Join us January 20 for Virtual Inaugural Ball!
Like so much else this winter, the Presidential Inaugural will be primarily virtual. To celebrate the peaceful transition of leadership in our democracy, Delegates Peña-Melnyk, Barnes, Lehman, and I are hosting a virtual inaugural ball. All Beltsville residents are invited.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in at the US Capitol at noon on Wednesday, January 2. Our “Ball” will be on ZOOM that evening. We’ll be joined by local performers, some special guests—and more!
To get details and RSVP, email 21stdistrictinauguralball.com or call 240.712.4646.
Energy Assistance Grant Funds Available to Low-income Households
The state of Maryland is taking steps to ensure Marylanders will no longer have to choose between keeping warm and their other expenses. Depending on your household income, you could be eligible for a grant of more than $1,000 per year to assist in paying heating and electric bills. Annually, more than 100,000 households across the state enroll in the program.
Households can qualify regardless of participation in other state benefits programs. Residents can apply for benefits on an annual basis, with each grant year starting July 1 and concluding on June 30 of the following year. Households may apply at any time and reapply once per year as needed. Applicants do not need to be behind on their bills in order to apply for help.
Interested residents should submit a completed paper application and the required supporting documents to their local energy office. To apply for assistance or get further information, customers can contact their nearest energy office by visiting dhr.maryland.gov/OHEPlocal or by calling DHR’s helpline at 800.332.6347. Households can also apply online at dhr.maryland.gov/benefits.
Do You or Friends Need Help Getting Unemployment Benefits?
If you have still not gotten your unemployment insurance, please let us know. Email us at 21stdistrictdelegation@gmail.com. We will contact the right people in the Department of Labor and do everything we can to get your money ASAP.
State Legislative Session Starts on January 13
The delegates and I will be back at the 2021 Maryland legislative session starting January 13. Most of our functions will be moving to Zoom to protect the health and safety of folks in Annapolis. Your input is still critically important, so we will be available via Zoom, phone, or email. And you can follow the action at mgaleg.maryland.gov.
Please let us know your opinions on issues of concern and contact us with any questions. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if the Delegates or I can help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 301.858.3141.