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Jack's Journal: Vol. 9, Issue 9

City Council continues its push toward progress

 

Citizens woke up Tuesday to news that their City Council continued its march toward progress by granting final passage to a number of proposals that will dramatically improve life for average Baltimoreans.

 

The proposals were the latest sign that the City Council, under President Bernard C. “Jack” Young, is serious about passing legislation aimed at improving the health and boosting the quality of life of most citizens.

 

The four proposals, which now go to Mayor Catherine E. Pugh’s desk for her signature before becoming law, would do the following:

 

  • A ban on polystyrene – sponsored by Councilman John Bullock (District 9), this legislation requires that businesses in Baltimore move away from using the harmful product for food and drink containers
  • A ban on sugary drinks from kids menus – this legislation, which was sponsored by Councilman Brandon Scott (District 2), was heralded by a host of childhood and health advocates who believe that the ban would reduce rates of obesity in children
  • A ban on the expansion or building of crude oil terminals – a public health and safety measure, this legislation, sponsored by Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke (District 14), would protect communities in Baltimore most at risk from the terminals
  • A residency requirement bill – sponsored by Councilwoman Shannon Sneed (District 13), this bill would require top managers in City government to invest in Baltimore by living here

 

Council President Young, who was instrumental in advancing the four pieces of legislation, credited his colleagues for their willingness to work cooperatively with his office and with one another on legislative priorities that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of their constituents.

 

“We are truly a shining example of how government is supposed to function,” Council President Young said. We got together, ironed out our differences, and came up with legislation that put the needs of our citizens first. I am really proud of this Council. We’re going to continue to work on behalf of the people of Baltimore and the sky’s really the limit.”  

 

 

 


 

Baltimore City's Board of Estimates - Annual Taxpayers' Night

The Board of Estimates will hold its annual Taxpayers’ Night on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Taxpayers’ Night allows citizens an opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns about the City’s proposed Fiscal Year 2019 budget.

 

Members of the Board of Estimates will meet to listen to residents and gather feedback.

 

The first portion of the meeting will include a Budget Pop-Up session where citizens can engage with City staff about the Fiscal 2019 budget proposal and find out about capital projects slated for specific neighborhoods.

 

Taxpayers' Night will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Building at 101 N. Gay Street (across from city hall on Gay Street, between Fayette and Lexington Streets).

 

The War Memorial Building is located on MTA routes 5, 20, 23, 40 and 91. It is also accessible via the Metro's Shot Tower/Market Place stop. Limited parking is available in the lot directly in front of City Hall. Paid parking is available in the Lexington and Fayette garages.

 

 

 

 


 

THE NONPROFIT CASH CAMPAIGN OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES

2018 FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES FOR LOW-INCOME MARYLANDERS 

 

Baltimore, Md.  Now in its 17th year offering free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income Marylanders, the CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Campaign of Maryland is operating tax preparation sites in the Baltimore area and working with over 21 partner organizations across the state to provide free tax preparation services. 

 

FREE TAX PREP SITES IN BALTIMORE: There are 13 sites in Baltimore City and 2 sites in Baltimore County this tax season where highly trained IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and electronically file (e-file) both federal & state taxes for FREE for eligible taxpayers. People are urged to go on-line at www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call 410-234-8008 now to set up appointments.  The 15 sites are located in Central Baltimore, South Baltimore, East Baltimore, North West Baltimore and also Towson & Catonsville in Baltimore County so there’s a site convenient to just about everyone. Many of the City sites are in Community Action Centers. 

 

 

“I cannot stress how important the CASH Campaign of Maryland is to improving our city’s future and strengthening its communities.  No one should have to go through the complicated maze of tax preparation without professional guidance, “said City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young. “Every citizen deserves to get the tax write-offs and refunds they need to make their lives a little easier.”

 

CASH CAMPAIGN’S 2018 FREE TAX PREP SITES IN BALTIMORE CITY:

 

Central Baltimore

 

Central Enoch Pratt Free Library 

400 Cathedral Street, 21201

 

1199 SEIU
611 North Eutaw Street, 21201

 

CASH Campaign @ Union Baptist Church

1201 Druid Hill Avenue, Suite A, 21217

Corner of Druid Hill Avenue and Dolphin Street

 

South Baltimore

 

Southern Community Action Center
606 Cherry Hill Road, 21225

Baltimore City Residents Only

 

North West

 

Northwest Community Action Center
3939 Reisterstown Road, 21215 (Baltimore City Residents Only)

 

Center for Urban Families 
2201 North Monroe Street, 21217

 

Habitat for Humanity

Appointments available at two locations on varying days:

3741 Commerce Drive, #311, Halethorpe, 21227

1300 North Fulton Avenue, Baltimore, 21217

 

North Baltimore

 

Northern Community Action Center
5225 York Road, 21212

Baltimore City Residents Only

 

East Baltimore

 

We Are CASA

2224 East Fayette Street, 21231

Appointments only 410-732-7777
Not ADA compliant, but wheelchair accessible
Servicios disponibles en español, llame al 410-732-7777

para hacer una cita

 

Southeast Community Action Center

3411 Bank Street, 21224

  
Humanim, Inc.

1701 North Gay Street, 21213

 

Morgan State University, School of Business

1700 East Cold Spring Lane, 21251

Corner of Hillen Road and Argonne Drive

 

 


Safe sleep for infants is an important health issue. 
 

 
 

Sleep-related deaths are the second leading cause of infant mortality in Baltimore and the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year of age.  Most of these deaths occur two to four months after birth. Nationally, African-American infants are twice as likely as white infants to suffer a sleep-related death.  

 

What you say and do makes a difference. 

 

Studies indicate that parents who have been counseled by health care professionals about safe sleep are more likely to place infants on their backs for sleep. Similarly, if patients have seen their infant placed to sleep on his or her stomach by a health care provider, they are more likely to adopt this dangerous practice at home. 

 

In Baltimore City, most infants who die in their sleep are found in unsafe sleep environments. These environments include bed sharing with an adult or sibling, sleeping on an adult bed, a couch, or other unsafe surface, and sleeping on the stomach.   

 

Education works.

 

Safe sleep campaigns have been associated with a decrease in SIDS deaths in countries that have implemented coordinated, far-reaching campaigns. Nationally, the Back-to-Sleep campaigns in the U.S. are credited with a 42% reduction in SIDS between 1992 and 1998.

 

In Baltimore, the number of sleep-related deaths has dropped and remained at lower levels since the 2010 launch of the SLEEP SAFE campaign, a coordinated effort of mass media advertising, community mobilization, and provider counseling.

 


 

Out and About in Baltimore

 

Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young and Councilman Zeke Cohen speak with a first year Government & Politics class from Loyola University. 

 

The class was able to attend this week's City Council Meeting as a class field trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Coming up in Baltimore

 

Free Easter Party Sponsored by Hug Don't Shoot
Sunday, April 1, 2018, 3 -7pm
Langston Hughes Business and Resource Center, 5011 Arbutus Avenue.
Hug Don’t Shoot will be sponsoring a Free Easter Party on Sunday, April 1, 2018 . Fun for all ages  featuring music, dicso, food, drink & games! 

 

FRESH at the Avenue
Every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Avenue Market, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave
Proudly selling produce grown in 21217. Featuring produce from local farms. Quality prices!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake
Volunteers Needed!
www.biglittle.org/volunteer
Becoming a mentor is easy. Mentoring is about real relationships that help young people overcome obstacles and thrive. From education to extracurricular activities to community engagement, young people benefit from mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Community One-to-One Mentoring Program connects young people with caring adult mentors. Matches are provided with professional supports, inclusive of a case manager, and monthly low to no cost activities. We ask that volunteers commit to mentoring a child for a minimum of one year and to plan two to three match activities per month. To apply contact Leticia Sharp at 410-243-4000 or visit www.biglittle.org/volunteer to complete an online application . Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters on Facebook: BBBSGreaterChesapeake, Twitter: @bbbsgc and instagram: bbbsgc.
 

Online Homebuyer Education Course
24 hours a day/7days a week
www.ehomeamerica.org/
Looking to buy a home? Don't just take your best shot, make it a slam dunk! eHome America can help make your homebuying experience a winning experience! Learn what you need to know about the homebuying process, on your own schedule, from any computer. The cost is low, but the information is invaluable. Visit us at www.ehomeamerica.org/ for more information, or to register online. Information courtesy of Steven C. Kinney of the GO Northwest Housing Resource Center on 2300 Garrison Blvd., Suite 140. For more information e-mail skinney@go-northwesthrc.org or call 410-947-0084.
 

GO Northwest HRC Free Foreclosure and Prevention Counseling
Wednesdays, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM by appointment only
2300 Garrison BoulevardSuite 140
This workshop is for individuals who are behind on their mortgage and/or facing foreclosure. Free workshop and free parking! Appointment is required. Call 410-947-0084 x104 for more information.
 

Adult Education Classes in Baltimore City
Locations throughout Baltimore City
The Baltimore City Community College and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City will offer Basic Skills (Pre GED) Classes at the following locations: Eager Street Homes, 709 E. Eager Street; Gilmor Homes, 1515 Vincent Court; O'Donnell Heights, 1200 Gusryan Street; Pleasant View Homes, 201 N. Aisquith Street; Westport Homes, 2343 Norfolk Street; Brooklyn Homes, 4140 Tenth Street. You must be at least 17 years of age to enroll. For more information call 410-396-3212.