Where I’ve been featured in
The Baltimore sun
Why are you running for office?
To complete the projects I started. I have $10+ billion in infrastructure investments on the line, the construction of nine new schools in the pipeline (3 by 2024, 3 in design, and 3 in line), and the construction of two new libraries (one completed, one in negotiation for purchase and design).
What is the most pressing issue in your district?
1) Completion of Purple Line and its full funding; 2) Improving educational outcomes; 3) Staying on the course on which I set the district to succeed; 4) Protecting and allowing our seniors to age in place.
Continue reading more on The Baltimore Sun website.
The washington post
The Prince George’s County Council adopted a $5 billion spending plan on Wednesday for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that boosts investments in education and public safety, keeping intact the priorities of County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks (D).
The budget — which is nearly 10 percent larger than this year’s — is designed to help the county navigate the long tail of the pandemic while equitably providing resources to county residents. The Board of Education will see its budget rise about 12 percent under the plan, to $2.63 billion, accounting for the largest slice of the pie. Public safety resources such as police, fire and corrections departments follow, receiving a combined $827 million.
Continue reading more on The Washington Post website.
Maryland matters
In ongoing budget negotiations in Prince George’s County, Councilwoman Deni Taveras (D) is working with the Alsobrooks administration to increase the county’s commitment to its Federally Qualified Health Centers, making services available to immigrants regardless of status. She said the $5 million from county coffers last year was gone in six months, based on a recent briefing provided by the county’s health department.
“For the program to be truly funded, it really needs to double the amount to $10 million,” Taveras said.
On broader statewide policies, Peña-Melnyk isn’t letting up.
“I want to promote health equity through policies that don’t traditionally focus on medical care, but have an equal, if not more important impact on health outcomes,” she said. “We need to provide equitable access to healthy foods, safe homes, to high-quality education and job opportunities. I want to use this framework in my mission to advance health equity for all communities in Maryland, especially those who have been marginalized and overlooked.”
Continue reading more on Maryland Matters website.