Dear Friends,
These are days that history will remember. Yesterday was incredibly emotional as we witnessed the return of 20 living Israeli hostages to their loved ones. And we mourn, as the remains of 28 hostages await return to their families. I am cautiously optimistic that the fragile ceasefire will take hold, and negotiations will continue to bring stability, security, rebuilding, and healing to Israel and to Gaza, both of which have long days ahead recovering from the trauma of the past two years. I appreciate the efforts of the President and hope he and his team remain focused on the difficult days ahead to solidify a meaningful, lasting peace.
While the news is looking up in the Middle East, it is unfortunate that the U.S. government shutdown continues. Thousands of hardworking federal employees continue to do their jobs without being paid as this Administration threatens to fire them. I support our outstanding Maryland congressional delegation who is holding firm (with the exception of one) in their efforts to preserve critical tax credits that make access to healthcare affordable and to ensure that workers receive the backpay to which they are entitled – even as the Administration asserts it will not pay workers their earned wages.
As we approach the open enrollment period when individuals need to make their health insurance decisions, I believe that more and more people will realize the full effect of the Administration’s efforts to discontinue these tax credits as they see massive increases in health insurance premiums. Hopefully, the people’s voices will rise in opposition to these changes and that will pressure congressional leaders to open a dialogue to resolve this impasse.
If you or someone you know are experiencing hardship due to the shutdown, there are resources available to help, many of which the General Assembly passed anticipating this situation. We have outlined what is available and where to go for help below.
As always, please let us know if our office can be of assistance in any way.
Shelly L. Hettleman
Senator, District 11
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