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February 14th, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Happy Galentine's Day from the Women's Caucus!
Happy Galentine’s Day from my office and the Women’s Legislators of Maryland!! ❤️ For many years, we have held a Galentine’s Day Reception to celebrate all of the amazing women working and leading in Annapolis!
Yesterday, I introduced House Bill 830, which requires insurers to cover, at no change to patients, genetic testing for cancer. This change is crucial for helping people, especially women of color, catch cancer early. According to a 2020 American Association for Cancer Research Report, 65 percent of young white women with breast cancer were offered genetic testing, whereas only 36 percent of young Black women with breast cancer were offered this same testing. These results can be a catalyst for patients to access targeted prevention strategies and treatment. These tests save lives, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with Susan G. Komen and my friend Senator Pam Beidle, District 32 on this life changing bill for Marylanders!
Check out this video from my office for more information on this legislation!
I'm proud to announce as the President of the Women's Caucus of Maryland, we are holding a Period Poverty Drive to directly support House of Ruth Maryland; one of the nation’s leading intimate partner violence centers. As President, I am so proud to bring these stellar women together and make a difference in the lives of many.
From now until February 27th, if you are able to, I invite you to drop off any and all period products so that we can provide comfort and relief to the individuals and families around us.
This Galentine’s Day, I ask you to join us in providing the gift of dignity to Marylander’s in need. Please drop off donations to:
💗 Miller Senate Office Building - 11 Bladen St. Suite 144 Annapolis, MD 21401
💓 Lowe House Office Building - 11 Bladen St. Room 161 Annapolis, MD 21401
Every contribution is greatly appreciated and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my office or the Women’s Caucus: womens.caucus@house.state.md.us.
Standing Strong for MD’s Most At-Risk Communities
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee is back in action! This is my second session as Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee, and despite the difficult budgetary environment, we are committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of all Marylanders.
I will be working alongside my dear friend ChairDelegate Emily Shetty to ensure we do everything possible for our most vulnerable communities.
If you would like to follow along and watch our upcoming hearings, visit the website here.
Laying the Foundation in Maryland
This past week, I was proud to join my State, Local, and Congressional leaders to announce $1 million in State funding, and $3.3 million collectively to support public and affordable housing in Annapolis.
The partnership we’ve undertaken takes a multi-faceted approach, beginning with ensuring all existing units are safe and well-maintained, and continuing with economic development and revitalization efforts. The $1 million in the State’s Capital budget last session lays the foundation for future investments.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have helped secure this funding.
District 30A Welcomes a New Teammate!
This past week, I am overjoyed to share that District 30A gained a new teammate!
Congratulations to my friend and colleagueDylan Behler who was sworn in this morning as the newest Delegate from Anne Arundel County. I'm so excited to work together, and even saved some legislation for him to cosponsor with me this year!
Join Me for District Night!
District Night is coming up! Please come out and see us from 6-8PM on Thursday, February 27th. There will be great food, and I would love to see you and discuss what's happening in Annapolis!
The event will be at Miller Senate Office Building, East 1 & 11 (President's Conference Room), 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.
I can’t wait to see you there and for more information click here!
A Very Special Memorial in Annapolis
A special piece of Maryland and American history I would like to highlight is the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial! This past December, I was incredibly proud to have attended an absolutely breathtaking ceremony celebrating the 25th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony of the Alex Haley Memorial.
For a quarter century, visitors and residents of Annapolis have been inspired by the memorial to connect with their heritage and reflect on our history. To keep the memory alive, the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation has put together stellar programing and information on their website.
If you would like to watch videos about the history of the memorial, see the 25th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony, or learn more about the continuous research they are doing, visit their website by clicking here!!
Thank you to the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Inc. and all organizers for your work honoring and commemorating this historic landmark of Annapolis.
Celebrating Black History Month in Annapolis!
This Black History Month, I will be highlighting inspiring individuals whose legacies have shaped our communities, advanced racial justice, and continue to inspire progress throughout American history.
These trailblazer's contributions remind us of the work still ahead in building a more just and equitable future for all. If you are interested in seeing these highlights each week, follow along on my Facebook and Instagram! I am so excited to share their remarkable stories with you.
State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series Returns!
The City of Annapolis and Michael E. Busch Public Library invites you to their 4th annual “State of Black Annapolis,” speaker series to commemorate Black History Month!
The speaker series will feature local experts and historians on topics that relate to African-American culture and life to highlight aspects of our history that are not always well-known.
The series will be held in the main meeting room of the Library from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday in February. Each week a free dinner will be provided by Black-owned catering companies from the Annapolis area. Each event is free, family friendly, and open to the public so please join if you are able!
Resources for Marylanders Affected by Federal Policies
In the wake of the many changes Americans are facing today, my colleague and friend Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth has put together a list of resources for Marylanders that have been impacted by the Trump Administration and rapidly developing Federal policies. An extensive list of resources for Federal workers, immigrant individuals and families, and LGBTQ+ community members can be found by clicking here.
Additionally, as we navigate this difficult time together, always feel free to reach out to me if there is something my office may be able to assist you with at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or 410-841-3211.
Grant Opportunities with the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust is funding projects for veterans, large- and small-scale tree-plantings, community rain gardens, neighborhood litter clean-ups, and much more! Check out all the amazing grant opportunities below.
Veteran’s Engagement Mini-Grant Program: Open to projects that connect veterans to outdoor healing and therapeutic services, outdoor recreation, green jobs, and other natural resources! Learn more and apply at www.cbtrust.org/veterans
Community Engagement and Restoration Grants: Great opportunity to individuals new to grant seeking. Apply if you are interested in wildlife projects, pollinator projects, native gardens, green spaces, or any project that helps your community and also the environment. Visit https://cbtrust.org/grants/community-engagement/
Green Streets, Green Towns, Green Jobs: Check this grant out if you are seeking funds for the design and implementation of green streets, community greening, and urban tree canopy projects that enhance your community or city. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2025. Visit https://cbtrust.org/grants/green-streets-green-jobs-green-towns/
Opportunity Alert! 🚨Apply to be a member of the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps – Deadline March 6, 2025: Calling people ages 18-25 interested in green careers: Apply to be a one-year, stipend-supported member of the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. Members serve at host organizations across the region. To learn more and apply visit https://cbtrust.org/chesapeake-climate-corps/apply/
Introducing IRS Direct File
Get ready for tax season! The Office of the Comptroller of Maryland has announced that Maryland will join the IRS’s Direct File program so eligible Maryland taxpayers can file their federal tax returns for free this year. Be sure to check out this free, mobile friendly, and secure resource!
For more information and to check your eligibility: marylandtaxes.gov/directfile.
AACPL Black History Month Programming!
Every year, the Anne Arundel County Public Library does a remarkable job scheduling and planning Black History programming for our County. This year, they have another great list of programming that I wanted to make sure that you knew about.
Please click HERE for the complete list and check out some highlights below!
Honor the many powerful and inspiring songs of African American historical music at “The Message in the Music,” hosted by the Chesapeake Children's Museum at Busch Library tomorrow!
“Meet Dr. King,” at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library on February 22nd to explore the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Open to audiences of all ages through an engaging, easy-to-follow narrative.
Enjoy a “Movie at the Library,” and come see The Color Purple, adapted from the 1982 novel by Alice Walker.
You can follow me on Facebook, Bluesky, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Stay safe and healthy,
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