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Delegate Nicole Williams Newsletter - February

Dear Neighbors and Friends - 

 

As we embark on February, we're reminded that it's not just any month – it's Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. This newsletter will include various events happening in the county that are celebrating Black History Month. Amidst this significant month, the legislative session is gaining momentum, with many bill hearings occurring in the coming weeks. We hope to keep you informed of important legislation I am putting forth, as well as significant news that impacts our community. I look forward to the progress we will make for our district!

 

- Nicole


 

Black History Month Highlight: The Plummer Family


The story of the Plummer family stands as a testament to resilience and the quest for knowledge amidst adversity. At Riversdale, an estate with deep historical roots, the Plummer family's narrative emerges as a focal point of exploration. 

 

The Plummer family's legacy is intricately tied to Riversdale, an expansive property encompassing 749 acres, where both enslaved and free laborers toiled. Notably, Adam Francis Plummer, an enslaved man, became a key figure. Secretly taught to read and write, he documented his life in a diary from 1841 to 1905. Despite its initial loss, his diary resurfaced in 2001, enhancing historical understanding. Adam, initially from the Mount Albion plantation, met his wife Emily at Riversdale. They married in 1841 and had nine children, later living together post-Emancipation. Adam's diary, now digitized, and his daughter Nellie's memoir shed light on their journey from slavery to freedom, immortalizing their story in the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum and various archival collections. Today, the Riversdale House Museum in District 22 in Riverdale Park aims to uncover and share untold stories, not only to provide a more truthful representation of history but also to reestablish ties with descendants of the plantation and the broader Prince George's County community. 

 

Riversdale House Museum is located at 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park and is open for tours on Friday and Sunday. Gardens and grounds are open daily free of charge. Admission is $5.


 

Black History Month



I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Black History Month Exhibition at Harmony Hall sponsored by MNCPPC in Fort Washington, MD. The Black History Month 2024 Exhibition titled “Taking Center Stage,” which talks about black musicians and venues in Prince George’s County from the Chitlin’ Circuit to Present is taking place until Sunday, March 31st.


 

Black History Month Events in Prince George's County


The celebration of excellence does not stop within this newsletter! Check out these Black History Month events within District 22 and more within Prince George's County to stay educated on black empowerment and to uplift our community:



Visit the Parks and Recreation site to see a full calendar of events happening in Prince George’s County.


 

Session Updates


Mr. Smith, the father of Kelsey Smith, joined me during the bill hearing to testify in support of  HB0129: Criminal Procedure - Location Information - Exigent Circumstances (Kelsey Smith Act for Maryland) in the Judiciary Committee. He traveled from Kansas to share his daughter’s story. He provided impactful testimony and answered many of the Committee’s questions.



The hearing for HB0317: Criminal Procedure - Postconviction Review - Motion for Reduction of Sentence was held on Tuesday, January 30th. I was joined by Rebecca Walker-Kregan, a student attorney in the Youth, Education and Justice Clinic at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law; Michael Hilliard, a former Baltimore Police Officer who was speaking on behalf of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership; Nathaniel Erb, the State policy director of “For The People;” and former Delegate Doyle Niemann, Esq., from the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Office. This legislation will provide individuals a second chance at life and expand the opportunity outside of the current one-time limit to petition the Court for a reduction of sentence. If passed, this legislation ensures that a reduction of a person’s sentence will only occur if the judge believes that it would be in the best interest of the individual and society as a whole, which establishes a system of checks and balances. 



I got to meet with Prince George’s Community College students alongside my fellow Prince George’s County Delegation members. We listened to their legislative priorities for this session as well as their future goals. 



I joined my sorority sisters in the House of Delegates to receive a resolution from Speaker Adrienne Jones during our annual Delta Days in Annapolis where we advocate on behalf of the Sorority’s priorities.



Additional photos from Delta Days in Annapolis!



As chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, I am excited to file another piece of Prince George’s County legislation at the Clerk's Office.



I had the chance to meet Taevion Alexis, who is a page this year in the House of Delegates from District 22. He attends Parkdale High School, and we are excited to welcome him to the Maryland General Assembly!



Governor Wes Moore delivered his second State of the State Address on 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024.



Met with members of the Moms Demand Action from District 22.


 

Legislative Updates


Various hearings are coming up in the following weeks of the legislative session for bills that I am sponsoring. I am looking forward to introducing the following legislation for the 2024 Session:

 

HB0641: Election Law – Curbside Voting – Establishment

  • This bill will be heard on Tuesday, February 13th in the Ways and Means Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Proposes the establishment of designated locations for curbside voting by each local board of elections, outlining requirements and procedures for curbside voting, including location setup and voting processes.


HB0833: Children in Need of Assistance - Parents in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

  • This bill will be heard on Thursday, February 15th in the Ways and Means Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Establishes a presumption favoring the placement of a child with their parent if the parent is undergoing substance use disorder treatment. It assumes that such placement is in the child's best interest, provided the parent is adequately caring for the child and there's no immediate emergency. 


HB0546: Handgun Permits - Accidental Discharge and Training Requirements - Maryland State Police Gun Center (Firearm Safety Act of 2024)

  • This bill will be heard on Wednesday, February 21st in the Judiciary Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Requires individuals holding handgun permits who accidentally discharge their firearm to register for a specific firearms safety training course within 90 days and complete it within 6 months of the incident. Failure to do so results in the Secretary of State Police revoking the handgun permit. Additionally, the Secretary must notify individuals whose handgun permits are revoked in writing.


HB0170: State Finance - Prohibited Appropriations - Magnetic Levitation Transportation System

  • This bill will be heard on Thursday, February 22nd in the Environment and Transportation and Appropriations Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Prohibits the State and certain units and instrumentalities of the State from using any appropriation for a magnetic levitation transportation system in the State.

HB0550: Criminal Procedure – Partial Expungement

  • This bill will be heard on Tuesday, March 5th in the Judiciary Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Proposes individualized expungement for specific charges within a unit of charges, deviating from the current requirement to expunge charges as a whole unit under §10-107 of the Criminal Procedure Article. This change aims to grant eligibility for expungement on a charge-by-charge basis rather than collectively within a unit of charges.


HB1063: Criminal Organizations - Criminal Prohibitions, Civil Actions, and Forfeiture

  • This bill will be heard on Tuesday, March 5th in the Judiciary Committee

  • Synopsis:

    • Establishes a statute of limitations for civil actions related to damages from involvement in criminal organizations. It also adjusts definitions, permits civil actions for relief and damages, and sets procedures for property forfeiture linked to such involvement.


HB1171: Nonprescription Drugs and Devices – Provision by Registered Nurses and Sale of Contraceptives Through Automatic Devices 

  • This bill will be heard in the Health and Government Operations Committee in the near future

  • Synopsis:

    • Repeals the prohibition on the sale of certain contraceptives by means of a vending machine or other automatic device; and authorizing registered nurses to provide, without a prescription, nonprescription drugs and devices in a local health department under certain circumstances.


HJ0003: Use of Nuclear Weapons 

  • This bill will be heard in the Rules and Executive Nominations in the near future 

  • Synopsis:

    • States that the General Assembly joins seven other state legislative bodies and over 75 municipalities and counties in passing a resolution on reducing the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons; urging members of the State's Congressional Delegation who have not yet done so to cosponsor House Resolution 77 relating to the use of nuclear weapons; and urging the U.S. President and the U.S. Senate to endorse the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.


 

Celebrating Love and Connections!



As February unfolds, we celebrate a day dedicated to love, connection, and heartfelt gestures. That's right - Valentine's Day!

 

Whether you celebrated with a special someone, spent time with cherished friends and family, or simply indulged in self-love and appreciation, Valentine's Day offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the meaningful relationships in our lives and the love surrounding us. 


 

Happy Lunar Year!



Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing everyone a year filled with joy, success, and prosperity. May the Year of the Dragon bring you closer to your goals and dreams. Let's celebrate this special time together, honoring traditions and fostering unity. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!


 

Announcements


Delegate A. Williams 2024 Scholarship



The 2024 scholarship application is now available! Applications will be accepted until April 5, 2024. Refer to the graphic above to check your eligibility. 

 

Visit my website for more information on how to apply, as well as the link to the official application. Award winners will be announced in mid-May. Best of luck to everyone applying!



DPIE  3rd-Thursday Seminar



Join DPIE on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to noon on Zoom for their Third-Thursday Community Information Session entitled “Unlicensed Home-Based Businesses Are Illegal in Prince George’s County!” See the virtual meeting information above. The meeting information will be provided in English and Spanish. Click the flyer to reach the registration page.



Free Produce Distribution



Thursday, February 15

Starts at 1:00 PM until supplies last.

Greenbelt Community Center

15 Crescent Road

 

Gratis! Distribución de Verduras

jueves, 15 de febrero

Comienza a las 1:00 PM hasta que se acabe

Greenbelt Community Center

15 Crescent Road



Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship Program



The Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship program is now open. This program offers generous college scholarships in exchange for service in the Army Reserve (not active duty). The deadline to apply is July 2024, but scholarships are based on available funding. Refer to the informational pamphlet above for more information on the Minuteman Scholarship program, and contact Hayson Spiegel, Army Reserve Ambassador for Maryland, for further information: Jayson_spiegel@yahoo.com 



Racial Justice Essay & Creative Arts Student Contest



The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project is pleased to announce its 2024 Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts Contest, open to Prince George’s County students in grades 9-12. Scholarships totaling over $4,000 will be awarded to winning participants. 

The contest is open now and closes on February 29, 2024. For detailed information on the contest, including how to upload submissions, refer to the flyer above or visit: https://pgclmp.org/racial-justice-contest/

If you have questions, or suggestions, or need additional information about the contest, please contact Lula at lulabeatty@verizon.net or princegeorgescolmp@gmail.com 



School Crossing Guards Employment Opportunity



The Prince George's County Police Department is actively seeking applications for school crossing guard positions! Refer to the graphic above for more information.



Thrive Academy



On Tuesday, January 9, the Governor and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) announced the launch of the Thrive Academy. The Thrive Academy is a robust new program that serves youth who are determined to be at a heightened risk for involvement in gun violence, either as a victim or perpetrator. View the graphic above for more information or contact djs.thriveacademy@maryland.gov.



MDOT



The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) has announced that qualified plug-in electric vehicle owners can apply for a new HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) permit. The MVA began accepting applications on June 12th through this portal or by visiting an MVA branch office. Please note that prior permit holders should remove expired vehicle permits and reapply for new ones. The new program includes a $5 application fee valid through September 30, 2025. Any further information regarding the new HOV permit program can be found using this link.


 

Article of The Month



Greenbelt announces its theme for this year's Black History Month programs, focusing on African Americans and the Arts. It highlights the significant contributions of Black Americans, Caribbeans, and Africans to various artistic forms, including fashion, literature, dance, music, and visual arts, which have influenced American culture and preserved cultural traditions. The programs, organized by the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee, aim to celebrate and discuss Black history throughout the month of February, in collaboration with other organizations in Greenbelt. The programs include art exhibitions, receptions, art workshops, health screenings, family activities, cultural programs, documentary screenings, and historical discussions. The events are free and open to the public, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic achievements of Black communities in America. Click here to learn more and find the list of events. 


 

Resources


Pepco Energy Assistance



Maryland customers can review eligibility requirements through the Department of Human Services website or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347. District residents can review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance online through the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) website or by calling 3-1-1. As a reminder, District residents who have received LIHEAP assistance in the past must recertify their need for assistance this year. Enrollment does not roll over automatically.

 

If customers do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying their energy bills, Pepco Customer Care is also available to help by offering:

    •    Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans

    •    Extending payment periods for balances

    •    Connecting customers with energy assistance funds

    •    Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period and helps avoid  

          seasonal spikes and provides a consistent monthly bill. 

 

Customers can contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.



Energy Assistance for Maryland Residents


  • The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) aids low-income customers with electric bills, even if without service, while the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP-eligible households to enter into monthly payment programs. Apply by contacting your local Office of Home Energy Programs, calling 1-800-332-6347, or visiting dhr.maryland.gov/ohep.

  • Mary’s Center also provides emergency assistance to income-eligible customers in Prince George’s County. Customers can call 202-545-2024





St Matthews/San Mateo Church is offering free primary care health services every first Sunday and last Tuesday of each month (Primer Domingo y ultimo martes de cada mes).

These services will be held from 9 am to 3 pm. 

 

Address:

5901 36th Avenue

Hyattsville MD, 20782

 

Call or Text for an Appointment:

240-258-8583

Mande Un Texto O Llame A:

240-258-8583



Housing



Prince George’s County Department of Housing Community Development 2023-2024 Affordable Housing Portfolio:

The Portfolio Lists over forty upcoming and completed senior living communities and multi-family dwellings, now available to County residents. You can watch the promotional video here to access more information about the new portfolio.

 

If you are currently facing housing or rental concerns due to financial hardships, the organizations listed below can provide some support:

 

Housing Counseling Services Inc. offers a variety of MD housing and rental assistance resources, including but not limited to housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, utility assistance, and veteran support services.

211 Maryland’s database can connect you with local programs and resources; call 2-1-1 to speak with an information and referral specialist or visit their website.  

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