|
|
|
Last week, I joined elected officials and faith and community leaders in Annapolis to testify in support of tougher penalties for carrying illegal, loaded guns. I appreciate the support of our state and local leaders, and I am especially grateful to Ms. Nicole Harris-Crest and Officer Todd Strohman for their moving testimony. Their words helped bring to light the impact illegal guns have on the lives of people in every community.
 I am working to pass tough legislation because the current laws are too weak and support a culture that tolerates illegal, loaded gun possession on the streets of our city and state. To help build support for the legislation, I created the website baltimorecity.gov/safercity. This week we added a testimonial YouTube video from Tony Dawson, President of the Belair-Edison Community Organization. Testimonials from others will be added in the coming weeks to demonstrate the depth and breadth of support that exists for tougher penalties for illegal, loaded gun possession.
The first bill, SB239/ HB252, would create a minimum sentence of 18 months for all defendants arrested with an illegal, loaded firearm. The second, SB240 / HB241, would strengthen sentencing options for felons in possession of guns by creating a tougher sentencing range of 5 years minimum to 15 years maximum, giving judges more sentencing options when faced with a repeat gun offender.
While I appreciate the support thus far, we have much more work to do. Traditionally, legislation like this has a difficult time getting out of the House Judiciary committee. I will be testifying in front of the committee on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. To keep this legislation alive, I will need the support of my colleagues in government and leaders from every community across the state. Together, we can tell the officials in Annapolis that it is time to pass meaningful legislation.
Please join me at baltimorecity.gov/safercity. Follow SaferCity on Twitter, or become a friend of SaferCity on Facebook to take part in our effort to reduce gun violence and make Baltimore-and all of Maryland-a safer place.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor's Office and be a part of the conversation on Twitter. |
|
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
| |
|
Enter to Win Tickets to 2011 Ravens-Steelers, and Support YouthWorks Summer Jobs!
You and nine of your closest friends can watch the Ravens take down their most controversial opponent in skybox style! Purchase a raffle ticket to support Baltimore City's YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program, and become eligible to win 10 Mayor's skybox tickets to the Ravens' payback against the Steelers at their first regular season home game. Raffle tickets are just $25.00 for one chance to win or $100.00 for 6 chances to win! Raffle tickets are on sale from February 2nd through February 28th. Click here to buy tickets or Go to www.BaltimorePayback2011.com or call 1-800-760-9008 for more information, official rules!
View a short video from Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Ray Rice. |
|
PNC Neighborhood Grant Program Does your community dream of organizing and realizing a long-term, lasting project like a community garden, mural, or special event? The PNC Neighborhood Grant Program distributes funds to qualified neighborhood associations and community-based nonprofit groups for the purpose of strengthening neighborhoods. The application deadline is Friday, April 1, 2011, but mandatory workshops must be attended to apply. For more information, or to download an application, visit www.promotionandarts.com or call 410-752-8632. |
|
Baltimore CASH Campaign Families of 2 or more who made $49,000 or less in 2010 and single tax filers who made $25,000 or less may be eligible for free tax preparation and other helpful financial services through the Baltimore CASH campaign. The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services needed to maximize their earning dollars. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call 410-234-8008. |
|
Maryland Science Center STEM Scholarships The Maryland Science Center awards $1500 scholarships each year to two Baltimore City public high school students who intend to pursue STEM studies (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) in college or community college. Applications for 2011 are now being accepted. All applications and supporting materials are due no later than March 21. For a complete description of the scholarship program and an application, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org and select Dr. H. Bentley Glass Scholarships under Programs at the top of the homepage. |
|
Hands and Hearts in Abundance: 1814's Defense of Baltimore
Friday, February 18, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
City Hall, Board of Estimates Room, 100 N. Holliday Street
In September 1814, the British attacked Baltimore and were countered by a valiant and successful defense. The battle, and the role of Baltimore's citizens-including free and enslaved African Americans-will be featured in this fascinating presentation exploring the inspiration behind the "The Star-Spangled Banner." This lecture is part of the It's More Than History! Brown Bag Lecture Series. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch. Photo ID is required for entry. For more information, call Shauntee Daniels at 443-984-2369. |
|
Mayor's Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, February 23, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Patterson High School, 100 Kane Street Come and speak to Mayor Rawlings-Blake about your concerns and ideas. Mayor's Cabinet members and agency representatives will be on hand. Help us to build a better, safer, and stronger Baltimore. For more information, call the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods at 410-396-4735. |
|
Poetry Out Loud
Saturday, February 26, 1:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street Aaron Henkin of WYPR-FM hosts the Maryland State Poetry Out Loud finals, sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council and featuring nine regional winners who will compete for the championship. The Poetry Out Loud competition awards more than $100,000 in prizes to students and schools at the state and national levels. For more information, email Christine Stewart at cstwewart@msac.org. |
|
Fest-Of-All Gala & Fashion Show
Saturday, February 26, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway Beat the winter doldrums at the 4th Annual FEST-OF-ALL Gala & Fashion Show. Fest-of-All is a celebration of everything Federal Hill; enjoy fine food & drink from great restaurants and taverns and the newest spring fashions from award-winning boutiques. Music, dancing, and a silent auction round out the evening. Proceeds go to the Federal Hill Main Street program for its community revitalization efforts. Tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org. |
|
Classic Sounds of New Orleans
Sunday, February 27, 2:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street From street parades to nightclubs, from church houses to dance halls, music is key to New Orleans' uniqueness. Robert Cataliotti, producer of the new recording, Classic Sounds of New Orleans, talks about the music of New Orleans. For more information, call 410-396-5430. |
|
Small Business Seminar
Monday, February 28, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307 This seminar is designed to provide training to small business owners who want to do business with the City of Baltimore. Come learn about how to market to the City of Baltimore. Registration is $25. For more information or to register, contact the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business development at 410-396-3818. |
|
Youth dis-ABILITIES Awareness Event
Friday, March 4, 4:00 pm-8:00 pm
LAST, Inc.'s A.T. Demonstration & Learning Center, 7050 Oakland Mills Rd., Suite 160, Columbia This event will bring awareness to middle and high school students about how technology assists those living with disabilities. This free event is also open to parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals who assist those living with disabilities. The event will host guest speakers, provide opportunity to make custom-made assistive technology projects, games, and more. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Monday, February 28 as space is limited. For more information or to register, call 410-381-2667 or email atlastvolunteers@gmail.com. |
|
Baltimore CASH Campaign Financial Fitness Series
Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street Do you dream about being a business owner but you don't know where to start? Do you wonder how to structure your business and what tax implications these different structures may have? Teddy Prioleau from the Tax and Mortgage Shop of America will share the basics of starting your own business, as well as information that will help make your dream a reality. Registration is free, but space is limited. For more information or to register, call 410-234-2803. |
|
Mayor's Spring Cleanup
Saturday, April 16, 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Your Neighborhood Join your neighbors and choose a location that needs a special cleanup. This year's theme emphasizes the connection between litter around the neighborhood and the health of Baltimore's streams and harbor. Containers for debris collection are available on a first call basis. Trucks will not be available. Even communities without a container can participate by bagging debris and stacking it at a designated location for collection on Monday, April 18. Community representatives should call 311 to register now. |
|
|
|
|
