From the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga November 2025

(From left to right) Council Member Tom Dernoga, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, and Jacob Sosa at the High Point High School Back to School Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Federal Government Shutdown: Resources & What to Expect

Council Member Dernoga stands in solidarity with our dedicated federal workers in District 1 during the ongoing Federal Government Shutdown that began on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Our team has gathered a comprehensive list of resources for District 1 residents who may be affected. Additionally, County Executive Aisha Braveboy issued a press release stating that she has called for all-hands-on-deck for county agencies to identify resources to support County residents. Visit mypgc.us/fedgovshutdown to access these County resources. Visit go.md.gov/FederalShutdown to access resources at the State level.

Utility companies cannot cut off service for unpaid bills starting on the eighth day of the shutdown and extending seven days beyond the end of the shutdown. Eligible employees must contact their provider to verify their status and set up a payment plan. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Water announced a series of measures to support federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Effective immediately, WSSC Water will temporarily suspend water service turnoffs for customers directly impacted by the shutdown, waive late fees to ease financial pressure for affected federal workers, and extend enrollment in the popular Get Current program through November 30. The assistance program is for customers who have had a delinquent balance since June 1, 2025, or earlier. They offer forgiveness of a portion of the balance. In addition to these temporary relief measures, WSSC Water offers a variety of financial assistance programs to help residents. They also offer PromisePay, a financial assistance program that is open to residential and commercial customers. Visit https://www.wsscwater.com/assistance to explore these options.

Based on past government shutdowns, there are certain things we can expect, as long as the current administration follows precedent. For federal workers, most civilian employees and contractors will be furloughed. Some workers deemed “essential” will still have to report to work but will not be paid until the shutdown ends. Federal employees are guaranteed back pay after the shutdown, but contractors may not receive it. Regarding day-to-day services, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, and air travel will continue. However, services such as passport processing, Social Security card issuance, and many inspections and permitting functions will be delayed. Family support programs like SNAP, TANF, and WIC can continue to operate for now, but the federal government has not promised to reimburse Maryland if the state steps in to cover the costs. This creates financial uncertainty for families and the state alike. Federal housing programs such as Section 8 will continue, but new grant awards and loan programs (like SBA loans for small businesses) may pause. NIH and children’s health insurance (CHIP) will continue, but research grants are on hold.

Please contact our team for further resources or specific needs at 301-952-3887 or CouncilDistrict1@co.pg.md.us.

Support Families in Need for Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a perfect time to give back to community members in need. The Beltsville Adventist Community Center (BACC) houses a food pantry for individuals who are unable to get assistance through food stamps or whose food assistance is insufficient. BACC accepts donations of canned goods only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. They are located at 4220 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, 20705. Please consider donating canned goods to support BACC’s food pantry.

            The Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Beltsville hosts a monthly Community Food Distribution on the 4th Saturday from 8 AM to 11 AM, free for all in need. They are located at 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, 20705. The next giveaway will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025. They are in need of volunteers to assist with distribution. Please contact them at 301-937-7114 or office@eumcbeltsville.com to volunteer.

If you are in need of food assistance or a Thanksgiving meal, please contact our team at 301-952-3887 or CouncilDistrict1@co.pg.md.us.

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Contact Us

Please keep in touch. You can email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-3887. Se habla español. Follow us on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1.