Working toward stronger initiatives for mental illness and better service delivery has been a priority for me as most of you already know—I’ve not been shy about sharing stories about my son Wally who receives care for schizophrenia.
On Thursday June 22, I joined administrators and community leaders in a progressive roundtable discussion exploring the issue of “Mental Health Services in Montgomery County: Strengthening Programs for Diverse Immigrant Communities.” Hosted by (NAMI MC), thirty individuals, including Iris Reeves, Coordinator for Multicultural Issues, MD State Mental Hygiene Administration; Dr. Raymond Crowel, Chief, Montgomery County Adult Behavioral Health Program; Betty Lam, Chief of Community Affairs, Montgomery County Health & Human Services; and Daniel Karoma, African & Caribbean Liaison, Montgomery County Office of Cultural Affairs, were in attendance.
One of the questions central to our discussion was “What are the primary barriers in accessing and delivering mental health services to culturally diverse immigrant communities?” Some of the identified barriers were: language, deep stigma of mental illness in certain cultures, a lack of knowledge in identifying mental illness and/or not knowing where to find resources to gain help. The providers also identified a great need for better and more easily accessed case management as opposed to the thought that greater emphasis being placed on early intervention. The next meeting for the group will be on Thursday, September 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
NAMI Montgomery County (NAMI MC) is the Montgomery County, Maryland affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. NAMI MC is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults living with mental illnesses in Montgomery County, MD. For more information visit: http://www.namimc.org/aboutus.asp.
Showing posts with label Montgomery County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montgomery County. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
County Tenants Work Group Presents Findings to County Council
The Montgomery County Tenants Work Group (TWG) presented their report to the Council on Tuesday, June 22nd. I personally found the information to be rich and revelatory on the concerns of renters, who represent approximately 25.7% of our county’s population. To that extent I expressed my great concern and hope that future reports from the TWG, or others, will shed light on the demographics of both seniors as well as mentally and physically disabled individuals who may also face serious challenges in accessing and maintaining affordable rental housing. There were several discussions that alluded to the likelihood of a future bill in the State legislature on the issue of Just Cause Eviction. Below you’ll find highlights of the report.
Should you need additional information on the rights of renters, or are seeking resources and solutions as a landlord or tenant, visit the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs page. To view information on Landlord Tenant Law in Maryland, click here.
The TWG was convened by the County Executive in October 2008 and agreed to the following mission:
a. Accurately identify and quantify common and substantive problems confronting renters;
b. Research best practices and successful tenant advocacy models in the region and in the U.S.;
c. Catalogue resources already available to renters across the nation;
d. Review existing local and state codes with the intent of enhancing their effectiveness for protecting renters;
e. Seek public input from a broad range of renters and other interested parties; and,
f. Identify potential solutions to challenges and problems
Following is a summary of highlights from the TWG’s Report Recommendations:
I. From 2008 to 2009, “Holdover Rent” increased by 4.1 % countywide from $1,192 per month to $1,241. Holdover Rent is the rent paid by the current tenant upon lease renewal. The highest increase was in Rockville (5.4%) and lowest (3%) in Olney and Darnestown-Potomac. The county voluntary rent guideline for 2009 was 4.4%.
II. Over 66% of those surveyed paid a monthly rent of $1,500 or less with almost 70% paying an additional amount for utilities (mostly electric or electric and water).
III. For those tenants who had experienced a rent increase one or more times in the last five years, a majority (51.7%) had their rent increased 4% to 7% annually.
IV. Most tenants are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their unit, building, and landlord. Most “agree” or “strongly agree” that their property manager is responsive to questions and concerns.
V. Most survey participants had not received a Landlord-Tenant Handbook and most were not aware of the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (62%) or the Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs (71 %). Of those who had interacted with the Office, a majority (56%) was not satisfied with the process.
VI. Rent, long-term affordability, and safety were the three most important issues to those surveyed.
VII. 13% of those surveyed felt that they had experienced discrimination by a previous, current, or potential landlord in Montgomery County. Of those, 65% of those identified race, color, or national origin as the reason.
As a result of this research, the TWG identified several significant challenges confronting renters in Montgomery County. They include:
a. Concern over high rent increases;
b. A feeling of insecurity -not knowing if their rental agreements are permanent or affordable;
c. Fear of retaliation among some tenants for raising concerns or organizing other tenants; and
d. Confusion over where to seek help and how to proceed with complaints and building issues.
A full copy of the group’s report and findings can be found here.
Should you need additional information on the rights of renters, or are seeking resources and solutions as a landlord or tenant, visit the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs page. To view information on Landlord Tenant Law in Maryland, click here.
The TWG was convened by the County Executive in October 2008 and agreed to the following mission:
a. Accurately identify and quantify common and substantive problems confronting renters;
b. Research best practices and successful tenant advocacy models in the region and in the U.S.;
c. Catalogue resources already available to renters across the nation;
d. Review existing local and state codes with the intent of enhancing their effectiveness for protecting renters;
e. Seek public input from a broad range of renters and other interested parties; and,
f. Identify potential solutions to challenges and problems
Following is a summary of highlights from the TWG’s Report Recommendations:
I. From 2008 to 2009, “Holdover Rent” increased by 4.1 % countywide from $1,192 per month to $1,241. Holdover Rent is the rent paid by the current tenant upon lease renewal. The highest increase was in Rockville (5.4%) and lowest (3%) in Olney and Darnestown-Potomac. The county voluntary rent guideline for 2009 was 4.4%.
II. Over 66% of those surveyed paid a monthly rent of $1,500 or less with almost 70% paying an additional amount for utilities (mostly electric or electric and water).
III. For those tenants who had experienced a rent increase one or more times in the last five years, a majority (51.7%) had their rent increased 4% to 7% annually.
IV. Most tenants are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their unit, building, and landlord. Most “agree” or “strongly agree” that their property manager is responsive to questions and concerns.
V. Most survey participants had not received a Landlord-Tenant Handbook and most were not aware of the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (62%) or the Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs (71 %). Of those who had interacted with the Office, a majority (56%) was not satisfied with the process.
VI. Rent, long-term affordability, and safety were the three most important issues to those surveyed.
VII. 13% of those surveyed felt that they had experienced discrimination by a previous, current, or potential landlord in Montgomery County. Of those, 65% of those identified race, color, or national origin as the reason.
As a result of this research, the TWG identified several significant challenges confronting renters in Montgomery County. They include:
a. Concern over high rent increases;
b. A feeling of insecurity -not knowing if their rental agreements are permanent or affordable;
c. Fear of retaliation among some tenants for raising concerns or organizing other tenants; and
d. Confusion over where to seek help and how to proceed with complaints and building issues.
A full copy of the group’s report and findings can be found here.
Monday, June 21, 2010
HHS Committee Work Session Summary—Monday June 21st
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee [Council members: Trachtenberg, Leventhal, and Navarro] met today to discuss the Executive Regulation 7-10, Eating and Drinking Establishments Nutritional Labeling.
BACKGROUND:
On June 15, the Council received proposed Executive Regulation 7-10, Eating and Drinking Establishments Nutritional Labeling. ER 7-10 would implement Council Resolution 16-1194 and Bill 19-07, codified at §15-15A, Eating and Drinking Establishments—Nutrition Labeling, which the Council adopted on November 17, 2009. Resolution 16-1194 and Bill 19-07 require that calories and other nutritional information be provided at restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationwide.
REGULATION SUMMARY:
The(se) regulations provide guidance for compliance with and enforcement of Council Bill 19-07 and Board of Health Resolution 16-1194, Board of Health Regulation Requiring Certain Eating and Drinking Establishments to Post Certain Nutrition Information on Menu Boards and Menus. Certain eating and drinking establishments must post the calories of each standardized menu item on the menu or menu board and provide written nutrition information to a consumer upon request. The nutrition information must be posted clearly and conspicuously such that an average consumer may read the information at the ordering counter or from a menu or food tag. This regulation applies only to chain eating and drinking establishments with 20 or more locations in the United States and does not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores or movie theatres.
Following is a summary of the work session:
A. Compliance to Bil1 19-07 will be required by July 1, 2010
According to the County Attorney’s Office, the underlying County Resolution and the Executive Regulation are consistent with and not preempted by the new federal law. Possible amendments to the Executive Regulation may be advisable once pending federal regulations are adopted.
B. Enforcement of the Nutrition Labeling Requirement will not take effect until January 1, 2011
Enforcement of the Executive Regulation—where a $500/day penalty will be issued for violations—will not take effect until January 1, 2011.
The HHS Committee believes that nutritional labeling will provide substantial benefit to the residents of Montgomery County and aid each resident in making informed, healthy choices when dining in our many food and drink establishments.
Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS Committee session.
BACKGROUND:
On June 15, the Council received proposed Executive Regulation 7-10, Eating and Drinking Establishments Nutritional Labeling. ER 7-10 would implement Council Resolution 16-1194 and Bill 19-07, codified at §15-15A, Eating and Drinking Establishments—Nutrition Labeling, which the Council adopted on November 17, 2009. Resolution 16-1194 and Bill 19-07 require that calories and other nutritional information be provided at restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationwide.
REGULATION SUMMARY:
The(se) regulations provide guidance for compliance with and enforcement of Council Bill 19-07 and Board of Health Resolution 16-1194, Board of Health Regulation Requiring Certain Eating and Drinking Establishments to Post Certain Nutrition Information on Menu Boards and Menus. Certain eating and drinking establishments must post the calories of each standardized menu item on the menu or menu board and provide written nutrition information to a consumer upon request. The nutrition information must be posted clearly and conspicuously such that an average consumer may read the information at the ordering counter or from a menu or food tag. This regulation applies only to chain eating and drinking establishments with 20 or more locations in the United States and does not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores or movie theatres.
Following is a summary of the work session:
A. Compliance to Bil1 19-07 will be required by July 1, 2010
According to the County Attorney’s Office, the underlying County Resolution and the Executive Regulation are consistent with and not preempted by the new federal law. Possible amendments to the Executive Regulation may be advisable once pending federal regulations are adopted.
B. Enforcement of the Nutrition Labeling Requirement will not take effect until January 1, 2011
Enforcement of the Executive Regulation—where a $500/day penalty will be issued for violations—will not take effect until January 1, 2011.
The HHS Committee believes that nutritional labeling will provide substantial benefit to the residents of Montgomery County and aid each resident in making informed, healthy choices when dining in our many food and drink establishments.
Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS Committee session.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Laytonsville Community Parade
The Trachtenberg Office was proud to participate in the Laytonsville Community Parade which was held on Saturday, May 15, 2010. We were pleased to join with the local school children, scouts, and the Gaithersburg High School Marching Band for the parade along Route 108 in the brilliant Spring sunshine. This year’s parade saluted “Our Agricultural Heritage.”
For more information about the Town of Laytonsville, check out http://www.laytonsville.md.us/.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Trachtenberg to Begin Review on Montgomery County FY11 HHS Operating Budget
On Monday April 12th, 9:30AM, the Health and Human Services Committee, on which Councilmember Trachtenberg serves, meets to begin deliberations on the FY11 HHS Operating Budget. The following is on the agenda:
• Health and Human Services: Administration and Public Health Services (includes Minority Health Initiatives)
The meeting will be held in the third floor Council Conference Room [3CCR] of the Council Office Building in Rockville; and will be televised live on County Cable Montgomery.
Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.
• Health and Human Services: Administration and Public Health Services (includes Minority Health Initiatives)
The meeting will be held in the third floor Council Conference Room [3CCR] of the Council Office Building in Rockville; and will be televised live on County Cable Montgomery.
Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Councilmember Trachtenberg Attends 2010 Census Briefing
Today Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg was a visible advocate for the 2010 Census at a press conference held at the Silver Spring Library. Duchy joined several Montgomery County and national leaders including Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Fernando E. Armstrong, Regional Director of the Philadelphia Regional Office, and Bruce Adams, Director, Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, in support of the Census Complete Count goal. Both Councilmember Trachtenberg and her staffer Ms. Naomi Bloch are members of the Montgomery County 2010 Census Complete Count Committee.
“The 2010 Census “is the future today”—every person who decides to be counted and fills out a form over the next several weeks represents a slice of more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding that is, and will be, spent each year on County infrastructure and services like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, emergency services tunnels, and other-public works projects,” said Trachtenberg. “Montgomery County can’t afford to miss out on the golden opportunity to have every one of our residents counted—it’s the fiscally responsible thing to do."
“The 2010 Census “is the future today”—every person who decides to be counted and fills out a form over the next several weeks represents a slice of more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding that is, and will be, spent each year on County infrastructure and services like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, emergency services tunnels, and other-public works projects,” said Trachtenberg. “Montgomery County can’t afford to miss out on the golden opportunity to have every one of our residents counted—it’s the fiscally responsible thing to do."
Councilmember Trachtenberg, Congresswoman Donna Edwards and other public officials at today's Census briefing
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Celebrations
Montgomery County will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday this year throughout the weekend of January 16 – 18. On Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17, there will be a food collection drive for Manna Food Center at 20 different Giant Food Stores across Montgomery County. On Monday, January 18, the County's Volunteer Center is coordinating volunteer activities at four locations around the County throughout the day. Also, on January 18, the County will host its annual musical tribute to Dr. King at the Music Center at Strathmore. Click here for more information on all of these activities.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Residents in Independent Survey Continue to Endorse Montgomery County As Good Place to Live
Montgomery County residents, despite feeling the impact of the nation’s economic downturn over the past two years, again strongly endorsed the County as an “excellent” or “good” place to live and said they are generally happy with the quality of services the County offers. Those sentiments were expressed in the most recent county-wide survey of residents conducted by the independent National Research Center of Boulder, Colo. The results of the 35-question survey were released today.
88 percent of overall respondents rated Montgomery “as a good place to live” (compared to 86 percent in the 2007 survey); 86 percent said the County is “a good place to raise children” (compared to 81 percent in 2007); and 82 percent were happy with the overall quality of life in the County (compared to 79 percent in 2007).
Responding residents continued to give high marks to significant County services including educational opportunities (84 percent rated them “excellent” or “good” compared to 81 percent in 2007) and recreational opportunities (80 percent excellent or good compared to 81 percent in 2007). The quality of fire service, ambulance service, recycling service, parks and public libraries all received “excellent” or “good” ratings of 87 percent or higher—similar to their ratings in 2007.
For the complete press release, click here.
88 percent of overall respondents rated Montgomery “as a good place to live” (compared to 86 percent in the 2007 survey); 86 percent said the County is “a good place to raise children” (compared to 81 percent in 2007); and 82 percent were happy with the overall quality of life in the County (compared to 79 percent in 2007).
Responding residents continued to give high marks to significant County services including educational opportunities (84 percent rated them “excellent” or “good” compared to 81 percent in 2007) and recreational opportunities (80 percent excellent or good compared to 81 percent in 2007). The quality of fire service, ambulance service, recycling service, parks and public libraries all received “excellent” or “good” ratings of 87 percent or higher—similar to their ratings in 2007.
For the complete press release, click here.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County - Winter Meeting
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg's Chief of Staff Alan Bowser represented our office at the Winter Meeting of the African American Democratic Club (AADCMC) of Montgomery County in Rockville, Maryland.
U.S. Representative Donna Edwards was the special guest at the AADCMC's Winter Meeting. Among the many attendees were Montgomery County Democratic Chair Karen Britto, Maryland State Delegate Roger Manno (19th Legislative District), and Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal.
Alan is a member of the County Executive Ike Leggett's African American Advisory Group and a former Executive Board Member of the African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County.
The Club's website is located at http://aadcmc.org/
U.S. Representative Donna Edwards was the special guest at the AADCMC's Winter Meeting. Among the many attendees were Montgomery County Democratic Chair Karen Britto, Maryland State Delegate Roger Manno (19th Legislative District), and Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal.
Alan is a member of the County Executive Ike Leggett's African American Advisory Group and a former Executive Board Member of the African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County.
The Club's website is located at http://aadcmc.org/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Duchy Trachtenberg en Espanol!
The Trachtenberg Office is pleased to announce the launch of our new blog, Duchy Trachtenberg En Espanol!
Through our blog, we hope to expand out connections to the Spanish speaking community and to inform and educate our neighbors about the work of Trachtenberg Office and the Montgomery County Council and Government.
"Duchy Trachtenberg en Espanol" is edited by Wil Gutierrez, a graduate of Goucher College and a resident of Silver Spring, who has joined the Trachtenberg Office. The blog includes links to important community resources such as Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Library System, Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative, Spanish-language media, and other important federal, state and local internet sites.
You can view the Duchy Trachtenberg en Espanol at http://duchytrachtenberg-espanol.blogspot.com/
Our other online resources are Duchy Trachtenberg’s Blog, Duchy Trachtenberg on Twitter, and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg
Through our blog, we hope to expand out connections to the Spanish speaking community and to inform and educate our neighbors about the work of Trachtenberg Office and the Montgomery County Council and Government.
"Duchy Trachtenberg en Espanol" is edited by Wil Gutierrez, a graduate of Goucher College and a resident of Silver Spring, who has joined the Trachtenberg Office. The blog includes links to important community resources such as Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Library System, Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative, Spanish-language media, and other important federal, state and local internet sites.
You can view the Duchy Trachtenberg en Espanol at http://duchytrachtenberg-espanol.blogspot.com/
Our other online resources are Duchy Trachtenberg’s Blog, Duchy Trachtenberg on Twitter, and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg
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