County agrees to keep Beltsville Fire Station open!
Thanks to all the leaders and citizens of Beltsville who fought to protect local families safety and health. It was the unity of the community that convinced County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Fire Chief Tiffany Green to keep the station open with career and volunteer firefighters and EMT’s, after considering pulling the career firefighters out. Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, and Mary Lehman, Councilman Tom Dernoga, and I worked with the community to change their minds.
The plan presented to us is to keep the station staffed while improvements are made to the building. We’ll be keeping on top of progress to be sure the promises to Beltsville are kept. Let us know when you have questions or concerns.
Senate and House college scholarships for Beltsville students
This spring and summer, Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I will award college scholarships for Beltsville students. Applications for the scholarships for school year 2024-25 are posted on the 21st District Delegation website. The application will automatically go to Dels. Barnes, Pena-Melnyk, and Lehman. You will need to fill out a separate application with my office, for the Senatorial Scholarship. In the meantime, please make sure you have a Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) account and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it becomes available. 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.
Maryland Health Easy Enrollment Program
During this tax season, you will be able to sign up for health coverage through the Easy Enrollment program.
Check a box on your tax return if you would like the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the state agency that runs Maryland Health Connection, to estimate your eligibility for coverage. If you file your taxes by April 15, this selection launches an easy process that will help you enroll.
How it works:
1. Check the Box. A question on your state tax forms (502 and 502B) will ask if you want to share some of your information, like your household size and income. By checking the box on the tax return, you are giving permission for the Comptroller to share information with Maryland Health Connection Text
2. File your taxes. If you check the box, Maryland Health Connection will check to see if you may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage.
3. Receive a letter. Shortly after you file your taxes, the state will mail you a letter explaining your eligibility for free or low-cost health coverage. Many Marylanders qualify for savings. In fact, 9 in 10 Marylanders who enrolled through Maryland Health Connection last year got savings. You will have 35 days from the date on your letter to sign up for a health plan and access these savings.
4. Enroll through Maryland Health Connection. Once you receive your letter you can login into your account or create an account to explore your health plan options and enroll. When you begin your application, a new Special Enrollment question will ask if you or a household member received a “Tax Time SEP” notice. If anyone in your household is already enrolled, you can still add uninsured household members under “Reason for Change.”
5. Get help by phone. A certified navigator from Maryland Health Connection may call you to offer free help enrolling. Find a navigator in your county. Or call 1-855-642-8572 to apply. Deaf and hard of use Relay. Remember, you only have 35 days to enroll!
AARP Free Tax Preparation Services
AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to anyone of any age, especially persons aged 50 and older or who cannot afford paid service. Tax-Aide in northern Prince George’s is at the Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St., Laurel, Maryland 20707, on Wednesdays, February 14, 2024, through April 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM through 2:00 PM, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment call 240-473-2955 on Monday or Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Prince George's County Ombudsman Program's purpose is to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities receive the care they deserve. Anyone can contact the Ombudsman, residents, staff, family or friends of residents, public agencies, community groups, or individuals interested in the quality of care in long-term care facilities. There is no charge. If you would like more information, you can contact the Ombudsman Coordinator, Kelly Snipes, at 301-265-8455. If you would like to volunteer with the program, also contact Ms. Snipes.
Senior Call Check Available to Maryland Residents
Are you home alone? Would you like someone to check in with you daily? If you are 65+, the Maryland Department of Aging offers you a free service for an automated daily phone call at a scheduled time. If you do not pick up after three attempts, the service will call an alternate person on your behalf to check on you. You must have an active landline or cell phone to participate in the program. Sign up online here or by phone at 1-866-502-0560.
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.