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| January 2020
My First Year As Your Councilmember
When I was elected, I pledged to conduct tough oversight while striving to pursue policy initiatives that provide needed support to members of our community. This past year has been a reflection of that commitment. My first bill, the Montgomery County Pay Equity Act, aimed to combat gender pay differences that exist in our own county government. In another important initiative, I successfully fought to expand the Kids Ride Free program so students under the age of 18 can use our public buses at no cost to them –– everyday of the week.
In the wake of 593 tragic incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists in 2019, I hosted a Vision Zero Town Hall and gained invaluable insights from hundreds of county residents on how to make our streets safer in Montgomery County. My team and I also worked tirelessly to make our community a more equitable and prosperous place for every resident by organizing events throughout Pride month and introducing the Housing Impact Fairness Act and the Oversight & Small Business Investment Act.
My main function as Councilmember is to improve the lives of the 1.1 million residents of Montgomery County. Working toward that goal, I was humbled to provide significant constituent services, from finding housing for individuals experiencing homelessness to helping small businesses get the licenses they needed to expand. If you have a policy idea or need help getting in touch with a county agency, send me an email or give my office a call so that I can provide direct assistance.
I look forward to working alongside you in 2020.
Visiting Montgomery College's Nursing Program
I had the opportunity to learn more about Montgomery College’s Health Sciences Center in Silver Spring and see their state of the art Nursing Simulation Center and Surgical Technology Lab. This center is a cutting edge example of our innovative investments in education, with facilities that prepare students by providing first hand experience with the current technology in the nursing field, as well as practical experience for their future jobs.
Montgomery College plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of nurses that keeps our community healthy and strong. Montgomery College is a leading partner in our efforts to provide job training and workforce development for residents seeking these life changing opportunities.
Touring the Chinese Services Center
In December my team and I toured the Chinese Culture and Community Services Center (CCACC) in Gaithersburg. The all-inclusive facility is home to CCACC’s Adult Day Healthcare Center, Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic and even a gallery featuring traditional chinese artwork. I was briefed on the organization’s plan to continue providing critical wrap-around services to seniors in our community. The health care services provided are reflective of patients’ cultural norms by providing a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine; all medical services are provided by licensed volunteer doctors.
I look forward to strengthening the relationship between CCACC and the county government to improve health and well-being outcomes for all seniors in our community.
Meeting with Fire and Rescue Services
I recently met with Montgomery County’s Fire and Rescue Services Chief Scott Goldstein to learn more about the County’s current public safety needs and how we are responding to emergencies. The department handles over 120,000 emergency calls for service annually, which are responded to by over 4,000 personnel in 37 stations – including 19 volunteer fire departments.
During my visit with the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department, I learned the history and evolution of Montgomery County’s Fire and Rescue Services since its inception in the early 1800's. We have come a long way due to the extraordinary career and volunteer firefighters who ardently protect the lives, property and the environment of all Montgomery County residents.
New Councilmembers Profiled in Washington Post
The past year brought a lot of exciting changes to Montgomery County, including four new Councilmembers. My colleagues and I were profiled in the Washington Post for the diverse approaches and fresh points of view that we are bringing to the County Council.
From hosting the county’s first LGBTQ+ Pride events to passing pay equity legislation and pushing for more affordable housing, it’s been an honor to work with my colleagues on behalf of all Montgomery County residents. I look forward to what we'll accomplish together in the years ahead!
You can read the full profile here.
Congrats Council President Katz
Join me in congratulating our new Council President Sidney Katz and Council Vice President Tom Hucker. Every year the Montgomery County Council elects a new President to lead its legislative and budget processes. It’s a tough task that takes tremendous leadership and collaboration. I am certain that Councilmember Sidney Katz will successfully lead the Council through the next year.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Tax season is officially upon us! Did you know that if you are a county resident and make $56,000 or less you can have your taxes prepared for free? The Community Action Agency administers a program called “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) and trained members of our community are on standby ready to help you file your income taxes this year.
Make an appointment anytime between January 21, 2020 to April 15, 2020 at six different locations throughout the county: Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Rockville, East County, Germantown and Wheaton. If you or someone you know is interested in this free tax preparation service call 240-777-1123 to learn more and set up an appointment.
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