to ensuring the well-being of an inclusive and equitable Maryland. I have been enacting an agenda centered on honoring the continuum of diversity for 20+ years. As an academic and professional, I have the unique ability to challenge the status quo while honing in on humanity. Helping the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Maryland ensure all Marylanders are represented, seen, and heard is crucial for the prosperity of the state.”
With a planned roll-out for later this year, selected highlights of the Roadmap will include:
Establish a Baker/Navarro Black Business Agenda to Increase Business Opportunities in Maryland
- Make Maryland the Black Business Startup Capital of the Nation with a new $100 million Small and Minority Business Growth Fund for start-up, early-stage, and micro-businesses. It will also relax bonding requirements and expand bonding assistance for black firms, so they aren’t shut out of contracting opportunities; 50% of the awards in the form of grants and 50% in the form of no-interest loans.
Create Jobs, Increase Access to Homeownership, and Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap
- Establish Innovation Centers in black and brown communities in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, Western Maryland, and the Eastern Shore to create technology hubs for commercializing cutting edge research. The plan will also develop and bring jobs to communities in 21st century industries like quantum computing.
- Create a New Local Hiring Requirement for State Projects and State Assisted Developments.
- Help our seniors and veterans stay in their homes with a new rental and mortgage assistance program.
Create More Equity and Higher Academic Achievement
- Support black higher education by doubling funding for HBCUs; adopting a Thornton-Kirwan-type formula to guarantee lasting HBCU funding; eliminating the waiting list for the MD Promise Scholarship Program; making the MD Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit refundable up to $5000 per borrower; and ensuring a signature skilled trades pipeline in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities.
- Expand the use of public-private partnerships to dramatically increase school construction investment and fully fund the Kirwan Education Funding Plan.
Create Healthier Communities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
- Provide new business income tax incentives for attracting new grocery stores and healthier restaurants (restaurants that offer the option of a healthy meal menu).
- Make healthcare more affordable by ensuring that all Maryland families have access to a federally qualified health center that provides dental care; pursue a public insurance option through Medicare For All, use income tax incentives to attract doctors and nurses to underserved areas; protect families from medical debt; and combine the state’s buying power across all programs to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
Improve Public Safety Through Investing in Communities, Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis, and Assisting Returning Citizens
- Create a Transforming Maryland Initiative (TMI) to identify the highest need areas in the state. This investment will enhance state health, human and social services resources to improve quality of life and public safety.
- Give returning citizens a real second chance by prohibiting old convictions from stopping them from being hired, give businesses a new financial incentive to hire them, and register those leaving incarceration to vote.
- Legalize adult-use cannabis and automatically expunge past marijuana convictions but ensure that BIPOC businesses and residents have equity ownership in new cannabis businesses.
- Fully implement Anton’s Law (adding transparency to police misconduct records) and other sweeping police reforms passed in 2021 by the General Assembly (i.e., universal body cameras and automatic Attorney General review of in-custody deaths) and go further by banning No-Knock Warrants.
Reduce Environmental Racism and Promote the Green Economy
- Designate environmentally sensitive saturation zones where carbon emitting uses shall be limited, especially near black and brown communities with a significant concentration of industrial and other high carbon emitting activities.
- Establish signature clean energy training programs in community colleges in black and brown communities connected to local school systems, green businesses, and local unions.
- Require that carbon emitting electricity generating infrastructure, like power plants and power stations, comply with local zoning laws and require a full phase out of coal-fired power plants in the state by 2030.
The Campaign has planned a comprehensive roll-out by the end of November.
Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of September the 11th – Prince George’s County Council Member Mel Franklin
Everyone has a story of where they were when 9/11 happened.
It is still the most significant thing that has happened to our country in my lifetime. I had just begun working as an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission at the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown, only a few blocks from the Capitol. September 11, 2001 was my first real day in the office (Monday, September 10th was an orientation day). The first sign that I knew there was something wrong that morning was that my internet wasn’t working and our help desk couldn’t figure it out until, after several minutes of trying to assist, the guy on the phone says “maybe it’s all the news that is happening this morning.” To which I said, “What news?” (since I had received no calls and thought I was disconnected from the internet). He then casually said words that make my heart drop, even ’til this day, “They’re sending planes into the World Trade Center.” I was so shocked by that statement that I didn’t even know how to ask him any follow-up questions. Shortly thereafter, everyone on my floor was becoming aware of the horror of what was happening. We began hearing rumors of other attacks that proved to not be true (like a fire on the National Mall, etc.). Then, we evacuated the building and people outside from many buildings were doing the same. It was total disorientation, uncertainty, and fear. I took the metro at that time (the Blue Line towards Addison Road, which now has Largo as its terminus), so naturally I headed to the nearest stop without knowing if it would be running. Fortunately, it was (though unusually empty), and I was able to get home, only to see on television that the Pentagon had been struck by a plane and the South Tower had collapsed. Then, like so many of you, I watched in disbelief and shock as the North Tower fell as well. Later, we all saw on the news the crash site in Shanksville, PA, where the valiant United Flight 93 heroes stopped the terrorists from launching a final attack on our nation’s capital at the cost of their own lives. Later that day, we saw the 47-story 7 World Trade Center collapse too.
Everything changed that day. As a nation, it was like our soul had been badly wounded. Political party, race, religion, or any other difference just didn’t matter in the wake of that horrific day. We pulled together. Brought justice to the perpetrators. We remembered what it meant to be Americans. The importance of this 20th anniversary should be to do just that, to remember those who lost their lives that day and their families, to remember the countless acts of heroism that day — especially from our first responders, and to remind each other that we can still transcend our differences, no matter how profound, and accomplish amazing things together as a nation.
When they were planning to rebuild the World Trade Center at the site of the original towers, I initially really wanted them to rebuild the North and South Towers just as they were, how I remembered them as a boy when we visited mighty New York City and I, as a lover of skyscrapers, rode up to the top of the towers with my family. I thought it would be a proud and defiant statement to say that we would continue forth as an unintimidated nation in spite of the evil of September the 11th. But, after a few visits over the years to the new World Trade Center, the towering Freedom Tower, and the beautiful and poignant memorials that sit at the very sites of the original towers, I realized that to rebuild them just as they were would allow us to forget 9/11 far too easily. It would allow us to forget the thousands that we lost that day too easily. It would allow us to forget the hate and extremism that led to that tragic day too easily.
No, we should never forget September 11th. Nor should we ever forget that feeling and shared love of one nation that bound us together so tightly in the wake of such unimaginable tragedy.
God Bless the USA.
God Bless the World.
Reposted from a public facebook post by Prince George’s County Council Member Mel Franklin (At-Large).
Prince George’s Coronavirus Update: Assistance for Families, Small Businesses, and Workers – 4-12-2020
PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MEL FRANKLIN:
#ANCCOMMUNITYCONNECT Advisory Neighborhood Community (ANC) News You Can Use from Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin
FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES, JOIN THE ANC FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/advisoryneighborhoodcommunityinitiative/
EASTER ANC UPDATE: ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR FAMILIES, SMALL BUSINESSES, AND WORKERS
I hope you are having a safe and blessed Easter! I know that we are living through a time of unprecedented crisis, but we are pulling together as “One County” in ways that we have never done before. We will bend the curve and defeat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thank you for persevering and please carefully review all of the important assistance in this message. We must ensure that our families and businesses in the County receive our fair share of available assistance to survive this crisis and eventually recover. Please share this information with your neighbors. May God continue to bless you and your family and please say a special prayer for our health care workers, public safety officers, and front line essential employees. Prince George’s is Rising above this crisis!
-Mel Franklin
FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS IMPACT PAYMENTS (THE “CARES ACT”)
The federal government’s one-time ($1200 per adult and $500 per dependent child aged 16 and under) COVID-19 economic impact payments are beginning to be distributed to individuals in Maryland who meet income certain thresholds as early as this week (for those who have direct deposit on record with the IRS, funds will be processed faster). Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts.
More information is available from the IRS by clicking here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments.
Problems that need to be fixed with the federal stimulus payments: Under the federal stimulus law, households with dependent children that were 17 years-old and older on the most recent tax filing will not receive the $500 per child payment. Additionally, many households care for disabled adults or seniors and claim them as dependents, but neither the household or the dependent adults will receive a stimulus payment for those dependent adults. Our federal partners should retroactively fix this issue in the next stimulus legislation. Contact them here: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members.
ASSISTANCE FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS
If you are a Prince George’s County small business affected by the Coronavirus crisis, please apply for as much of this assistance as possible. These funds are for you and they are first-come, first-served! Funds will likely go very fast!
Federal Stimulus Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgivable Loans:
The federal stimulus law (CARES Act) creates a new “Paycheck Protection Program” to help small businesses survive and keep their workers employed, but the available funding is going fast. If you are a Prince George’s County small business affected by the Coronavirus crisis, you absolutely should apply for this program, which includes forgivable loans. For more info and to apply, go here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.
Prince George’s County COVID-19 Business Relief Fund:
The Prince George’s County COVID19 Business Relief Fund is a $15M fund established to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Relief Fund can be used to support cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other business critical cash operating costs. $2.5 million of the funds are in the form of grants, while the rest ($12.5 million) are traditional loans with deferred repayment. Beginning April 13, apply here fast: https://www.pgcedc.com/covid-business-fund-2020.
SBA Emergency Economic Injury Grants:
The emergency economic injury grant is an emergency advance of up to $10,000 available to small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is available within three days of applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and does not need to be repaid. Click here for more info: https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications.
Prince George’s County COVID-19-related Procurement Opportunities:
Emergency Procurement Forecast Related to COVID-19 (as of April 3, 2020): If your company has the capacity to provide any of the commodity or services at the link below, please email the point of contact listed. In your email, please include your company’s capabilities statement, a list of local references (preferably other municipalities/government entities) that can confirm your ability to deliver the requested commodity or services, and please indicate if you are a registered and certified vendor with the County. Please go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29611/FY-2020-COVID-Forecast-v2.
SBA Small Business Debt Relief Program:
The Small Business Administration will pay the principal, interest, and fees on qualifying SBA loans. Click here for more info: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief
The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Nonprofits:
The Community Foundation, in collaboration with regional partners, has established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support emergency preparedness and response efforts that will help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in the region. Through this fund, the Community Foundation is focused on addressing lost wages, providing relief for small businesses and gig economy workers, expanding access to medical services, and meeting the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness, among other needs. For more info, please go here: https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/covid-19-rfp.
Maryland Small Business Relief Programs:
In our ANC newsletter two weeks ago, I mentioned this state aid below, but these programs are no longer accepting new applications. Click here for more details: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund: Loans up to $50,000 are available for businesses with less than 50 employees.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund: Grants up to $10,000 are available for businesses with less than 50 employees.
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund: Grants up to $100,000 are available for manufacturers to increase capacity to produce personal protective equipment.
For a complete guide to federal small business assistance in the CARES ACT, go here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-E5706c_7fq-O5JMXwEUKL1ku1vJsdhU.
For a one-stop-shop page for Prince George’s County COVID-19 small business assistance, go here: https://www.pgcedc.com/covid19.
ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY COVID-19
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The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance is experiencing an extremely high volume of users due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which may result in long wait times. No matter when you file, Marylanders become eligible for benefits beginning the day after they are separated from employment. Included in the CARES Act, which was signed into law last week, is an additional $600 per week for individuals claiming unemployment insurance. The legislation also expanded unemployment insurance eligibility to self-employed, gig, furloughed, and contract workers. **Every Prince George’s County resident experiencing an interruption in employment due to COVID-19 should apply for this relief!**
To file a claim:
-If your last name starts with A – F, file your claim on Monday.
-If your last name starts with G – N, file your claim on Tuesday.
-If your last name starts with O – Z, file your claim on Wednesday.
-Claim filing is open to all last names by phone on Thursday and Friday and online Thursday through Sunday.
The Claim Center telephone lines are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 410-949-0022. The online claim portal is available 24/7. Click here for more information and to apply online: https://secure-2.dllr.state.md.us/NetClaims/Welcome.aspx.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HOURLY EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND
Employ Prince George’s, in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, has launched the Prince George’s County Covid-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund for Prince George’s County residents who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These residents are eligible for a $200 EPG Visa Cash Card. Priority will be given to Prince George’s County residents who were earning $19 or less per hour prior to their layoff. Please apply here: https://employpgedge.com/.
Donate to this relief fund here: https://www.employpg.org/how-you-can-help/
IMPORTANT FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES
Meal Distribution Information for PGCPS families:
Maryland public schools are closed through April 24. Free meal pick-up will occur twice a week going forward. Students can get meals for two days on Mondays and three days on Wednesdays. There will be no meal service on Monday, April 13 due to spring break. Service will resume Tuesday, April 14 with one meal; three meals will be available on Wednesday, April 15. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are available at 43 sites. Parents may now pick up meals for students who are unable to come to the site by showing a student ID or report card. Meals are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents and guardians are not required to accompany students nor are students required to show ID. For a full list of sites, go here: https://www.pgcps.org/coronavirus/meal-sites/.
Prince George’s County Food Pantry Locations:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several food pantries have been setup throughout the County and in neighboring jurisdictions. Enter your zip code or address into the map at the link below to search for the food pantry nearest you. Click the pantry of your choice to get additional information about that location including directions and hours of operation: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3424/Food-Pantry-Locations.
Pr. George’s Food Equity Council Food Assistance Information Regarding SNAP Benefits and Other Food Options for Residents:
The Prince George’s County Food Equity Council has put together a comprehensive list of food and nutrition resources for Prince George’s County residents in need, including important info about accessing SNAP benefits and much, much more. Please go here for more info: http://www.pgcfec.org/multimedia/latest-news/item/66-food-assistance-resources-for-residents-impacted-by-covid-19.html and take advantage of this important assistance.
Prince George’s County Senior Meal Delivery: The Dept. of Family Services offers a senior meal delivery program. For more info, go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1723/Nutrition-Services or call 301-265-8450.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING – BEGINNING APRIL 14
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From PGCPS: While distance (online) learning will not be structured as a typical school day, we do expect to maintain key aspects of the classroom experience: collaboration with peers, daily lessons and experimentation with individualized and innovative techniques. Our distance learning model will be inclusive of a blend of approaches to learning activities; independent, self-paced work; virtual office hours to check for understanding and submission of assignments. This is to maintain an academic connection and flexibility for students, teachers and families. For more, please go here: https://www.pgcps.org/Coronavirus/content/messages/March-30,-2020—Connecting-PGCPS-Through-Our-Distance-Learning-Program/.
OTHER IMPORTANT AID AND INFORMATION:
Prince George’s Coronavirus Hotline and Website: If you have any questions or concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 during 8:00am – 8:00pm to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease. *Please contact 911 for medical emergencies only.* Do not contact 911 for non-emergency Coronavirus related issues. Follow the County Coronavirus Website for the latest updates on this crisis: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3397/Coronavirus.
Governor Hogan Prohibits Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 State of Emergency: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan recently issued an order prohibiting foreclosures and evictions (residential or commercial) during the coronavirus pandemic. The order does not relieve borrowers or renters from their obligation to pay back their mortgages or pay rent, but it does prevent people from losing their homes or being evicted. Copy of Gov. Hogan’s Executive Order: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Evictions-Repossessions-Foreclosure-AMENDED-4.3.20.pdf.
County Executive Alsobrooks Issues Order Requiring Face Coverings in Stores and TheBus: County Executive Alsobrooks has issued an Executive Order requiring all patrons shopping in County grocery stores, pharmacies and large chain retail establishments to wear masks or face coverings to enter, effective April 15. The order also requires individuals who ride “TheBus”, our County’s bus transit system, to wear masks or face coverings on board. The order will also require that grocery stores, pharmacies and large retailers promote social distancing inside and outside of the stores while customers wait. For more info, go here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDPGC/bulletins/2860a24.
Governor Hogan Prohibits Residential Shut-Offs and Late Fees for Public Utilities. For a copy of the order, go here: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Prohibit-Termination-of-Residential.pdf.
FedExField COVID-19 Testing Site: As you are probably aware, Prince George’s County has opened a screening and testing site at FedExField, mainly for Prince George’s County residents who do not have a primary care doctor, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You are required to have an appointment to be tested at the FedExField site. If you suspect you have COVID-19 and are unable to reach your primary care doctor (or you don’t have one), call the Prince George’s County Coronavirus hotline at 301-883-6672. For more, go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNUih-ZUOq3zg1sAwDuwwP2u5syOILAL/view?usp=sharing.
Prince George’s County Releases COVID-19 Cases By Zip Code: We’ve released a dashboard that shows you the COVID-19 cases by zip code and, even more importantly, cases per 100,000 by zip code. Please go here for this info: https://princegeorges.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/9491556559cb4bba8ead3aa72ac3edcf.
Maryland Releases Data on COVID-19 and Race Showing Racial Disparities in Cases and Deaths: From the Baltimore Sun “Maryland this week for the first time reported data on COVID-19 cases by race, and it showed that black people account for almost half of the state’s cases, and 53% of coronavirus deaths, though they make up less than a third of its total population.” Full story here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-abc-this-week-20200412-vmbocay5j5dnjaunm2pv6kq3ie-story.html. Maryland COVID-19 Data can be found here: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/. April 12, 2020 breakdown of COVID-19 deaths and cases in Maryland by race: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tJe9ju2CKgVv1X_AmcNwKXkDnPGzPllo.
Child Care for Essential Employees: During this State of Emergency, child care programs have been established by the State to serve only designated essential personnel. For more info, go here: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/early-childhood-grants-programming-and-initiatives-maryland-during-covid-19-state-emergency.
Student Federal Loan Assistance: Students with federal student loans may be eligible to temporarily stop making payments on their student loans. Click here for more info: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus.
Veterans Assistance: The VA is working to ensure veterans can access the health care services they need. For more info, go here: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/. Veterans in crisis should call 1-800-273-8255.
Looking to Donate COVID-19 Related Supplies? As we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince Georgians have shown that we come together to support each other in times of crisis. In response to a number of calls we have received from Prince Georgians asking how they can help, we have set up this donation page to support residents in need, as well as our first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel. Please go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/FormCenter/Health-13/COVID19-Donations-138.
-Mel Franklin, Council Member At-Large
Public source: Office of Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin
**This is not a publication of Friends of Mel Franklin**
Prince George’s County Coronavirus Info: New MD Emergency Relief Fund for Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Workers
Governor Hogan announced today a new $175 million emergency relief fund to assist small businesses and workers impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Maryland has authorized $130 million in loan and grant funding for small businesses and manufacturers that have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This emergency assistance provides interim relief and proceeds that can be used to pay cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other mission critical cash operating costs. If you are a Maryland-based business impacted by the Coronavirus with under 50 full- and part-time employees, or a Maryland manufacturer, check out the programs below to see if you qualify for assistance.
Maryland has also authorized a Small Business Layoff Aversion Fund to assist small businesses in maintaining their workforce. Please see below for details.
New Maryland Relief Fund Programs for Small Businesses and Workers
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund (for for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum. More info here: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-loan-fund
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020. More info here: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-grant-fund
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund – This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More details are expected to be announced by Friday, March 27, 2020. More info here on March 27: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-covid-19-emergency-relief-manufacturing-fund
COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund – Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Labor have launched the new COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is designed to support businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for layoffs. More info here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/covidlafund.shtml
In addition to the new Maryland relief fund above, please see the important resources for businesses and workers below:
SBA Economic Disaster Loans for Small Businesses in Maryland – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest federal disaster working capital loans to Maryland small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA acted under authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act recently signed by the President, following a request received from Gov. Larry Hogan March 18, 2020. The disaster declaration makes SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) assistance available in the entire Commonwealth. More info here: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-disaster-assistance-available-maryland
Unemployment Assistance for Workers Affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19): The State of Maryland has expanded the eligibility for unemployment benefits so that workers who have been laid off, furloughed, or otherwise been idled by the COVID-19 crisis can receive assistance.
Please apply here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uicovidfaqs.shtml
BREAKING NEWS: Maryland Gov. Hogan announces closure of non-essential businesses due to coronavirus pandemic: https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-pol-hogan-nonessential-businesses-20200323-mb5ltcvsjvbu3ihp236por2xvq-story.html
-Mel Franklin, Council Member At-Large
Public source: Office of Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin
Everybody Loves A Victory Party! November 12th
**LET’S CELEBRATE THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE MEL FRANKLIN’S ELECTION VICTORY ON NOVEMBER 12TH**
Please join Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin for a special one year anniversary celebration of our 2018 Team Franklin election victory and our big plans for the future! The fun happens on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 7PM at SoBe Restaurant and Lounge, 10621 Greenbelt Rd. #201, Glenn Dale, MD 20769 with a special VIP reception at 6PM. Council Member Franklin needs your help to advance the cause of creating opportunity and prosperity for the residents of Prince George’s County. **More special guests to be announced soon**
PLEASE RSVP HERE: http://tinyurl.com/MelFranklinRSVP
Here are the recommended donation levels: Ticket: $50 Silver sponsor: $250 Gold sponsor: $500 Host sponsor: $1000 Platinum sponsor: $3000
Event details: Tuesday, November 12th, 7PM-9:30PM, SoBe Restaurant and Lounge, 10621 Greenbelt Rd. #201, Glenn Dale, MD 20769 with a special VIP reception for host and platinum sponsors at 6PM.
If you would rather donate in person, please RSVP for the One Year Anniversary Event by e-mailing Friends of Mel Franklin at mel@melfranklin.net. If you prefer to mail in your contribution, please make your check out to ‘Friends of Mel Franklin’ send it to the following address: Friends of Mel Franklin P.O. Box 2912 Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
Just as Mel always says, “Prince George’s IS Rising!” Join the movement on November 12th.
-Team Mel Franklin
Authority: Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer, P.O. Box 2912, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
A PLEA FOR COMMON SENSE IN THE FACE OF ANOTHER TRAGEDY
I join all of you and all people who love peace and humanity in sending our thoughts and prayers to the good people of El Paso and Dayton this morning. We woke up to hear the shocking news of yet another domestic terror mass shooting in Dayton in the space of only a few hours after the terror attack and act of white supremacy in El Paso, which follows the recent mass shooting in Gilroy, CA. Just as we pray, we also know that we must act. While hate and evil may never be completely eliminated from our world, how many mass murders will it take before we all understand that weapons of warfare like AK-47s, AR-15s, and other assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines have no place in civilian society? The Dayton shooter murdered 9 people and injured 27 others in LESS THAN 60 SECONDS because he used weapons that should not be legal anywhere in our nation. I’m preaching to the choir here in Maryland, but can we reach our neighbors and politicians across the nation who continue to believe that the availability of these weapons of mass destruction have nothing to do with the devastation that we are witnessing this morning? Can we convince our President and others like him to stop stoking and failing to condemn white supremacy and racism against communities of color? We must continue to search for answers to these questions. Consider joining the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence at www.bradyunited.org or March for Our Lives at www.marchforourlives.com or similar efforts to make common sense federal gun safety laws a reality. Will new laws totally solve the problem of gun violence? Of course not. Individual gun violence unrelated to mass shootings continues to plague many of our communities across our nation. But that is no excuse for inaction in the face of more and more frequent mass terror attacks that are literally ripping families apart. I pray that God brings comfort to the families and communities who lost loved ones or were injured in this weekend’s tragic violence.