Help for our federal employees
The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has prepared resources to support Maryland workers impacted by the federal government transition, including federal government employees and federal contractors. Their resource web page provides information about unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support, linking to our FAQs, application portals, and most-requested flyers for rapid access to key information and can be found at https://labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers/
Every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Labor Department will host a virtual workshop specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition. Expert-led virtual workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to transition into the next stage of your career. Please email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up. Workshop details at https://labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers/fedworkerworkshop.pdf.
Additionally, MD Labor offers résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, coping with job loss and transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more. These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) https://labor.maryland.gov/county/ and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) https://labor.maryland.gov/poac/.
Help with high utility bills
If you missed the Districts 21, 23, and 1 Community Conversation regarding utility bills, you can watch it on Councilmember Tom Dernoga’s Facebook page: @TomDernogaD1. The conversation featured representatives of BGE, Pepco, and the Office of the People’s Counsel.
Immediate help with your bill is available. If you are a BGE customer, visit bge.com/heretohelp for ways to manage your bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes an Assistance Finder, state programs, budget billing, and payment arrangements.
Pepco customer service can be reached at 1-800-424-8028, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For even more information, click on https://www.pepco.com/billsupport. You will find an Assistance Finder, energy-saving tips, and an opportunity to have an energy consultation.
Help with your taxes
Now through April 15, the AARP Foundation provides free in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. IRS-certified volunteers provide this service to anyone of any age. To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
Solar Energy Grant Program in Prince George’s County
These grant awards and state energy incentives assist residents in accessing the benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies upon successfully implementing energy-efficiency measures. Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 25, 2025, or until all awards have been allocated. Grant awards will be available for a limited amount of time. Interested applicants can review the requirements for participating in this program at
www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/sustainab ility/sustainable-energy
Senate and House college scholarships for Beltsville students
Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I award college scholarships to Beltsville students each summer. Applications for the scholarships for the school year 2025-26 are posted on the 21st District Delegation website. The Delegates’ application will automatically go to Delegates Peña-Melnyk, Barnes, and Lehman. You will need to fill out a separate application for the Senatorial Scholarship.
In the meantime, please ensure you have a Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) account at https://mhec.maryland.gov/ and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/.
21st District Delegation Website:
If you have questions, email my office at jim.rosapepe@senate.state.md.us or call at 410-841-3141.
Contact me
Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 410-841-3141.
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