Bowie Insider Issue #122

Vote Today, Maryland's Paid Family Leave, No School? No Problem! FOX5 DC 2024 Zip Trips

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Bowie Insider
May 14, 2024

In this issue of the Bowie Insider…

🌧️ Weather Forecast 
📰 Shape Maryland's Future: Vote Today in the Primary Elections!
📰 Updates to Maryland's Paid Family Leave: New Start Dates and Compliance Details
📰 PGCPS Schools are Closed Today, Tuesday, May 14, 2024
📰 No School? No Problem! Engaging & Free Activities for Kids!
🗓️ FOX 5 DC Summer 2024 Zip Trip Destinations Revealed!
🗓️ Upcoming Events
🤣 Meme of the Day
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Quote of the Day

"Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come. ~ Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Shape Maryland's Future: Vote Today in the Primary Elections!

Primary Election Day pulses with the vibrant energy of democracy in action. This critical day shapes the future, as residents across the state step into polling booths, empowered by the fundamental right to vote. Each ballot cast is a voice in the chorus of civic participation, a testament to the belief in a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people.' As Marylanders make their choices, they not only decide on candidates but also on the direction of their local communities and, ultimately, the nation. Participation in the primaries is crucial; it's where the journey of policies and leadership begins. It's a reminder that every vote holds power, every decision molds the future. Let's cherish and exercise our right to vote, for it is the cornerstone of our democracy.

Vote at your polling place today

Updates to Maryland's Paid Family Leave: New Start Dates and Compliance Details

Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed new legislation that postpones the start of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, commonly known as the Time to Care Act. Originally scheduled to launch in 2023, the program is designed to offer up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical and family reasons, financed through contributions from both employers and employees. The recent amendments have pushed the commencement of contributions to July 1, 2025, with the availability of benefits starting from July 1, 2026. The changes include an adjustment to the contribution rate, with a decision expected by February 1, 2025. Additionally, the legislation updates the definition of "wages" to match that used in Maryland's Unemployment Insurance, which should make it easier for employers to comply. For employers who choose a private plan over the state program, there will be new fees associated with application and renewal, although specific amounts are yet to be set by the Department of Labor. Further guidance for employers through final regulations is anticipated shortly, which will provide additional details on how to implement the program.

PGCPS Schools are Closed on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
No School? No Problem! Engaging & Free Activities for Kids!

Here are five no-cost activities for kids to enjoy both indoors and outdoors on Primary Election Day:

Indoors:

1. Art Marathon: Set up a creative station with all available art supplies—crayons, markers, paper, glue, and recycled materials. Challenge kids to create themed artwork related to elections or spring.

2. Kitchen Band: Encourage kids to explore musical creativity by using pots, pans, spoons, and plastic containers to create a kitchen band. They can experiment with different sounds and even put on a concert for the family.

3. Reading Challenge: Create a cozy reading nook and organize a reading challenge with books they’ve never had time to start or finish. Make it exciting with a reward for every book they read.

 

Outdoors:

4. Nature Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures or names of common outdoor sights like birds, insects, flowers, and trees. Kids can have fun hunting for these items in the backyard or a nearby park.

5. Obstacle Course: Use outdoor space to set up a simple obstacle course with items like ropes, hula hoops, and cones. This activity promotes physical fitness and problem-solving skills, and kids can take turns timing each other.

FOX 5 DC Summer 2024 Zip Trip Destinations Revealed! Mark your calendar for July 5 for a stop in Bowie!
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May 14

🟦 🟥 Primary Day Elections - Vote at your polling place 7:00AM -8:00PM

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