Help for our federal employees: the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website
The website can be found at https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/. It serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding.
The website provides resources for impacted federal workers, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and an index of key rules and regulations that govern the federal employment process. Updates will be made as additional information becomes available.
Tuesday, March 4: Special Election for the next Prince George’s County Executive
The Special Primary Election is Tuesday, March 4, with early voting continuing through Monday, March 3. Early voting hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday and Monday and from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 2.
On Election Day, Tuesday, March 4, polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Mail-in ballots can be dropped off at any one of the following locations:
Beltsville Community Center 3900, Sellman Road, Beltsville, 20705
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, 20707
Voting centers for election day:
College Park City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, 20740
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road, Laurel 20707
For more information on voter registration, mail-in ballots, or polling locations, contact the Board of Elections at 301-341-7300.
Utility rates are too high! Home Energy Bill Assistance
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to low-income households. They have several programs to help make energy costs more affordable, prevent loss, and restore home energy service. You can find more information about the assistance programs they offer on their website https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/
You can apply for assistance at https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
Help when you are denied health insurance claims
If your healthcare provider has determined a particular medical treatment is needed and you have been denied health coverage, you have the right to appeal to the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. If your HMO or health insurance company denies you treatment, it must do so in writing, providing you with the details to file an appeal with your health plan.
If you are denied, you can receive help, free of charge, from the Maryland Attorney General’s Health Education and Advocacy Unit. Call them at 1-877-261-8807. If your complaint qualifies as an emergency, you do not have to file an appeal with your health plan before contacting the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA). To read more and watch a video on how the process works, click here: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/AppealsAndGrievances.asp x
Working to protect our federal workers
I am co-sponsoring a bill (SB 683) that will give financial assistance to Maryland residents who are federal employees not being paid during a government shutdown and those who were terminated from federal employment due to closure, relocation, or layoffs in the last six months.
SB 683 - Protect Our Federal Workers Act will provide no-interest loans to eligible individuals. SB 683 will support current federal employees and recently terminated individuals facing financial hardships. If passed, the fund will take effect July 1, 2025.
Senate and House college scholarships for Beltsville students
Each summer, Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I award college scholarships to Beltsville students. Applications for the scholarships for the school year 2025-26 are posted on the 21st District Delegation website. The Delegates’ application will automatically go to Delegates Peña-Melnyk, Barnes and Lehman. You will need to fill out a separate application for the Senatorial Scholarship.
In the meantime, please make sure you have a Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) account at https://mhec.maryland.gov/ and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/.
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.
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