The Lead Safe Program is now accepting applications from Baltimore County tenants, landlords, and owner-occupants. The Lead Safe Baltimore County grant program is designed to reduce lead hazards in targeted housing located in specific Community Conservation zip codes. This program will dramatically reduce the risk of lead poisoning in the homes of young children (under six years old) and pregnant women within the targeted communities. Families must meet HUD Household Income Requirements (See flyer link below).
Applications for tenants, landlords, and owners are available on our website: Lead Safe Details - Baltimore County (baltimorecountymd.gov). The Baltimore County Department of Planning are also happy to drop off brochures for distribution to your community, provide a brief presentation (in-person or via Zoom/WebEx), or set up a table for outreach.
If you know someone who may qualify, or are you ready to fill out an application for a client, or do you have additional questions? Please email us at leadsafe@baltimorecountymd.gov or call us at 410-887-3668. Or you can contact Charmeda McCready directly at:
Charmeda “Char” McCready
Relocation Program Assistant
Baltimore County Department of Planning
410-887-2315 (office)
C. 410-793-9031
410-853-1882 (fax)
Maryland Retailers Association holding scholarship contest for students promoting tax-free savings
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 26, 2021) – Comptroller Peter Franchot has announced that Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week returns August 8-14 with significant savings for consumers, scholarship opportunities for college and trade school students, and a much-needed sales boost for retailers.
“Tax-free week is a rite of Maryland’s late summer, signaling the approach of a new school year, cooler weather and a change of wardrobe,” Comptroller Franchot said. “Maryland’s high vaccination rates means life is beginning to return to normal. While I continue to urge caution, Marylanders should take advantage of tax-free week savings and support locally owned businesses that have been hit hard during the pandemic.”
During the week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction – will be exempt from the state's six percent sales tax. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax free. Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, Comptroller Franchot reminds Marylanders that tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.
The Comptroller’s Office is partnering with the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) to again offer scholarships to two students attending a Maryland university, college or trade school, with a $1,000 award for first place and a $500 prize for second place.
To enter, students must email a creative photo or video (less than 60 seconds) promoting tax-free week, showcasing their purchases and their support of Maryland retailers to SHOPMDTAXFREE@marylandtaxes.gov. Entries also should be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag #shopmdtaxfree. For best consideration, submissions should display and tag the name of the retailer and explain why it’s their favorite place to shop tax free.
"Small businesses depend on their community to survive unexpected and long-lasting economic downturns and we are just beginning to come out from under the crushing weight of the pandemic," said Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. "Students can win a scholarship simply by using their ingenuity to promote a local business.”
Scholarship winners in past years have attended institutions throughout Maryland, including public universities, private schools and community colleges. Last year’s recipients were recognized for their contributions to Maryland businesses during the pandemic.
For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, visit the Comptroller’s website for a list of tax-exempt items, frequently asked questions, and valuable facts for shoppers and merchants.
The Comptroller’s social media pages will promote the special savings week, showcasing local retailers and encouraging shoppers to take advantage of the promotion. Retailers can also download Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week graphics to display in-store and to post on social media platforms.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Susan O'Brien - sobrien@marylandtaxes.gov
Alan Brody - abrody@marylandtaxes.gov
The third installment of the Campaign for the Culture virtual conversation series is scheduled for August 18th at 7:00 p.m.
As we start a new school year, this live, virtual discussion will feature youth advocates and experts from a wide range of health and education organizations. Topics will include:
what’s driving the current youth nicotine addiction crisis
how tobacco use and nicotine affect brain development, mental health and performance
signs and risk factors for youth vaping and other tobacco use
how to talk to young people about vaping and other tobacco use
tobacco industry targeting of Black, LGBTQ and other communities
resources to fight back
and much more.
You can support this critical work by making a contribution today:
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids 1400 I St NW, Ste 1200 Washington, District of Columbia 20005 202-296-5469 | info@tfk.org
