The Latest News from Senator Rosapepe's Office July 2025

Protecting Beltsville from car theft, break-ins, and vandalism

In recent months, our community has been hit with a crime wave, much of it committed by juveniles. Hopefully, you personally have not been a victim, but too many of our neighbors have. Prince George’s Police are doing what they can to prevent this crime and catch the perpetrators. In the last two years, Delegates Peña-Melnyk, Barnes and Lehman and I have worked with our legislative colleagues to help recruit more police, strengthen laws against violence, and increase accountability and rehabilitation for perpetrators, particularly juveniles. But, given the recent crimes in Beltsville, the Delegates and I are working with police, prosecutors, Juvenile Services, Councilman Tom Dernoga, and our colleagues to figure out what more we can do. Please let us know your ideas.

Resources for Impacted Federal Workers

            The Maryland Department of Labor is accepting applications for the Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program, which offers a $700 no-interest loan to Maryland residents who were recently terminated from federal employment due to mass layoffs, relocations, or closures and are experiencing financial hardship. Loans must be repaid within 180 days, with a one-time 90-day extension available upon request.

To apply, create an account and submit your application through the online portal: Apply at https://labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers/FWEloan

Tax Changes Take Effect July 1

Starting July 1, several tax changes will go into effect. These changes are part of Maryland’s plan to address long-term budget needs and include updates to both sales and income tax laws. To help taxpayers and businesses prepare, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office has provided helpful resources:

www.marylandcomptroller.gov – Regular updates, official guidance, and webinars

www.mdtaxconnect.gov – Specific links and tools for taxpayers and businesses

More information about the 2025 tax changes can also be found at: www.marylandcomptroller.gov/individuals/2025-tax-updates.html

Cooling Center in Beltsville

As the weather gets warmer, the County has set up Cooling Centers to provide residents with a safe place to get out of the heat. Centers will be open anytime temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher. Cooling Center Locations will be open to the General Public:  Weekday Hours of Operation (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.); During weekend hours, residents are encouraged to call the facility to confirm hours of operation.

Vansville Community Center - 6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, Phone - (301) 937-6621. Additional Cooling Centers in Prince George’s County can be found at https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov

Maryland Insurance Commission to host a virtual public hearing

Without Federal subsidies, Health Insurance Premiums are likely to increase for nearly 300,000 Marylanders and could rise by an average of 17 percent in 2026 if Congress does not extend the federal subsidies currently set to expire at the end of this year.

Health insurers have submitted requests for rate increases between 8.1 and 18.7 percent for individual Affordable Care Act plans on Maryland’s marketplace.

The MIA will host a virtual public hearing to hear from Marylanders on the proposed rate changes:

Public Hearing Log-In Information:

When: July 30, 2025, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ZoomGov Link: https://maryland-insurance.zoomgov.com/j/1615565010

Dial-In: (646) 828-7666

Webinar ID: 161 556 5010

If you would like to testify during the hearing, please email: healthinsuranceratereview.mia@maryland.gov. Written comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on July 27, 2025 to be included in the hearing.

Reminder: Fireworks are illegal

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department encourages residents to attend approved public fireworks displays offered throughout the County, handled by a licensed fireworks professional. While certain types of fireworks may be legal in some neighboring jurisdictions, Prince George's County has banned the sale, possession, and use of all kinds of fireworks, including sparklers, by residents in hopes of preventing needless accidents and injuries.

Under Prince George's County law: It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn, or explode any fireworks in Prince George's County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed fireworks shooter. Penalties for law violations include a fine of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. To learn more go to https://www.princegeorgecountyva.gov/public_safety/index.php

Last day to apply for Senate college scholarships for Beltsville students is July 4

Each summer, District 21 awards college scholarships to Beltsville students.  The Senatorial scholarship application for school year 2025-26 is posted on the 21st District Delegation website.  21st District Delegation Website: https://www.21stdistrictdelegation.com/college-scholarships

If you have questions, email my office at jim.rosapepe@senate.state.md.us or call at 410-841-3141.

Contact me

Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 410-841-3141.