MEPPN/Aid to Children Legislation

We talked last week about how important it is to write to our legislators individually, not just as members of MEPPN. If one is writing under MEPPN, then it is important for our individual legislators to know how we feel. It's the #’s that count.

At St. Anne’s service on the last Sunday in Epiphany, we listened to a report on the expansion of our children’s programs and how we are supporting young families. These new programs warmed many of our hearts. Our MD Episcopal Diocese is also working to provide assistance to families who are struggling to pay for necessities. Here are some important actions MEPPN members are taking:

(1) MD officials have made up the $40 million shortfall in funding for SNAP benefits to Marylanders of all ages. MEPPN supports additional funding for food supplemental programs.

(2) MEPPN supports additional rental assistance to families through the Community Schools Program. Anne Arundel County has run out of money for Community School Rental Assistance and is no longer accepting applications from families in our community schools (https://www.aacounty.org/partnership-for-children-youth-and-families/community-schools-rental-assistance-program).  MEPPN is writing budget testimony this week to support $25 million in rental assistance that goes directly to families with school children.

MEPPN asks that you support these 2027 MD Budget initiatives that help our neighborhood children stay nourished and housed. Please consider contacting your Anne Arundel County elected officials about HB390/SB282 Budget Bill for fiscal year 2027 and asking to increase 2027 budgets to include at least $25 million in support of Rental Assistance to Community Schools.

Here is a way to get started. Contact your legislator by writing or calling. They do pay attention to the support for or against bills. Numbers count!

Here is a sample letter. You can copy and paste or change however you wish.

Dear Delegate_______/Senator_______

I am a constituent in your district and a member of St Anne's in Annapolis.

There are many bills in the legislature that are concerning Aid to Children.
I am interested in providing assistance to families who are struggling. I support additional funding for food supplemental programs.
I would like to see additional rental assistance to families through the Community Schools Program in the 2027 budget (HB390/SB282 - Budget bill for fiscal year 2027)

Please support bills that are aimed at children and family support.

Thank you