From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

CHANGES IN MARYLAND LAWS that you need to know about!

Information provided by Delegate Jimmy Tarlau (47th Legislative District)

New Laws That Take Effect in MD this Month

There were hundreds of bills that passed the MD legislature this year. Here are some of the most significant laws that take effect this month.

Minimum Wage – It goes up to $8.75 throughout Maryland this month and increases to $9.25 in July 2017. The minimum wage in Prince George’s County is $9.55 and increases to $10.75 in October (in DC it is $11.50).

Retirement Plans – A state-sponsored retirement savings plan goes into effect. IRAs will be created for private sector employees who don’t have access to a workplace savings program with their employer. Employees would need to make the contribution and can opt out of the program. The law applies to employers using an automated payroll system who don’t already offer a retirement program.

Birth and Death Certificates - Cost is reduced from $24 to $10.

Powdered Alcohol – An already existing ban will be extended two years until June 30, 2018.

Teacher Retention – In order to better train new teachers a Teacher Induction, Retention and Advancement Program is established for first-year teachers in challenged schools who will be given 20% more non-teaching time for planning, observation of other teachers and working with experienced teachers. Also a state matching stipend for teachers who hold National Board Certification was increased from $2,000 to $4,000.

Transportation – MD will have a new scoring system to prioritize transportation projects. Hopefully, this will take some of the politics out of decision making on which projects to fund.

Gas Tax – Increased by nine-tenths of a cent to 33.5 cents. This is an automatic increase as a result of legislation passed in 2011. The gas tax each year is adjusted to the rate of inflation.

College Students and Voting – Public colleges and universities must add a voter registration link on the home pages of their course registration websites.

College Students in Debt – Students who owe less than $250 to the school cannot be barred from registering for a class.

Fracking (Prince George’s County Law) – Fracking is banned in Prince George’s County.

Program Open Space Funding – $60 million dollars which were taken from the Open Space Program to balance the budget will be returned over the next two years.

Styrofoam Ban (Prince George’s County Law) – Effective July 1, polystyrene (commonly referred to as Styrofoam), polystyrene loose fill packaging (also known as "packing peanuts") and other foam articles are not permitted for sale or use in Prince George's County. The purpose behind the ban is to reduce the amount of polystyrene waste entering the landfill and local waterways. The County requires the use of non-foam food packaging products that are environmentally-friendly.

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.