A Message from Secretary Perez

In April, Governor O’Malley signed into law a comprehensive package of reforms for mortgage lending and foreclosures in Maryland. These new laws, which provide much needed protections for homeowners, were the culmination of the work of the Homeownership Preservation Task Force. But while the enactment of the laws marks a significant step forward in our efforts to address the foreclosure crisis that has swept our State and the nation, there is still so much work to do to get the message out to homeowners that there is help available.

Outreach efforts are a critical piece of our comprehensive efforts to combat foreclosures and help Maryland families stay in their homes. Since the legislature adjourned on April 7, we have been busy traveling the State to educate communities about the new laws, and to let people know about the resources available to help them keep their homes. We’ve held community forums, giving homeowners one-on-one access to housing counselors and fraud investigators. Governor O’Malley launched a multi-media ad campaign with the critical message: Mortgage Late? Don’t Wait – a reminder to homeowners that help is available, if they pick up the phone.

We have accomplished a great deal in our efforts to address rising foreclosure rates, but without effective education and outreach that connects homeowners with the people and resources that can help them, our efforts would be irrelevant. If you or someone you know is in danger of losing their home to foreclosure, call 1-877-462-7555.
 

The General Assembly wrapped up its 2008 business on April 7, and DLLR had an extremely successful session. Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved Governor O’Malley’s package of mortgage lending and foreclosure reforms, which DLLR played a key role in developing and which will go a long way toward protecting homeowners from foreclosure. The session also saw the passage of a measure to better align adult education and workforce development in Maryland by transferring oversight of adult education and correctional education to DLLR, a move that will create more opportunities for more Marylanders. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
 

adult ed to become a part of DLLR

On April 8, Governor O’Malley signed legislation to move oversight of adult education and correctional education to DLLR, a transfer that will ensure adult learners in Maryland have access to the services they need to improve their lives. Recognizing the value of merging adult education and workforce development, a number of states have made similar moves in recent years. Under the new law, passed as Senate Bill 203, a Transition Council will create a plan for a smooth program transfer. The Transition Council, which will include members of the House and Senate and a wide variety of stakeholders, will also help develop a new State Plan for Adult Education. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
 

Workforce development opens first out-of-state one stop center

Secretary Perez and Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development Andy Moser celebrated the opening of the first out-of-state One-Stop Transition Career Center, established by Maryland to serve BRAC impacted citizens of New Jersey. Officials from Maryland, as well as the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Monmouth Base commanders, were at the grand opening of the center on April 25th at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, which will provide transitional services for BRAC impacted personnel. The center will be staffed by professionals to serve New Jersey families moving from Fort Monmouth to Maryland. Resources available at the center include job search and training information, tools for professionals who will need to be registered or licensed to work in Maryland, community and housing resources, and a host of other resources to help. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
 

workforce investment board established in southern maryland

The Southern Maryland Tri-County Council unanimously approved the creation of a Workforce Investment Board to serve Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. The Council voted Thursday, April 24th to establish the Board, after the region has been without one since 2006. Workforce Development officials from DLLR were instrumental in gaining approval for the new Board, which will ensure the region can benefit from federal workforce grants. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.