Keeping Up With Kate - April 9, 2025 (English)

Dear friends,

As you know, our federal workforce is experiencing unprecedented upheaval and ongoing threats due to the current administration’s irresponsible decisions and cruel actions. 

The Trump administration’s abrupt decision to cut over 10,000 employees across Health and Human Services, including 3,500 jobs from the Food and Drug Administration, is a dramatic blow to our nation’s most critical departments and directly impacts hundreds of Montgomery County residents and their families. 

These dedicated civil servants work every day to keep all Americans safe and healthy. I want to express my gratitude and reiterate our ongoing support to the public servants who choose to serve our community and our country. 

If you or someone you know has been subject to RIFs or impacted by the federal administration’s actions, here are a few opportunities that may be of interest:

WorkSource Montgomery Support for Federal Workers Resource Hub

WorkSource Montgomery has a resource hub for federal workers and job seekers, which includes helpful information on unemployment insurance, job postings, job skills training, and more. Explore the resource hub.

Montgomery County’s United in Service and Support Webinar Series

The next webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. The webinar will focus on “Business Incubators and Opportunities for Federal Workers.” View the United in Service webinar schedule and community resources.

Silver Spring Village Offers Free Trial Program for Riffed Federal Workers and Contractors

Silver Spring Village, a local nonprofit dedicated to reimagining life for older adults, is offering six-month no-risk trial memberships and meaningful volunteer opportunities for terminated federal workers and contractors. Explore community resources and connections without a financial obligation or long-term commitment. Visit the Silver Spring Village web page or call (240) 833-5580 for more information.

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart

Council President

Council Expands Eligibility for Homeowners' Property Tax Credit

I am proud that the Homeowners' Tax Credit bill, sponsored by the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, which I chair, passed with full support from the Council. The bill expands eligibility for the County supplement to the State of Maryland Homeowners’ Tax Credit. This assistance is especially important for seniors on fixed incomes and those who are the most impacted by rising assessments. Learn more about the new expanded eligibility for the tax credit and how to apply.

Consumer Protection Bill Strengthens Protections for Renters

The Council recently enacted Bill 6-25, which implements stronger protections for renters by expanding the Office of Consumer Protection’s authority to investigate and enforce consumer protection laws in landlord-tenant matters relating to unfair or deceptive trade practices. Enhancing tenant protections is critical to ensuring the dignity and security of residents in Montgomery County. I was proud to cosponsor this bill and glad to see it pass by unanimous vote, continuing our commitment to ensuring all our residents have a safe place to call home. Councilmember Kristin Mink led this effort on the Council, and I appreciate her work to help end unfair trade practices in our community. 

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

Public participation on the County’s boards, committees and commissions contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there are opportunities to serve on the Bethesda Urban Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors and the East County Citizens Advisory Board. The application deadline is April 14.

View and apply for board, committee and commission vacancies. 

Kate in the Community

MoCo is Open for Business

I was pleased to speak at “Montgomery County is Open for Business,” a networking event hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Procurement. This event provided an opportunity for federal contractors to connect, collaborate and discover new opportunities by engaging with our local government. As contractors face changes in federal spending, we will continue working to provide businesses with opportunities to help us deliver vital community services and projects. Even in challenging times, we will stay true to our values by supporting our local workers, businesses and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy.

Women Making History

I was honored to close out Women’s History Month with special events celebrating the women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations here at home and around the world. I had the pleasure of joining Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles’ annual Women’s History Month event with special guests, including U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Executive Director of Woman-To-Woman Mentoring Amanda Whitener. I also participated in the annual Montgomery County Women Making History Awards. This year, we recognized 32 exceptional honorees for their significant contributions to their professions and communities in Montgomery County.

Trans Day of Visibility

Many thanks to the MoCo Pride Center and Live In Your Truth for hosting an incredible community event celebrating Trans Day of Visibility. Our trans community should be seen, heard, protected and celebrated! On TDOV, and every day, we will stay true to our values and proudly celebrate and stand up for our LGBTQ+ community here in Montgomery County.

Community Health Worker Graduation 

Congratulations to the graduates of the Latino Health Initiative’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Training Program! These graduates completed training to provide health promotion interventions and enhance clients’ access to care, resources, and support services, improving the health and well-being of underserved communities and increasing the availability of Spanish-speaking health professionals in Montgomery County.

Arab American Heritage Month

Montgomery County proudly recognizes April as Arab-American Heritage Month. We were honored to be joined by community leaders and Arab-American community members for the Council’s Arab-American Heritage Month proclamation, which celebrates the communities rich heritage and recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans.

Mental Health Corner:

Mental Health Video Series

Because mental health touches all of our lives, I have launched a mental health video series to promote mental health services and resources available in Montgomery County. First up, we highlight the great work of the Chinese Culture and Community Services Center. Last week I visited CCACC and saw their great work and community services in action.

Watch the video.

NAMIWalks Montgomery County

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County (NAMI MC) is dedicated to building communities of peers to provide support, education and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions and their family members. They offer free, peer-led support groups and classes for individuals and families year-round.

NAMI MC invites residents to attend their annual NAMIWalks Montgomery County on Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m. at the Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Join NAMIWalks to connect with others in our community and fundraise for critical mental health programs. Learn more and register.