2022 Session Newsletter - 1/24/22
Dear Neighbors and Friends -
We are now in the second full week of the 2022 legislative session! My office has gotten off to a great start, and I am hard at work to deliver a progressive agenda for the residents of District 22.
Governor Hogan has made some recent announcements as we continue the fight against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. 3 million KN95 masks will be distributed to schools throughout the state, in addition to the 20 million N95 and KN95 masks that are currently being administered. The state has also announced that open enrollment for health insurance on Maryland Health Connection will be extended through February in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases.
At the county level, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks recently announced the opening of a new walk-in COVID-19 testing center at the Temple Hills Community Center in Temple Hills. This is in addition to other testing centers that have been opened around the county. For more information on testing centers in Prince George’s County, be sure to check out the COVID-19 section later on in this newsletter.
Comptroller Peter Franchot has announced an extension of the filing and payment deadline for 2021 state individual income taxes, from April 18th, 2022 to July 15th, 2022. Marylanders will now be able to file their taxes by this later date in light of the financial difficulties many are facing from the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal income tax filing date remains as April 18th, 2022.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns as we continue working through this year’s legislative session. As your voice in Annapolis, I am always looking to hear from you!
- Nicole
Welcome Eimaan Imran!
After nearly three years as a part of my team, my former Chief of Staff D. Desiree Williams is starting a new chapter in her life as the Political Director for the Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO. She has been with me since I was sworn in, and has worked alongside me every step of the way in Annapolis. Please join me in wishing her the best of luck as she takes on this new role! I would like to welcome Eimaan Imran as my new Chief of Staff! Eimaan received her Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2020. She has
previously interned with the Maryland General Assembly in 2019 and served as the legislative liaison for the Council on American Islamic Relations Maryland in 2020. She is looking forward to serving the
constituents of District 22!
COVID-19 Testing Sites
The state of Maryland has opened several hospital-based COVID-19 testing sites. Those closest to Prince George's County residents include: UM Laurel Alternate Care Site 7300 Van Dusen Rd. Laurel, MD 20707 Open daily (Mon-Sun, 9 AM - 1 PM) Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (testing at Washington Education Zone/Washington University of DC) 6511 Princess Garden Pkwy Lanham, MD 20706 Open daily (Mon-Sun, 9 AM - 1 PM) UM Capital Region Medical Center (testing at City of Praise Family Ministries) 8501 Jericho City Dr. Landover, MD 20785 Mon: 12 PM - 6 PM Tues - Fri: 10 AM - 4 PM Sat: 9 AM - 1 PM Bunker Hill Fire Station 3716 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD 20722 Mon-Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville 6201 Belcrest Rd Hyattsville, MD 20782 Monday & Thursday: 9 AM - 3 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM Roseu Medical Center 7350 Van Dusen Rd. Laurel, MD 20707 (Appointment required, click here to schedule) Temple Hills Community Center 5300 Temple Hill Rd. Temple Hills, MD 20748 Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM In addition, every home in America is now eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests through the United States Postal Service. To place an order, visit covidtests.gov. Many pharmacies that have partnered with the state and federal government to deliver COVID-19 vaccines will also be supplying free N95 and KN95 masks. Check your local pharmacy, including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart for more information.
Housing Assistance
Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the launch of the $248 million Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund. Grants from this fund will go towards helping homeowners with mortgage payments, home repairs, housing counseling, and legal aid services. This fund will help those who were unemployed or underemployed after January 21st, 2020. For more information on eligibility requirements and the application, please click here.
Abortion Rights in Maryland
Last week, I was proud to join activists in Annapolis to support calls for abortion rights and health care for women. These are very important issues to me, and I am excited to be sponsoring the Pregnant Persons Freedom Act of 2022 in order to protect women seeking an abortion from prosecution or civil action. If you would like to read more about our efforts, please click here.
Maryland Health Connection Open Enrollment
Governor Larry Hogan has recently announced an extension of the open enrollment period for health insurance through Maryland Health Connection. Marylanders will now be able to apply for health insurance through February 28th, 2022, with coverage starting on March 1st, 2022. For more information on how to apply, please click here.
COVID -19 Vaccines and Boosters
If you, a friend, or a family member would like to receive the vaccine or booster, please review the county's website for more information. I encourage you all to get vaccinated as we enter flu season. My office and I are fully vaccinated, in addition, we have just received our boosters as well. If you have any further questions, contact my office and someone will be more than happy to assist you.