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Councilmember Nancy Navarro on the FY16 Budget

by on May 14, 2015 in Uncategorized

 

Statement from Councilmember Nancy Navarro on the Approval of the FY16 Operating Budget:

“This budget affirms our values. We are making important investments in Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and our social safety net.

This is a budget that truly puts young people first. We included $250,000 for the Children’s Opportunity Fund, which is an important first step toward creating a dedicated Children’s Trust. The Council voted to fund the newly created Child Care and Early Education Policy Officer and Child Care Strategic Plan, which was established as part of the Child Care Expansion and Quality Enhancement Initiative, which I sponsored. The Council added more than a half a million dollars to the County Executive’s recommended budget to provide child care subsidies to the lowest income families in our County. This budget expands the hours of operation for recreation centers in the mid- and east-county and will ensure that the Wheaton High School Wellness Center will open at the same time as the new Wheaton High School.

I’m pleased the Council decided to make a down-payment on fair elections by approving $1 million for the Public Campaign Election Fund. This landmark program will make Montgomery County a national model for public financing of elections. We are also making sure employees of County contractors are treated fairly by fully funding my recently passed legislation to strengthen the Living Wage Law’s reporting requirements.

The approved budget funds our priorities in a fiscally responsible way. We kept the property tax rate at the County’s Charter Limit, while fully funding our future pension, health care, and reserve obligations. We are restoring funding for libraries that was drastically cut during the recession and providing much-deserved compensation for our County employees, who made many sacrifices during the economic downturn. The tough decisions we have made will put Montgomery County in a favorable position to retain our Triple-A Bond Rating.”

Wheaton Library & Recreation Center

by on March 26, 2015 in Uncategorized

 

Click here for the latest information on the Wheaton Library & Recreation Center Project.

Kemp Mill Civic Association

by on March 26, 2015 in Uncategorized

Last night, I had the pleasure of speaking with residents at the monthly meeting of the Kemp Mill Civic Association. WeSpeaking at Kemp Mill  had a great conversation about some of my top priorities for the area, including: the Wheaton Library and Recreation Center, Wheaton Redevelopment, and the renovation of Kemp Mill Urban Park. We also discussed a number of other important issues, including deer management, resurfacing of roads, and WSSC billing issues.

Download my complete presentation to the Kemp Mill Civic Association:

 

Our Children, Our Future

by on December 9, 2014 in Uncategorized

Dear Friends,

For me, access to quality and affordable child care is personal.

About 20 years ago, my husband and I were raising our first daughter at our home in Wheaton. While he was starting his business, I was working full-time. Spending more time with my daughter was a priority, but financially there was no way I could quit my job and stay at home. One day, I decided to open a family child care business at my home. I prepared my home, took the required training, applied for and received the required state license, and started seeking clients. This allowed me to have an income, but more importantly it allowed me to prepare my daughter and the children in my care, to enter kindergarten “ready to learn.” Some of them even decided to acquire a second language and today are fully bilingual.
As I talked to more people about my new 

business, I realized there were many women in the community starting to care for children out of their homes. Many would care for several children without a license, compromising safety and quality. For some, the language barrier and confusing state bureaucracy in applying for a license was a hurdle that was difficult to overcome.

A few years after starting my business, I founded a nonprofit called Centro Familia to help train other family child care providers about the right way to start their business. We developed a state certified curriculum, provided the necessary technical assistance and mentoring necessary to pass the state licensing requirements. Once licensed, the participants would continue to receive support that ensured quality and best business practices. The most important outcome was school readiness for the children in their programs. I left Centro Familia in 2004 to join the Board of Education.During my tenure at the Board of Education, and since being elected to the County Council in 2009, I have made early childhood education and access to quality, affordable child care a priority. During every budget, I have fought to increase funding for child care subsidies for low-income families and have been a leader in working to expand pre-kindergarten opportunities for every Montgomery County family.In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed me to serve on the White House Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. I serve on the Early Childhood Education Subcommittee on the Commission, where I work with Latino education leaders from around the nation.The only way we can meet demands of the 21st century job market is by investing in quality early childhood education. Research shows that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, there is a return of $2.50 to $17. Not building this critical infrastructure of opportunity jeopardizes our nation’s ability to thrive in a global economy and maintain our competitive edge. The U.S. is already falling behind–ranking 25th in the world in early learning enrollment of 4-year-olds. By investing in the future of all our children we are making a commitment to the success of our country.

nancy in classroom

Next Steps

Long Term: Establishing a Children’s Trust Fund

During difficult economic times, early childhood education programs are often the first on the chopping block. While cutting programs may ease budget challenges in the near-term, these are short-sighted decisions that will have negative consequences on our future success and competitiveness.
Several jurisdictions, including Miami-Dade, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have a “Children’s Trust Fund” that provides resources for children and youth programming. While there are a variety of “Children’s Trust” models, the most successful programs dedicate a portion of tax revenue for children ages 0-17. I believe that it is important to explore the establishment of a Children’s Trust in Montgomery County. I plan to work with stakeholders in order to propose a Charter Amendment that would establish a Children’s Trust for Montgomery County. For example, this Trust could set aside a portion of the County General Fund Property Tax revenue each year. Establishing a trust ensures that even during the most challenging economic times, Montgomery County is committed to funding the most essential services to give our children a great start.

Short Term: Reforming Child Care Services

Before we can establish a dedicated funding source for programs serving youth, we need to establish an infrastructure that will help make sure those funds go where they are needed most. That’s why during this year’s budget, I plan to work collaboratively with the County Executive to establish a Children’s Opportunity Fund. This Fund, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the County Government, will be used to hire a Fund Coordinator and a researcher that will study the outcomes of youth programs. The Fund will also help us pay for new initiatives targeted at supporting services for children and teenagers.

nancy with girlsWe need wholesale reform of how Montgomery County ensures that every family has access to high-quality, affordable child care. I am working with my colleagues on legislation creating a Child Care and Early Education Officer within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

I am also introducing legislation that will create a Child Care Expansion and Quality Enhancement Initiative. This Initiative would require County Government to do much of the work I did while at Centro Familia. HHS staff would be responsible for:

  • Educating prospective family child care providers on steps necessary to become licensed by the State;
  • Providing technical assistance and business training to family child care providers;
  • If requested, conducting a site-visit for potential family child care providers to provide feedback and assistance to obtain state licensing;
  • Providing services in languages other than English, in a culturally competent manner; and
  • Conducting an annual assessment of child care needs in the County and preparing an annual report.

Closing the academic achievement gap and making sure every student is prepared to learn on their first day of school is the socioeconomic imperative of our time. Every child deserves a chance to succeed and that cannot happen without access to quality, affordable child care for all. It won’t be easy to accomplish this goal, but with your help and support we will ensure every child can have a strong and bright future.

Sincerely,

Nancy Navarro
Councilmember, District 4

The Imperative of Early Education & Eliminating the Achievement Gap

by on September 4, 2014 in Uncategorized

I’ve spent the past two days in San Antonio, Texas participating in a meeting of the White House Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. As a member of the Early Education Subcommittee, I have spent a lot of time talking to my fellow commissioners about models and best practices to ensure all young people–regardless of race or socioeconomic status–receive high-quality early education.

My view from the Commission meeting in San Antonio, TX.

My view from the Commission meeting in San Antonio, TX.

Too often, the debate about closing the achievement gap and increasing access to quality early childhood programs is framed in moralistic terms. It becomes a debate about “haves” and “have-nots,” as opposed to focusing on the broader social implications of not addressing the fundamental inequality found in our early childhood education system. The consequences of not addressing these issues go far beyond the civil rights or social ramifications that are regularly the focus of these discussions.

One of my goals as a Commissioner (focusing on national Education Policy) and a Councilmember (focusing on a broad range of local public policy issues) is changing the narrative about how we talk about certain issues. I encourage an “opportunity model” where we focus on young peoples’ strengthens, as opposed to the more common “deficit” model that focuses on the “challenges” of educating a more diverse student population. Similarly, eliminating the achievement gap and preparing the workforce of the future is more than just an “equity” issue. It is the key economic issue of our time. Here’s why:

1) Eliminating the Achievement Gap is a socioeconomic imperative. Of all the developed countries in the world, the United States is the only one with a growing aging population and a growing young population. All other developed countries have the aging population, but not the young population growth. The reason for the young population growth is the birthrate of Latino Americans. If Latino children are not prepared to enter the workforce, who will be there to pay into Social Security for older Americans? We need to make sure all children have the skills they need to find good paying jobs that will contribute to all of our economic well-being.

2) Eliminating the Academic Achievement Gap is the only way to maintain our global competitive edge. We should not submit to the notion that our workforce will be imported. India and China are basically our global competitors and we have lost our innovative edge, due to our complacency regarding the Achievement Gap. Importing talent is not a solution for increasing economic productivity and is certainly not a way to promote economic opportunity for children growing up in the United States. We live in a different world than our parents did, but our education system and workforce development pipeline continues to lag behind the times. Children growing up in Los Angeles, Montgomery County and anywhere in between deserve the same educational and workforce training opportunities their peers around the world are receiving. That is the only way the United States can remain the dominant economic super power.

3) Eliminating the Academic Achievement Gap is vital to our National Security. While education policy and national security don’t at first glace seem connected, their interconnectedness can’t be overstated. If our military can’t recruit qualified individuals, they can’t execute their mission to keep our country safe. If young people don’t have the educational tools to even pass the entrance exams, how can we have a strong national defense? With people of color now making up the majority of the population in our schools, it is more important than ever to make sure all students–regardless of race or socioeconomic status–have the opportunity to be successful.

With Congressman Joaquin Castro

With Congressman Joaquin Castro

This narrative shows that investing in Early Education is the best approach for a stronger return on investment. Waiting until a student is in middle school or even kindergarten is already too late. Quality early childhood education for all is essential to our nation’s economic and national security. Making these necessary investments should be bipartisan because both Democrats and Republicans agree on wanting a prosperous nation. We should stop referring to this issue as a matter of “Civil Rights” or a moral imperative. It’s not a “nice to have for some,” but a “must have for all.”

Quality, affordable health care for employees of County contractors

by on October 30, 2013 in Uncategorized

Today I sent this memo to my colleagues on the Council, announcing that I will be introducing a bill requiring County contractors to provide affordable health insurance to their employees. This is a difficult issue, but I am convinced there is a solution that results in health coverage that is affordable for employees, for the contractors that employ them, and ultimately for the County. As we work through the legislative process, I look forward to discussion and input from my colleagues and the community.

 

 

Colesville Community Meeting

by on October 17, 2013 in Uncategorized

An announcement from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs:

Colesville Community Meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013

7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Transfiguration Episcopal Church

13925 New Hampshire Ave.

This meeting is part of a project that the Council added to this year’s Capital Budget at Council President Navarro’s request. DHCA is working with a consultant to develop a proposal to make improvements in this area. This could include facade improvements for local businesses, landscaping or streetscaping, and pedestrian safety measures to make the area easier to walk and bike. They held a community meeting on September 17 to solicit suggestions, and they are holding a second meeting on October 30th to present their draft analysis to the community and get feedback.

County Council President Navarro, Senator Cardin, Congressman Van Hollen, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray to Join Together to Protect Right to Vote for All

by on September 20, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

At Event on Monday, Sept. 23, in Rockville, They Will Address Importance of Voting Rights in Montgomery County, D.C. and Nationwide

 

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 20, 2013—Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro will be joined by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray and other community leaders at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, in support of action at all levels of government to improve and protect the right to vote of citizens in Montgomery County, Washington, D.C. and across the country. Council President Navarro will be highlighting her “Right to Vote” resolution that was recently introduced before the Council.

Council President Navarro’s resolution calls for creation of a task force that will review and offer recommendations to improve the election processes in Montgomery County. The resolution, which is co-sponsored by the other eight members of the County Council, also calls for Congress to strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Council President Navarro’s “Right to Vote” resolution would “affirm the Council’s commitment to expanding participation in elections and protecting voting rights for all of our residents.”

The event will be held on the front steps of the Council Office Building at 100  Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

Also expected to attend the event are Council Vice President Craig Rice and Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Nancy Floreen. State Senators Rich Madaleno and Jamie Raskin and Takoma Park Councilmember Tim Male also are expected to attend, as are representatives of FairVote, the ACLU of Maryland, Common Cause Maryland, the Montgomery County Young Democrats, the Montgomery County Muslim Council, the District 39 Democratic Club and the County Board of Elections. Representatives from the offices of Senator Barbara Mikulski, Congressman John Sarbanes and Congressman John Delaney also are expected to be in attendance.

Final approval of the Montgomery County resolution is set for Tuesday, Sept. 24. It was formally introduced before the Council on Sept. 10.

“With states like North Carolina and Texas rolling back voting rights and instituting draconian photo ID laws, the need for robust federal enforcement of election law is needed more than ever,” said Council President Navarro.

The resolution also calls on Congress to give residents of the District of Columbia full representation and voting rights in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. At the local level, the resolution urges the Montgomery County Board of Elections to select new early voting sites that are easily accessible by public transportation.

The text of the resolution can be found at: http://www.councilmembernavarro.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/RighttoVoteResolution_9-4-13.pdf

The complete text of Council President Navarro’s statement regarding the resolution:

The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet this fundamental right is not explicitly protected in the U.S. Constitution. While Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly have taken important steps to expand voting opportunities, several other states and the Supreme Court have made devastating decisions to move in the opposite direction. That is why I am introducing a resolution that will affirm the Council’s commitment to expanding participation in elections and protecting voting rights for all of our residents. I am pleased that all eight of my colleagues have signed on to this resolution as co-sponsors.

At the County level, we have limited authority in making election law. While Montgomery County funds the local Board of Elections, election rules are ultimately determined at the state level. However, County Government can be a catalyst for offering innovative proposals our state and federal officials can adopt. As chair of the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, which has oversight over the Board of Elections budget, I believe it is essential that Montgomery County has a strong voice in discussions about increasing voting rights and reforming our elections.

The resolution also calls on Congress to give residents of District of Columbia full representation and voting rights in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. The lack of voting rights for residents living in our nation’s capital is a disgrace. The United States is the only democracy in the world where residents of its capital are not represented in their national legislature. Beyond this issue of basic fairness, D.C.’s lack of representation also hurts surrounding jurisdictions, like Montgomery County. Without a voting member of the House and two Senators, the D.C. area has less of a voice on key regional issues—like transportation—than we deserve.

At the local level, the resolution urges the Montgomery County Board of Elections to select new early voting sites that are “easily accessible by public transportation.” Montgomery County will have several new early voting sites in 2014 and we need to make sure that all eligible voters, regardless of income or access to a vehicle, have an opportunity to cast a ballot.

Finally, this resolution creates a task force that will review and offer recommendations to improve our election processes in Montgomery County. I hope this citizen-centric approach will provide us with creative ideas to increase civic education and participation in our democratic process.

We Want to Hear from You on the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite

by on September 12, 2013 in Uncategorized

The Council issued the following press release yesterday, announcing that we will hold a second public hearing to hear from residents about the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee’s proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite. The date of the hearing will be determined once the PHED Committee has completed its work. The latest draft of the Rewrite can be viewed at www.zoningmontgomery.org, together with an interactive map that allows users to view the current and proposed zoning on each property in the County. Written comments can be submitted at any time by emailing county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The PHED Committee is holding its next worksession on the Zoning Rewrite tomorrow, September 13, at 9:30AM in the Council’s 7th Floor Hearing Room.

 

Montgomery Council President Navarro Announces Second Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinance

Residents Will Be Able to Comment on Changes Suggested by County Council’s PHED Committee

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 11, 2013—Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro announced today that the Council has decided to hold a second public hearing on proposed changes to the County’s Zoning Ordinance. The hearing will be held on a date to be determined once the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee has completed its recommended draft of the document. This hearing will give residents a further opportunity to comment on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 13-04 and District Map Amendment (DMA) G-956.

The Council’s PHED Committee, which is chaired by Nancy Floreen and includes Councilmembers Marc Elrich and George Leventhal, held worksessions every week in June and July on the County Planning Board’s recommended Zoning Ordinance Rewrite and is continuing its work in September. The committee is expected to recommend amending many aspects of the text and map, but until it completes its worksessions, its recommendations are tentative.

The Council introduced the Planning Board’s recommendations on May 2 following years of the Planning Board’s extensive work and discussion with community groups and other stakeholders. The Council heard from more than 50 speakers at a public hearing on the Planning Board’s recommendations in January and has received extensive email and other correspondence from County residents as the committee continues to do its work.

The Zoning Ordinance hasn’t been comprehensively updated since 1977 and has grown to more than 1,200 pages over the last 30 years. The goal of the Rewrite is to reorganize and simplify the Zoning Code. Rewriting the code in plain language and reorganizing it into rational sections will enable residents to more easily participate in key land use decisions, and courts and agencies will have clearer rules to apply.

Although the County Charter calls for only one public hearing, the Council decided to hold a second public hearing because it recognizes the significance of the proposed text and map changes. There are few changes proposed for single-family residential properties, but non-residentially zoned properties and their neighbors could be affected. ZTA 13-04 would implement the text changes to the Zoning Ordinance, and DMA G-956 would update the zoning for each property to apply a new zone. The proposed rezoning in DMA G-956 is designed to mirror each property’s current zoning as much as possible.

Residents can see the proposed Zoning Rewrite, along with the tentative changes being considered by the PHED committee, at www.zoningmontgomery.org. Residents also will find an interactive map that enables users to determine the existing and proposed zoning for every property in the County.  Clicking on a particular property will display the development standards (density, height limits and setbacks) for the existing and proposed zone.

Further details on the hearing will be available shortly.

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A Big Announcement on the Purple Line

by on August 6, 2013 in Uncategorized

I appreciated Governor O’Malley inviting me to speak on behalf of the Council yesterday at an event announcing almost an $1 billion in new state transportation funding for Montgomery County, including $400 million for the Purple Line, along with new funding for the Brookeville Bypass (a high priority in my district), for the Corridor Cities Transitway (a planned transit line along the I-270 corridor), and several other important projects.

The Governor and Lt. Governor Brown also announced that they will seek to find a private partner to help finance and build the Purple Line. This will be the first time the State has used a Public Private Partnership (P3), an innovative funding mechanism, to finance a transit project of this scale.

I was also joined at the announcement by County Executive Leggett, Prince George’s County Executive Baker, many of my Council colleagues, members of our state delegation, a number of municipal leaders. I was happy to see many pro-Purple Line activists in the audience, some of whom have been working for years, even decades, to get us to this point.

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