August Update

In my last update, I shared the news that the Maryland General Assembly would hold a special session, which occurred in early August. I summarized the work of the special session in a video.
First, we overrode a few vetoes which you can read about here and here. Second, we rectified an error made during the regular session that would have resulted in two identical ballot questions related to the state workforce appearing on the November ballot. Third, and most significantly, we placed a constitutional amendment on the November ballot asking the voters if we should be allowed to clarify the rules around Congressional redistricting. You can read that here.
As always there is a lot more information below. If you support the work I am doing, please consider attending my annual fundraising event on September 17th. More information is available here.

POTOMAC INTERCEPTOR UPDATE
Along with the other District 16 legislators, I maintain a separate email list to send updates about the Potomac Interceptor. If you would like to be added to that list, just hit reply and let me know. But I did want to share this update from the Montgomery County Department of Health:
Statement from Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis on Lifting the Health Advisory for Shoreline Areas Affected by the Potomac Interceptor Collapse and Sewage Leak
“Following a close review of the most recent sediment testing results provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is lifting all remaining health advisories for the Potomac River shoreline and river sediment. This includes removal of the contact advisory specific to the shoreline and river sediment between Lock 11 and the shoreline surrounding Minnie's Island.  In addition to ongoing water monitoring, sediment testing in these areas has shown that bacterial concentrations have returned to acceptable levels.
Residents may resume recreational use of this area.
General Health Guidance
The public should be aware that the Potomac River, like other natural bodies of water, inherently contains varying levels of bacteria. Everyone should avoid ingesting any water from the Potomac River as much as possible. Pets, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of bacterial infection if they ingest water.
Significant rainfall often causes bacteria levels to surge for 48 to 72 hours. The public should use additional caution after storms or significant rainfall. Individuals should protect wounds because bacteria harboring in water or sediment significantly increase the likelihood of infections developing in open sores or cuts.
For additional information, please visit the Montgomery County Potomac Interceptor webpage.”  

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
​We remain in the midst of the two-month Red Line segment shutdown of Grosvenor, Medical Center, and Bethesda. It has been a challenging experience for drivers and riders (I use the bus shuttles most days). I did have the opportunity to tour some of the ongoing work at the Bethesda Metro Station last week and it is exciting to see Bethesda's new second entrance take shape.
Here is information about the bus shuttles.

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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has proposed traffic improvements along Pooks Hill Road. You can read about the proposals here and provide feedback at [email protected].
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The Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability has published an evaluation of Speed Monitoring Systems in Maryland. You can read it here.

HEALTHCARE UPDATE
Do you know about the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board? This was established several years ago and serves as a national model of state efforts to reel in the cost of prescription drugs. The Board sets Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) for certain drugs, starting with what state government would pay but now expanding to all Marylanders. Thus far, UPLs have been set for Jardiance (a diabetes treatment) and Ozempic. Learn more about the board and its work here: Prescription Drug Affordability Board

ENERGY UPDATE
During the legislative session, Senator Love and I had legislation to ensure that residents behind master utility meters benefit from any energy rebates. Although the bill did not pass, we succeeded in adding language to the bipartisan Utility RELIEF Act to require the Maryland Public Service Commission to explore this issue when it came to the discount Maryland ratepayers will receive to the EMPOWER Maryland energy efficiency surcharge this year. That proceeding has now launched and Senator Love and I organized comments from affected buildings to ensure that District 16 residents in multi-unit buildings can benefit from the discount. You can read all of the comments in the proceeding, including ours, here by selecting the "Public Conference" option and typing in PC80. 

COMPTROLLER UPDATE
The Maryland Comptroller's office is upgrading its IT systems. The new system, Maryland Tax Connect, will improve security, simplify filing and payments, provide better access to account information, and deliver a more seamless experience for
taxpayers. However, digital systems will be down from August 21st-31st so please plan ahead if you need to do any tax work during that time. Learn more here.

COMMUNITY NEWS
​Thank you to Lynn Barclay, the long-time editor of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Newsletter, who is stepping down. You can still subscribe to the newsletter here.
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Congratulations to Judge Catherine McQueen on winning the Founders Award from the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County.