Dear Student Leaders,

As you know, Monday, January 18, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is not only intended to commemorate the accomplishments of a national hero but also to mark a day of service. MLK Day is a day to connect to our communities and to give back.

It would be hard to imagine a more challenging and difficult moment in our history.  We are taking this opportunity to offer some ways you might honor Dr. King’s memory and legacy.

1. Reviewing and/or participating in Americans of Conscience activities

1. Social Justice Volunteer Opportunities in the area

1.  Joining the Inauguration Day of Dialogue

We stand at a most critical and significant moment in American history.  What we do, what we say, what we think and believe matters.  It is particularly appropriate for all of us to appreciate and reflect on the best role models our American history has to offer.

Good morning,

Governor Hogan renewed the State of Emergency on December 23, 2020. You can read the Proclamation here.

Economic Impact Payments: Legislation enacted on December 27, 2020, provides that the new stimulus payments to individuals will not be withheld to pay federal debts or to pay state child support enforcement orders and cannot be garnished by debt collectors.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment: Citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hogan announced Monday that the state’s special health insurance enrollment period will be reopened in January and extended through mid-March 2021. Eligible residents who did not participate in the state’s extended special enrollment period in 2020 may now opt-in to Medicaid or private health coverage plans through the Maryland Health Connection.

To enroll in health insurance through the marketplace:

1)     Go online to MarylandHealthConnection.gov

2)     Call 1-855-642-8572 to speak to someone who will walk you through this process.

Student Loans: The automatic suspension of principal and interest payments on federally held student loans has been extended and will expire on January 31, 2021.

Lifeline: Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounts for limited income consumers on their telephone and internet services.  In Maryland the program is called Tel‐Life.  See the attachment to learn more about Lifeline services and how to apply. As the program phases out monthly support for voice only in favor of broadband support, beginning December 1, 2020 Lifeline has lowered the voice-only support to $5.25.

Training: If you would like the Office of People's Counsel to provide free training to your organization on the current state of utilities, in depth look at OHEP applications, or little known utility consumer protections please feel free to reach out to me and we can discuss your agency needs.   

This survey is designed to assess the level of food insecurity and basic need issues among the UMBC students, faculty, and staff. Your responses will help the research team in advocating for an increased food access and housing security for vulnerable members of the UMBC community. The survey takes about 3 to 7 minutes. All responses will be anonymously recorded. Your participation is completely voluntary. Please DO NOT type your name or UMBC ID anywhere. If you are under the age of 18 years, you are not eligible to complete the survey. By opening the survey, you consent to participate in this study. 

Should you have any questions about the project or your rights as a participant in this project, please contact Fariha Khalid (Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health) at fariha1@umbc.edu or the UMBC Office of Research Protections and Compliance at 410-455-2737 or compliance@umbc.edu.

Survey Link: https://retrieveressentials.umbc.edu/survey-2/

The Inclusion Council is looking for graduate students to make their voices heard and work towards meaningful change in our community. The GSA highly encourages anyone looking to make a difference! 

Follow this link to sign up and to provide your proffered subcommittees.