Election Information Forum; Phone Calls into PA
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Election Day is less than two months away. I have spoken with a number of people here in Maryland who are confused about how to vote, where to vote, should they vote in person or by mail, when they can start to go vote in person.
There are some changes for the November election regarding mail in ballots and voting locations. Because of all of the confusion, Delegate Alonzo Washington and I are hosting an Election Information Forum on Tuesday, September 15th. We will have Prince George’s County Election Administrator Alisha Alexander to talk about the changes and to ask any questions that you may have so you can make a plan for voting.
A few weeks ago I talked about the passing of my friend Joseph Kitchen, Jr. On Saturday, September 19th at 11 PM, we are making phone calls into Pennsylvania in his honor. Joseph was a very early supporter of Senator Harris for President and I know if he was here would have been equally enthusiastic to have her elected as Vice President of the United States. I hope you are able to join me on the 19th.
Lastly, today on September 11th. Nineteen years ago terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killing more than 3,000 people. Please take a moment today to pause and remember those who died, those who survived and our first responders who stepped up in an awe-inspiring way to save people's lives that day.
Nicole
Election Information Forum
Calling Into Pennsylvania
Distance Learning and Free Meals for Students
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has a Distance Learning Hotline for students and parents to assist with technical/equipment issues, instruction guidance and more. You can reach them at 240-696-6229 (Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM).
Student meals are free for all students through December 31. You can pick up the meals from your neighborhood school or a school close to home on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 AM and 1 PM. Meals can also be delivered to many communities by school bus on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. More information and a list of delivery locations by city here. Please check the PGCPS website on meal delivery days for any important updates or changes.
Although PGCPS will offer distance learning for the first semester, students must meet state immunization requirements within 20 calendar days of enrollment (Sept. 21). PGCPS is hosting free immunization clinics at multiple school sites to assist families with meeting immunization requirements. https://www.pgcps.org/immunizations/ Immunizations will be offered by appointment only in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines; masks will be required. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival. We will also offer dental services and flu shots for your convenience.
PGCPS continues to cover the cost of the Comcast Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable high-speed internet at home, for families eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS). The school system will also help non-FARMS families obtain a Comcast or Verizon hotspot for home internet access. To request a hotspot, please call our Parent Center Hotline at 240-696-3315 or pgcps.family@pgcps.org.
Prince George's County Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
The County Health Department has four free coronavirus testing sites. You do not need insurance or an appointment. The sites are open Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6pm unless otherwise noted. All of the County sites are closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th.
Rollingcrest-Chillum Recreation Center
6120 Sargent Road, Chillum MD 20782
Cheverly Health Center ( Open Friday, Sept. 4th from 9 AM – 3 PM)
3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly MD 20785
Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Center
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover MD 20785
D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center
9314 Piscataway Road, Clinton MD 20735
There are also test sites operated by the State such the Six Flags Amusement Park location and private entities such as some CVS locations.
Click here to find a test site near you.
Utility Moratorium and Payment Rules
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has extended the moratorium on utility shut-offs and late payments until October 1, 2020. Utilities cannot begin to send turn-off notices until October 1, 2020 and customers cannot be turned off prior to November 15, 2020.
However, you can contact your utility company today to set up a payment plan or request energy assistance funds. Click here for more information on how to obtain help with your utilities.
Unemployment Insurance
If you or someone you know is continuing to have problems, please let my office know. Please use this Unemployment Insurance Tracker Form or contact my office directly for additional assistance.
To directly access the BEACON One-Stop site to file an unemployment claim, visit https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov/claimant/
Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland Workgroup
The next workgroup meeting is September 17th at 1:00 PM. The meeting will be open to the public for viewing only.
Click here to visit the workgroup website to view the September 17th meeting or any of the previous meetings.
Child Care Provider Recovery Program
Prince George’s County is now accepting applications for its Child Care Provider Recovery Program. Child care providers in Prince George’s County may apply for grants to cover reopening expenses through this program, such as PPE, payroll, rent, supplies and other operating costs. Eligible child care providers may receive a grant of up to $20,000 for licensed child care centers, and up to $3,000 for registered family child care homes.
Applications will be accepted September 9, 2020 through October 2, 2020, and grants awards will be announced October 9, 2020. To learn more and to complete an application, click here.
Food Distribution Sites and Resources
Food Pantry Locations
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several food pantries have been setup throughout the county and in neighboring jurisdictions. Enter your zip code or address to search for the food pantry nearest you.
SNAP Assistance
SNAP is now approved in Maryland for online grocery purchases for delivery or pickup. Walmart, Amazon and ShopRight are among the participating retailers. Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 866-821-5552 for assistance and questions related to SNAP applications. They can assist with completing and submitting SNAP applications over the phone, submit any changes to your active SNAP case, answer questions about your benefits, and direct you to additional food resources
County COVID-19 Resources
The COVID-19 Hotline
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease. *Please contact 911 for medical emergencies only.
Nonprofit Resources
Listing of resources and grants specifically for nonprofit organizations in the County.
Hourly Employee Relief Fund
The County is accepting applications for its Hourly Employee Relief Fund to assist residents who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing $200 cash cards for those in need.
Childcare for Essential Employees and Employees Returning to Work
Child care centers are opening up throughout in the State. Click here if you are returning back to work and need child care.
To keep track of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the county please click here.
2020 Census Ends Soon
The Deadline to Complete the 2020 Census is September 30th. Please complete your census form TODAY. Please ask you neighbors to complete the census as well. You can call 1-844-330-2020 to complete your form over the phone Go to www.2020census.gov to fill out the census online. Let your friends know you've been counted--share this status on your social media: I am #ProudtobeCounted in PGC #pgcensus We need you to complete the 2020 Census TODAY.