Prince George’s Rising – April 27 Update from Councilman Mel Franklin
Prince George’s Rising – April 27, 2017
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An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin
April 27, 2017 | Volume 3, Issue 2
Prince George’s Rising is a countywide newsletter designed to empower communities with key information and issues of concern. It is my honor to serve you on the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last several years, including two years as Chairman, I have worked with my colleagues on the Council to move our County forward. With your help, we are bringing the world to Prince George’s County and putting Jobs First. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net/news/ or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.
On NBC 4, Advocating for New Foreclosed Property and Property Standards Legislation
April 19 NBC 4 News Report: “A Prince George’s County councilman is introducing legislation to hold people and banks accountable for foreclosed properties that are neglected. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.”
For the NBC 4 video: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-County-Cracking-Down-Zombie-Foreclosures_Washington-DC-419900093.html
Washington Informer Article: http://washingtoninformer.com/legislation-pushes-to-end-foreclosures-in-prince-georges/
Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-proposes-zombie-foreclosure-legislation/
County Council Urges Reform of State Casino Education Funding
Last month, the County Council adopted a resolution urging Governor Hogan to end the practice of replacing (or supplanting) general fund revenue for primary and secondary education with casino education trust fund revenue. This practice currently results in casino funding not adding to the State’s funding formula for education, just swapping out previous general funds for new casino funds. Instead, the State should mimic Prince George’s County’s law, CB-33-2015, which requires 50% of revenue from MGM National Harbor to be used for education spending and that it must add to (not supplant) existing county funding support for education.
Copy of the Council’s Resolution Concerning Use of Casino Revenues for State Aid to Primary and Secondary Education: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5010315&GUID=7B56295C-D1A7-4CEC-A4BD-03B93AB43687
County law CB-33-2015: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4037353&GUID=86563FF7-7118-4929-ACB9-2A8B253B4144
County Council Launches New $500,000 Domestic Violence Funding Initiative
On Tuesday, April 25, the Prince George’s County Council announced a new fiscal year 2017 $500,000 domestic violence grant funding initiative for nonprofits in the County to help reduce the incidence of domestic violence…. “If sustained annually, this effort has the potential to make a serious difference in assisting our domestic violence service providers in reducing and eliminating the scourge of domestic violence in Prince George’s County.”
Full Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-of-councilman-mel-franklin-on-new-council-500000-domestic-violence-funding-initiative/
Prince George’s County Valor Awards honor fallen officer, firefighter
WJLA 7: Just more than a year after his death, the parents and younger brother of Prince George’s County Police Detective Jacai Colson sadly and stoically accepted his medal as Police Officer of the Year…. This year’s ceremony was marked by deep emotion because in addition to Colson’s honor, the Firefighter of the Year award went to John Skillet Ulmschneider. He too was killed in the line of duty. His widow accepted his medal with the former fire chief at her side.
Full story: http://wjla.com/news/local/prince-georges-county-valor-awards-honor-fallen-officer-firefighter
Don’t Forget to Take the Once A Week Trash Survey Feedback Survey
Please take the 45-Day Feedback Survey about the change from Twice-A-Week to Once-A-Week Trash Service in Pr. George’s County: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-launches-once-a-week-trash-feedback-survey/
Last year, the County changed waste pick-up service from twice-a-week to once-a-week to save money, promote recycling, and match other nearby jurisdictions. This was a controversial change with many residents. Please take this survey above and give me your feedback about this change in service.
Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017: Please stay tuned for more details about our annual countywide festival.
COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Council Votes to Establish a Public Notice Website for County Public Meetings
At Last Tuesday’s Council session, the County Council unanimously adopted CB-6-2017, which requires all public bodies of the County Government to post notice of their meetings on a central website for the benefit of the public and to promote open government. This requirement, supported in committee by the County Executive, will go into effect on October 1, 2017.
A copy of CB-6-2017 can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5016556&GUID=FE7FD526-899A-41D7-B9E1-D85BFE3A26FB
The Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Seeks Volunteers
The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a collaboration of public and private agencies in Prince George’s County, Maryland designed to provide support, services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and exploitation. The FJC is seeking volunteers in the following areas: Receptionist and Intake Positions; Hospitality and Childcare Positions; and Office Service Positions. Requirements to Become a FJC Volunteer: Must be at least 18 years of age; Complete a Volunteer Application; Successfully complete a criminal background investigation with the Sheriff Department and DSS Child Services; and Must agree to work at least 32 hours (4 days) per month.
For more info, please see view this flyer: https://tinyurl.com/fjc-volunteers
WMATA: Metro invites public to comment on proposed joint development at College Park Station
Metro is inviting the public to provide feedback on proposed changes to transit facilities on the east side of the College Park Metrorail Station as part of a proposed transit-oriented joint development project. Metro is considering the redevelopment of the Park & Ride surface lot into a multifamily residential building with ground floor retail. The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed changes. Feedback must be received by by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Full Details on Submitting Comments: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/College-Park-Joint-Development.cfm
Contribution of New Outdoor Classroom to Brandywine Elementary School by Heart of America Foundation
Brandywine Elementary opened a new courtyard and outdoor classroom on Tuesday, April 25, contributed and built by a multi-partner initiative led by the Heart of America Foundation. PGCPS reports that the “brand-new courtyard features planting beds for students to grow flowers and vegetables, a butterfly garden, a labyrinth, recycled plastic bench seating, a colorful outdoor classroom and chalkboard, and several shaded learning areas.”
Please Support the Apr. 29 March for Babies
From the March of Dimes: “We’re getting ready to walk in March for Babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends – it’s a great feeling knowing we’re all helping real families. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community!”
To support, go here: https://www.marchforbabies.org/EventInfo?EventID=18526
Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable/ Economic Development Corp. “State of the Economy” Breakfast – May 3, 7:30AM, Colony South Hotel
From the Business Roundtable and the PGCEDC: “The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation are pleased to invite you to join us at Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III’s 2017 State of the Economy Breakfast.”
To register, go here: http://www.pgcedc.com/events/prince-george-s-county-executive-rushern-l-baker-iii-s-2017-state-of-the-economy-breakfast?platform=hootsuite
Upcoming Hiring Event
NAPA Distribution Center Hiring Event – May 10
From PGCEDC Workforce Development: NAPA Distribution Center in Beltsville, MD will hold a hiring event on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 1pm – 3pm. They are hiring for the following positions: Assistant Store Managers and Warehouse Associates.
Register to attend. Go to https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/ – Appointment Center – Events Calendar – NAPA Hiring Event (May 10th) – Register.
For more details, please email KHMCNUTT@CO.PG.MD.US
Laurel Patch: County Suburbs Ranked Among the Best Places to Live in Maryland
From Patch.com: “What’s the best place to live in Maryland? That depends on who you ask, but according to a new set of rankings released by Niche.com, the Prince George’s County suburbs of D.C. are high on the list. The suburbs of Northern Virginia placed prominently in the rankings released April 17. Placing in the top 100 are University Park (31), Greenbelt (81), Adelphi (98), and College Park (99).”
OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention – Call 211
Still I Rise, Inc. Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org
Prince George’s Co. Family Justice Center/The Next Step: http://www.princegeorgescourts.org/358/Prince-Georges-County-Family-Justice-Cen
Employment/Workforce Training
The Training Source: http://thetrainingsource.org/
No Opportunity Wasted: http://www.nooppwasted.org/
Training Grounds Inc.: http://traininggroundsdmv.org/
Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development: https://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Workforce_Development_Institutes.aspx
Maryland Veterans Resource Guide: http://veterans.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/04/4-12-17-Resource-Guide.pdf
Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program
Call 1(800) 944-7403 or go to
Homeowners: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners’-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx
Renters: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Renters’-Tax-Credits.aspx
Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 or go to https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/default.aspx
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html
Free Legal Assistance: District Court (Upper Marlboro) Self-Help Legal Resource Center
Call 410-260-1392 or go to http://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/districtctselfhelpctr.html
County-Based and Minority Business Procurement Opportunities and Certifications
Call (301) 883-6480 or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1259/Business-Development
County Employment and Workforce Assistance
Call (301) 583-4650 or go to http://www.pgcedc.com/workforce-services
For constituent concerns, please use County Click 311: http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov or call 311
Request County Road Pothole Repair: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1025/Potholes
Request State Road Pothole Repair (Roads with numbers, like MD-5, MD-4, US-1, US-301): http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/knowyourroads.html
Find Your Other Elected Officials:
Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/directory.aspx?eid=93
Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net
View the Prince George’s County Code and Charter at http://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
Is a resource you need not here?
Check https://www.melfranklin.net or contact me at: Mel@MelFranklin.net
| By Authority, Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer |
Friends of Mel Franklin
PO Box 3031
Upper Marlboro MD 20773 United States
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