Minimum Wage Rises in Montgomery County as New Maryland Laws Start Today
Hundreds of new laws and a hike in vehicle registration fees went into effect in Maryland today, as well as a minimum wage increase in Montgomery County.
Council Overrides County Executive Veto of Silver Spring BID, Then Supports Changes to State BID Law
The County Council yesterday overrode by a vote of 8-1 the county executive’s veto of a bill that would establish a business improvement district in downtown Silver Spring; Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At Large) was the sole “no” vote.
District 20 Proposes Changes to State BID Law, Asks for Council Support
The members of the District 20 state delegation in Silver Spring have sent a letter to the County Council asking for its support for proposed changes to the state law allowing the establishment of Business Improvement Districts in the county.
County Landlords Would Be Required to Revise Rental Application Process, Decision Making Under New Law
County landlords would be required to revise rental applications to improve transparency and be limited on what types of arrest and convictions could be considered in housing decisions under the terms of a bill passed April 20 by the County Council.
Council Extends Deadline to Apply for Charter Review Commission
The County Council has extended the deadline to apply for a seat on the Charter Review Commission until Wednesday, Dec. 23. No more than six members from the same party can sit on the commission, so the council is seeking Republicans, unaffiliated people or members of another party recognized by the Board of Elections, as long as it’s not the Democratic Party.
Silver Spring Chamber Joins Effort to Oppose Tax on Digital Advertising Revenues
The Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce has joined a coalition of businesses and organizations to oppose any attempt to implement a tax on digital ad revenues in the 2021 Maryland General Assembly. “We opposed this last year in the General Assembly because we felt that, as they had said, it would be a tax not just on the people accepting advertising but also on small businesses,” said Jane Redicker, GSSCC president and CEO.
Council Approves Additional COVID-19 Funding, Amended Executive Order
The County Council yesterday unanimously passed additional targeted funding in response to COVID-19, as well as an amended executive order on county restrictions in response to the pandemic. The council approved a $3.3 million special appropriation to implement the African American Health Program Executive Committee program to provide a response to the impact of the pandemic on African American and Black residents. In addition, bars and restaurants will be barred from selling alcohol after 10 p.m.
Council Approves $28 Million in COVID-19 Related Appropriations
The County Council yesterday approved about $28 million in appropriations to provide assistance to residents and various entities dealing with financial issues related to COVID-19 emergency. The largest appropriation, $20 million was requested by County Executive Marc Elrich from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to expand rental assistance for eviction and homelessness prevention.
Council Continues to Provide Funding to Assist in COVID-19 Recovery
The County Council continues to work on providing funding for specific sectors to assist in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 health emergency. At the behest of County Executive Marc Elrich, the council yesterday introduced legislation to appropriate $20 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to expand rental assistance for eviction and homelessness prevention.