Most citizen testimony was on a measure to expand the Family Connects program.
Frederick, Md (KM) A legislative town hall was held Monday night on the proposed 2025 Legislative Package. The package contains four bills: one calls for increased safety when it comes to corrugated stainless steel tubing . A second bill would expand the Family Connects program statewide. A third would expand the number of people who could conduct interviews with children who have undergone traumatic experiences, especially if their comments will be used in court. . The fourth would let the county set special tax rates for financing local infrastructure.
The legislation which received the most public comment had to do with the Family Connects program. It’s currently operated by Frederick Health Hospital. Under the program, a registered nurse could visit a home where an infant has reached three weeks of age. The nurse would provide information on health and services available so the infant and the family remain healthy.
Erica Blake was helped by Family Connects. “The Family Connects nurse helped us with two critical health issues: our son’s breathing issues, and my postpartum anxiety,” she said. And she said that made a difference. “My son is now 16-months-old, and so happy and healthy. And I’m so thankful that I had accessed multiple screenings as well as the Family Connects nurse so I could pinpoint the source of my symptoms and get help quickly.”
Also speaking was Pilar Olivo, who guides the implementation of the Family Connects program at FHH. She outlines some of the challenges facing new mothers. “Undiagnosed high blood pressure, and postpartum depression and anxiety are dangerous for moms, and make caring for a new baby very difficult,: “she said. “Family Connects fills an important gap in health care with a visit from a nurse at home.”
Family Connects has made a big difference in the long run, says Heather Kirby, Vice President for Population Health and FHH. “Evidence strongly supports that when we can improve the circumstances of a family with resources early enough to prevent the need for Child Protective Services, there are long term positive ramifications for the child, the family and the entire community,” she said.
The bill to make corrugated stainless steel tubing safer in homes also received support. The tubing is used to deliver propane and methane to homes. A lightning-induced failure led to the death of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird who was battling a house fire in Ijamsville in 2021. “This is a top priority for us. We do understand that these changes can also be made at the local level regardless of what the state representatives are able to get through,” says Mark McNeil, Deputy Chief of the United Fire Company in Frederick.
It’s not part of the Legislative Package, but Steve Black, a farmer from Adamstown, said there needs to be a study on the state level about an integrated resource plan when it comes to the electrical grid. “An integrated resource plan is an effort to look at all of the power generating capacity, the forecasting for consumption, the means of transmission, and the look down the road so that we can be not blindsided by those things. To look at those things in an open and transparent way for the public. and to do some planning,” he said.
This follows plans to build a 500,00-kilovolt electric transmission line through Baltimore and Carroll Counties, ending at the Doubs Substation in Frederick County The electricity is expected to be used to power data centers in Loudon County, Virginia.
Black also recommended the state do a study on data centers. He said many of the recommendations from the local data center work group need state action.
The County Council is expected to take a vote on the package later this month. The Legislative Delegation has scheduled a hearing on the package on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 AM at Winchester Hall. The 2025 Maryland General Assembly is set to begin its 90-day session on January 8th.
By Kevin McManus