Gearing up for a 90 Day Legislative Sprint

Dear Baltimoreans,

As recent images of young scholars, who sat shivering inside classrooms in our underfunded schools, have gone viral, this year's upcoming legislative session in Annapolis, which officially kicks off today at noon, is especially important for the citizens of Baltimore.

It's vital to our city that Baltimore maintains a seat at the legislative table in Annapolis. There are a number of pieces of legislation being proposed by our Baltimore City delegates and senators that will have a direct impact on the health and safety of our great city. I'll be right there to help push them over the top.

Alongside Mayor Catherine Pugh, we will work constructively to continue to strengthen Baltimore, the state's cultural hub, and economic center.

Beginning today, and continuing over the next three months, I'll spend time in Annapolis testifying and lobbying in support of a number of issues that have a direct impact on our city.

The issues include:

Education

• Kirwan Commission – Support continued “bridge funding” until the commission’s recommendations are finalized, especially the funding for declining enrollment.
• State CIP – School Construction (Knott Commission) – Support the school system’s efforts to get reserve funding that has been held by the IAC and continue to support increased and fair funding for city schools in the annual CIP, outside of the 21^st century school system.

Public Safety

• Safe Streets - Ensuring safe for communities in reducing the epidemic levels of violence across Baltimore city are top priorities of the Council. The city provided $1.7 million in Safe Streets operating support for 2018 and I plan to increase this funding in 2019 so that we can expand the number of Safe Streets sites from four to ten.
• Department of justice Consent Decree – We have requested state funding of 10 million and operating funds to assist us as we continue to implement the consent decree.
• Reforming Police District Boundaries - Reforming police district boundaries ultimately improve the safety of our neighborhoods and can help improve the way resources are allocated to address crime in Baltimore. it is long overdue as we have not reconsidered the boundaries in more than 20 years. We need a system that considers population change as we begin for the 2020 census and I will work with the Mayor and police commissioner to implement changes to existing police district boundaries.

Health

• Baltimore City’s Stabilization Center - We have secured $3.6 million in state capital funding and $2 million in federal funds to establish and operate a stabilization center that will provide 24/7 specialized, on-demand treatment for individuals with substance abuse and mental health concerns. We have requested additional State operating funds of $10 million over five years.

Economic & Community Development

• Authorizing Tourism Improvement Districts – We are proposing State enabling legislation to amend Article II to allow Baltimore City the authority to establish Tourism Improvements Districts.
• Baltimore Convention Center – We request to extend the agreement between the State and the City in operating the Convention center an additional five years expiring in 2024.
• Keeping the Preakness in Baltimore – We have requested that Governor Hogan require the Stronach  Group – which owns the Maryland Jockey Club – to escrow half of all allotted casino revenues for future use at the Pamlico Racetrack.
• Shake and Bake Fun Center – We have requested $1.1 Million in State capital funding to repair and renovate Shake and Bake; to restore it to the social and recreational gathering place that it once was for Baltimore.

Sincerely,

Bernard C. "Jack: Young
President, Baltimore City Council

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Parade, January 15, 2018
 

I would like to remind everyone that this upcoming Monday, January 15^th, is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mayor Catherine E. Pugh will host the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of civil rights and equality. Building on this momentum, Baltimore begins a new tradition to honor this commitment and to encourage community-based organizations to organize and submit service projects that welcome volunteers of all-ages.

Join Mayor Pugh's call-to-action and find a volunteer opportunity in your neighborhood.

I would also like to encourage everyone to attend the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

The parade commemorates the life of civil rights leader and icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and begins on Monday at Noon. More than 70 groups will participate.

For more information please visit MLKDay.BaltimoreCity.Gov

Out and About in Baltimore

Mayor Catherine Pugh and Council President Young host members of Project Serve at City Hall.

Project SERVE (Service- Empowerment- Revitalization- Volunteerism- Employment Training). SERVE provides on-the-job training for 150 unemployed and disadvantaged young adults per year in marketable skills while they revitalize Baltimore neighborhoods..

Coming up in Baltimore

Come Visit the Trains at the Glen Avenue Fire House
November 25 - January 7, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., daily
Glen Avenue Fire House, 2700 Glen Ave
Come visit the trains at the Glen Avenue Fire House. Free admission
 

FRESH at the Avenue
Every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Avenue Market, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave
Proudly selling produce grown in 21217. Featuring produce from local farms. Quality prices!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake
Volunteers Needed!
www.biglittle.org/volunteer
Becoming a mentor is easy. Mentoring is about real relationships that help young people overcome obstacles and thrive. From education to extracurricular activities to community engagement, young people benefit from mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Community One-to-One Mentoring Program connects young people with caring adult mentors. Matches are provided with professional supports, inclusive of a case manager, and monthly low to no cost activities. We ask that volunteers commit to mentoring a child for a minimum of one year and to plan two to three match activities per month. To apply contact Leticia Sharp at 410-243-4000 or visit www.biglittle.org/volunteer to complete an online application . Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters on Facebook: BBBSGreaterChesapeake, Twitter: @bbbsgc and instagram: bbbsgc.
 

Online Homebuyer Education Course
24 hours a day/7days a week
www.ehomeamerica.org/
Looking to buy a home? Don't just take your best shot, make it a slam dunk! eHome America can help make your homebuying experience a winning experience! Learn what you need to know about the homebuying process, on your own schedule, from any computer. The cost is low, but the information is invaluable. Visit us at www.ehomeamerica.org/ for more information, or to register online. Information courtesy of Steven C. Kinney of the GO Northwest Housing Resource Center on 2300 Garrison Blvd., Suite 140. For more information e-mail skinney@go-northwesthrc.org or call 410-947-0084.
 

GO Northwest HRC Free Foreclosure and Prevention Counseling
Wednesdays, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM by appointment only
2300 Garrison Boulevard, Suite 140
This workshop is for individuals who are behind on their mortgage and/or facing foreclosure. Free workshop and free parking! Appointment is required. Call 410-947-0084 x104 for more information.
 

Adult Education Classes in Baltimore City
Locations throughout Baltimore City
The Baltimore City Community College and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City will offer Basic Skills (Pre GED) Classes at the following locations: Eager Street Homes, 709 E. Eager Street; Gilmor Homes, 1515 Vincent Court; O'Donnell Heights, 1200 Gusryan Street; Pleasant View Homes, 201 N. Aisquith Street; Westport Homes, 2343 Norfolk Street; Brooklyn Homes, 4140 Tenth Street. You must be at least 17 years of age to enroll. For more information call 410-396-3212.