Chamber Action Alerts

GSSCC is the undisputed voice of and for member businesses and their interests, having built long-term and long-lasting relationships with legislators, policymakers, and government agencies in Montgomery County and Annapolis. Throughout the year, the Chamber and its members meet with and testify before legislators and government leaders, to ensure that our issues are effectively communicated.

Please see below on Actions that you can take to make your voice known about these issues.

We are the #GSSCC, we are #SilverSpringStrong, and we #ElevateYourVoice.

CURRENT ACTION ALERTS

Proposed Legislation: HB 1554/SB 1045 | Sales and Use Tax, Taxable Business Services

THE DETAILS:
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, members of the Montgomery County Council Economic Development Committee introduced legislation to codify the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) grant program into law.

The MOVE Act would make the MOVE program a permanent component of the Economic Development Fund, providing an annual incentive for businesses to relocate to Montgomery County and utilize vacant office space. The legislation would also expand program eligibility to businesses already located in the county that want to expand their office footprint. It also removed the 20,000 square footage cap to qualify for the program and increased the maximum funding award from $80,000 to $150,000.
GSSCC ACTION:
GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing joined the April 16 press conference to advocate in support of the law.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Councilmember Glass joined the GSSCC Government Affairs Committee meeting to discuss the legislation in further detail and receive input.

NEXT STEPS:
Currently no vote is scheduled on the MOVE program, however, the chamber will update as necessary.

Opposed Legislation: HB 1515 – Sales and Use Tax – Rate Reduction and Services

THE DETAILS:
GSSCC has joined many businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and business associations around the State to oppose misguided legislation, HB 1515. This legislation, titled “Sales and Use Tax – Rate Reduction and Services,” is an attempt to fund critical MD priorities through a massive $2.9 billion tax increase on Maryland residents and businesses.

While HB 1515 proposes lowering the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5%, it would simultaneously expand the sales tax to a wide variety of everyday services that have never been taxed before, including, but not limited to:

Accounting and financial planning services
Advertising, public relations, printing and media streaming services
Auto mechanic services
Childcare services
Dry cleaning and laundry services
Funeral services
Grocery delivery, gym memberships, personal training services
Home cleaning and mold remediation services
Home repair and improvement services
Landscaping and tree removal services
Legal and appraisal services
Nail salon, barber shop and beauty salon services
Real estate services
Shipping and delivery services
Transportation, towing and parking services
Veterinary and pet grooming services

Only five other states in the country broadly taxes services in this manner.

GSSCC ACTION:
GSSCC recognizes that this tax increase is proposed to cover funding gaps created by the costly legislation and unfunded policy mandates passed by the Maryland legislature in recent years. However, we believe that further taxing Marylanders and placing an undue additional burden on our businesses, will only further decrease Maryland’s ability to remain competitive in a difficult marketplace.

Rather, we believe our legislative bodies should focus on building a climate attractive to new business in Maryland, thereby creating an economy that doesn’t rely on placing additional tax burdens on our taxpayers. Our businesses in Maryland, and our hardworking citizens, deserve a more balanced approach to funding our programs while still striving for a strong economic outlook. Because this legislation will destroy our state’s competitiveness, unduly burden our small business owners, and stifle the economy, the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce respectfully requests our representatives to oppose HB1515.

NEXT STEPS:
The last updates on HB1515 indicate that it was referred to a House committee at the Maryland General Assembly on March 11th, 2024. More updates on the status of HB1515 as needed.

Proposed Legislation: Bill 42-23 Menstrual Products Access and Equity Act

THE DETAILS:
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Councilmember Jawando introduced Bill 42-23, the Menstrual Products Access and Equity Act. Under this bill, menstrual products must be made available at no cost in certain public accommodations with publicly accessible bathrooms. The bill would apply to “places of public accommodation” that are required by law to provide restroom facilities to their customers. The long list includes facilities such as restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, concert and entertainment venues, sports arenas and recreational parks.

GSSCC ACTION:
On Monday, December 11, 2023, GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing submitted testimony against the bill to the County Council and urged them to consider other proposals that would have a positive impact on period poverty. The Chamber contended that the bill was not necessary as the State of Maryland already requires that all middle and high schools provide menstrual products in their restrooms and furthermore, Maryland reduces the costs of menstrual products by exempting those items from the State sales and use tax.

In addition, the GSSCC was also concerned about the bill's unknown expense to businesses and the unintended consequences the bill would bring for the County's economy. The proposal, which contains confusing language as to what restrooms even fall under this mandate, further complicates the environment that faces Montgomery County businesses. Ultimately, additional mandates on businesses harm the County’s competitiveness and add yet another requirement that does not exist statewide or in virtually every other nearby jurisdiction.

On Monday, January 22, 2024, GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing again submitted testimony against the bill, citing that since the first letter of opposition submitted, it had come to light that the bill is now being directed towards County buildings and the opposition from the County Executive has been swift and articulate in that the County can’t afford to take this endeavor on and there is no way they can monitor the adherence if passed. The Chamber concurs with this. In truth, this is a much broader issue than Montgomery County accessibility.

Read the full testimony here.

NEXT STEPS:
A joint work session between the Economic Development and Health and Human Services committees was scheduled for Thursday, February 1. No vote on the bill is scheduled yet, but if passed, it would go into effect six months after being signed into law.

The Chamber will track the bill's progress and update as needed.

Proposed Legislation: Bill 43-23 Crisis Intervention Team - Established

THE DETAILS:
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke introduced Bill 43-23 Crisis Intervention Team - Established. Under this bill, crisis intervention teams would pair Montgomery County law enforcement officers with medial professionals to respond to mental health crises in hopes of limiting negative interactions between police and civilians in crisis.

The Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) would be run jointly between the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and the bill would also establish a 15-member committee to oversee the CIT and conduct a yearly report. Each CIT team is composed of one clinician and one law enforcement officer who co-locate, co-deploy and co-respond to calls regarding an individual who may be experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and pose a significant risk of danger to themselves or others.

GSSCC ACTION:
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testified at the public hearing in support of Bill 43-23. Watch her testimony in the video below and read her remarks here.

NEXT STEPS:
No vote has been scheduled and the Chamber will continue to track the bill's progress and report updates.

PAST ACTIONS

Passed Legislation: SB 422/HB 601 Street Racing and Exhibition Driving – Prohibited Acts, Enforcement, and Penalties

THE DETAILS:
In recent years, highly organized, tech-savvy criminal gangs, oftentimes without warning, have taken over Maryland intersections, shopping malls, parking lots and town centers. This illegal activity has taken place across the state, to attract and entertain crowds, frequently for economic gain to organizers.

To deter the spread of this dangerous activity and in response to mounting constituent concerns, Senator Pamela Beidle, (D, District 32, Anne Arundel) and Delegate Mary Lehman, (D, District 21, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel) introduced companion bills - SB 442/HB 601 - early in the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session.

Read here and here for more information. Watch the NBC4 Washington segment here.

GSSCC ACTION:
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Stephanie Helsing submitted a testimony in favor of HB 601.

“We were thrilled to be able to submit testimony in favor of HB 601,” said Stephanie Helsing, President & CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber heard from property owners, businesses themselves and residents who have been caught up in these terrifying rallies and exhibitions, sometimes unable to get away for hours because they are blocked in. We are convinced now, more than ever, that this legislation will have a significant positive impact, not only on the Silver Spring community, but the State of Maryland as a whole,” she said.

The Result:

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, The bill passed through the Maryland State House and was signed into law by the Governor.

The new law focuses on people who engage or participate in race or speed contests, whether for a prize or reward, or not, including on any highway or private property used for driving by the public. The law also prohibits participating as a timekeeper or flagman. Anyone convicted of driving in a racing or speeding contest that results in serious bodily injury to another person faces imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both, according to the new law.

The law defines “exhibition driving” as operating a motor vehicle in “close proximity to a crowd or gathering in a manner that intentionally results in two or more of the following,” including the following skidding, squealing or smoking tires, swerving vehicles, raucous or disturbing loud noise, grinding gears, backfiring, airborne wheels, and passengers hanging out of windows or on vehicle hoods, etc.

Passed Legislation: J.O.B.S Initiative

THE DETAILS:
On Tuesday, March 12, Montgomery County Council President Andrew Friedson introduced a $20 million appropriation for the County’s Economic Development Fund to spur economic development and create high-paying jobs in Montgomery County.

The New J.O.B.S. (Jobs, Opportunities and Business Support) Initiative will create three separate, complementary initiatives: a $10 million Job Creation Fund, a $7 million Innovation Fund, and a $3 million Equity Fund.

The $3 million Equity Fund will offer grants of up to $80,000 to early and growth-stage small businesses with owners from Equity Focus Areas, helping reduce barriers to entry for small businesses. Equity Focus Areas are primarily found along the I-270 Corridor, the Route 29 Corridor and eastern downcounty. The grants will be administered by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

GSSCC ACTION:
On Tuesday, March 11th, 2024 Stephanie Helsing attended the press conference where Council President Friedson introduced the J.O.B.S Initiative. At the event, Stephanie spoke in support of the initiative.

"Silver Spring, like other communities in our County, has faced challenges to its economy brought on by the pandemic and the subsequent changes in our workforce habits," said GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing during the event. "A lack of boots on the ground, the closing of businesses, and the loss of jobs has hurt our local businesses and our general economy. The mission of the Silver Spring Chamber is to widen opportunities by growing jobs and businesses to increase prosperity for all our residents and the JOBS Initiative is just what the Dr. ordered."

Addressing the high vacancies in downtown office markets, Helsing noted how the JOBS initiative could help attract new companies and foster business expansion for existing companies, helping jumpstart local economies with new high-paying jobs and revitalizing the downtown Silver Spring area.

"The special emphasis on the County’s Equity Focus Areas will definitely benefit Silver Spring by giving a boost to our small businesses and enticing entrepreneurs and innovators to call Silver Spring home," said Helsing. "Thank you, Councilmember Friedson, for understanding this and taking action to address it."

More of her testimony can be found here.

The Result:

On Tuesday, May 7 the J.O.B.S Initiative was passed under unanimous vote. Stephanie and the chamber worked closely with council members throughout the process, voicing their opinions and advocating for the greater Silver Spring.

This is one more step that allows Silver Spring to take its rightful place as a business and residential hub, and economic engine in Montgomery County for those who live here, who work here, and who come here to enjoy the wonderful amenities we have to offer. Thank you to the Council for understanding this and taking action to address it. You can find information on the Initiative here and the Chamber's statement of support here. Read the Council's news release here.

Passed Legislation: Bill 3-24 Late Night Establishments - Hours of Operation

THE DETAILS:
On February 13, the Montgomery County Council introduced Bill 3-24 Late Night Establishments – Hours of Operation. This proposed legislation aims to synchronize the operating hours of hookah lounges, vape shops, and tobacco stores with the restaurant and bar industry, and comes in response to a surge in crime occurring between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. when hookah lounges have been able to remain open after bars have shut their doors. Over the past year, there have been nearly 3,000 calls for police service in downtown Silver Spring during these hours. Council Vice President Kate Stewart, along with Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and Evan Glass are the lead sponsors of the bill.

GSSCC ACTION:
The Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce is strongly in support of this bill. We believe that the County Council can and should be an active advocate for our businesses to ensure their continued safety and growth and the passing of Bill 3-24 will do that, as well as ensure that the greater community is safe. We believe this bill would put these newly-regulated businesses on the same footing, with the corresponding same responsibilities, as existing businesses, allowing the new businesses to stand up and fly right with everyone else, or face penalties of further regulation.

At present there has been no data presented to the Chamber that indicates an overabundance of issues to support closing the Hookah lounges and smoke shops at an earlier time. If the situation does not appear to be helped by the passing of Bill 3-24, and the data continues to indicate issues, then the Chamber will advocate very loudly for the establishments in question to be further restricted.

GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testified in-person on Tuesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m. in support of Bill 3-24. A copy of her testimony can be found here. If you would like to submit written testimony in support of this important legislation or sign up to testify yourself, please visit here.

Coverage of the testimony can be found on Montgomery Community Media here and MoCo360 here. Stephanie testified in person on Thursday, March 14, during the public hearing for Bill 3-24.

The Result:

On Tuesday, April 2nd 2024 Bill 3-24 Late Night Establishments - Hours of Operation was passed in a near unanimous vote. The verdict was covered in various local papers. Ginny Bixby of MOCO 360 reported, "After more than an hour of tense discussion, the Montgomery County Council voted 10-1 Tuesday to restrict late-night business hours for hookah lounges and tobacco and vape shops, requiring them to close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends".

The bill was passed with the aid of various people and organizations. The actions of Stephanie Helsing and the GSSCC helped bring the issue to light and propose legislation. The GSSCC worked in junction with local business owners and the Montgomery County PD to develop a case and seek guidance. A heat map provided by the MOCO PD proved vital in the hearing. The map demonstrated elevated levels of calls between the hours of 2 and 7 am near hookah lounges.

Overall, we look forward to seeing improvements in the safety and vibrance of our community thanks to the passing of Bill 3-24.

Defeated Legislation: County Minimum Wage - Tipped Employees

THE DETAILS:
Councilmembers Jawando and Mink proposed Bill 35-23, County Minimum Wage – Tipped Employees, which would repeal the tipped wage credit for restaurant and other service industry employees. Find more information here.

GSSCC ACTION:
GSSCC heard from members in the restaurant and hospitality industries and partnered with several other local Chambers and the Restaurant Association of Maryland to strongly oppose this legislation by issuing a joint statement citing the negative impact on restaurant operators, restaurant servers, and the larger Silver Spring economy. Read the Joint Statement here.

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testified at the Montgomery County Council public hearing in opposition of Bill 35-23. Watch her testimony here, beginning at the 54:45 mark and read the full copy of her testimony here.

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, the Chamber hosted a Rally for Restaurants Business After Hours event that brought together restaurants from around Silver Spring to showcase their delicious cuisine and rally the community together in support of those in the service and hospitality industry.

THE RESULTS:

On Tuesday, January 16, Bill 35-23, County Minimum Wage – Tipped Employees and Bill 35-24, County Minimum Wage - Wage Commission – Established were rescinded. This is a very rare occurrence and we consider the bills not being left to languish until the end of session, or put to vote to be defeated, a victory.

On Friday, February 9, it was announced that the Maryland House of Delegates tip credit bill hearing scheduled for February 14 had been cancelled. The hearing for House Bill 467 has been cancelled because the bill sponsor will be withdrawing the legislation.

The Chamber is proud to have supported the business community on these specific issues and look at the rescinding of these two bills at the County and State level as a strong way for the GSSCC to begin 2024. We will continue to advocate on all issues impacting the business community in the greater Silver Spring area and appreciate your continued confidence and support. Read the Chamber's 2024 Advocacy Agenda for more complete and updated information on all of the Chamber’s current advocacy.

GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testifying in opposition to Bill 35-23.

Successful Advocacy: Drone As First Responder Program

THE DETAILS:
The Drone as First Responder Program funds drones to assist the Montgomery County Police Department in emergency response before officers arrive on the scene. Drones will be deployed after a 911 call if the dispatcher and drone pilot believe there is a use for the drone to respond. Once the drone arrives on the scene, the pilot can assess if threats are credible, if more emergency responders are needed, and other details that could help expedite emergency response. The program will involve two drones – one for the downtown Silver Spring area and one for the downtown Wheaton area – that can be sent to crime scenes to assess the area before officers arrive. The program will cost $350,000.

It was first introduced during the fiscal 2024 budget process in the spring, but councilmembers asked the police department to do more outreach and public engagement on the program before the council brought it to a vote for a supplemental appropriation. In the months following, the council held multiple work sessions to discuss the legislation, and the police department held two public engagement sessions for members of the community.

The appropriation was recommended by the council Public Safety and Government Operations committees at an October 18 work session. On Tuesday, November 7, the Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to approve the pilot program.

GSSCC ACTION:
The Chamber fully supported this initiative and feels that it will make positive impact on the ground, address crime and allowing MCPD to better allocate its resources.

THE RESULTS:
The Drone as First Responder Program in Silver Spring has demonstrated to be a valuable asset since November 2023, helping 3rd District officers with increased response times, decision making, de-escalation and staffing shortages.

Drone pilots from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Operations Division conducted their first flight in the Wheaton district on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, this program now introduces an unmanned aircraft to the Wheaton area, with the call sign Raven 2, to provide critical support to the department and better serve the residents of Montgomery County.

Visit the Silver Spring Safety Alliance page for more updates on the Drone as First Responder Program.

10% Property Tax Rate Increase

THE DETAILS:
A 10% property tax increase is proposed by County Executive Elrich in the FY2024 Operating Budget.

GSSCC ACTION:
The Chamber issued action alerts to its members urging them to send letters to the Council in opposition to the 10% property tax increase. Read the action alert here. The Chamber also joined in a coalition of several area Chambers in opposition to this legislation and GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testified in opposition during the County Council budget hearing on May 2 as well as submitted testimony to the County Council. Read her testimony here.

THE RESULTS:
On Thursday, May 18, the Montgomery County Council voted 7-4 to increase property taxes by 4.7 percent with Councilmembers Will Jawando (D-At-large), Andrew Friedson (D-District 1), Kate Stewart (D, District 4), and Kristin Mink (D, District 5) voting against the legislation. The increase is much less than the 10 percent proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich, which was deemed necessary to fund Montgomery County public schools, a position the Chamber and business community vehemently opposed. Read here for more information.

GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testifies in opposition to the proposed 10% property tax increase.

Rent Control Legislation

THE DETAILS:
Two dueling rent control bills were being considered by the County Council. One bill, Bill 16-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Rent Stabilization (The HOME Act), sponsored by Councilmembers Jawando and Mink, proposes a 3% rent cap or CPI, whichever is lowest. The other bill, Bill 15-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations-Anti Rent Gouging Protections, sponsored by Councilmember Fani- González and five other Councilmembers, proposes an 8% rent cap plus CPI.

GSSCC ACTION:
The Chamber issued action alerts to its members urging them to send letters to the Council telling them to oppose any rent control. Read the communication here. The Chamber also joined in a coalition of several area Chambers in opposition to this legislation and GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing testified in opposition. Read her testimony here.

THE RESULTS:
On Tuesday, July 18, the Council voted to approve rent stabilization Bill 15-23 which will cap annual increases at the region's consumer price index plus 3%, with a hard cap of 6% of the base rent. The Council voted 7-4, with councilmembers Gabe Albornoz (D-At-large), Andrew Friedson (D-District 1), Marilyn Balcombe (D-District 2), and Dawn Luedtke (D-District 7) voting against the legislation. Read here for more information.

The Chamber opposed the rent control legislation and believes that implementing rent control in Montgomery County will exacerbate the housing shortage, increase the cost of rental housing, and decrease the quality of existing housing stock. It urged the Council to consider the message legislation like this would send to those interested in investing in our region.