Earlier today, Governor Larry Hogan was joined by legislative leaders to announce a historic, bipartisan agreement over how the state will spend the $6.355 billion in funding allocated to Maryland in the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The American Rescue Plan Act passed in early March with the promise of supporting struggling families and communities with direct relief. Included in the $1.9 trillion package is $360 billion earmarked for states, counties, cities and tribal governments to cover increased costs, replenish lost revenue and mitigate the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m pleased to announce today that we have once again reached an historic bipartisan agreement on a fiscally responsible budget accord, which effectively targets relief to Marylanders most in need,” said Governor Hogan during the announcement.
Importantly, Governor Hogan’s announcement included the following:
- $1.1 billion will be spent to replenish Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund in order to maintain its solvency and stabilize rates over the next two calendar years;
- $800 million will be added to existing Maryland Emergency Economic Relief Programs;
- $600 million for the safe reopening of schools;
- $300 million for a broadband technology initiative to expand access to high-speed internet;
- $100 million for employment training and apprenticeship programs;
- $100 million to support state employees providing essential services during the pandemic;
- $500 million in infrastructure and transit improvements;
- $300 million to provide a critical lifeline for struggling Marylanders including low income with utility programs, temporary disability payments, etc.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce has made the replenishment of Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund a priority since last fall, as the balance of the fund became more precarious due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition to placing a strain on the payout of benefits to struggling workers who are in need of unemployment benefits, depletion of the trust fund balance will force Maryland employers, many of whom have closed their doors through no fault of their own, to face significant unemployment insurance tax increases in future years.
Ashley Duckman, vice president of government affairs at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, worked closely with legislators and the Governor to ensure this fund was protected.
“In early March we were delighted that Congress had reached an agreement on an economic stimulus package that included $360 billion in state, county and local funding,” said Duckman. “We are even more appreciative today that Governor Hogan and legislative leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement on how to utilize these funds in a way that will continue to help struggling Marylanders and small businesses.”
“In particular, we have been working with the Governor and his team over many months to address the threat of rising unemployment insurance taxes faced by employers and we are grateful that this aid will be used to replenish the fund and offset those costs,” continued Duckman. “We know that this is a tremendous force in supporting Maryland’s job creators and will keep us on a path to sound economic recovery.”
Dang.
I didn’t know we (Maryland) had THAT much money!
But if they need more, who do you think is getting hit for the taxes?
Mostly white people.
And they can’t stop cheering this fake republican.
Yeah, small businesses that survived are paying for it too.
My company had no closures or lay-offs, (haven’t in at least 5 years)
We went from a .30% unemployment insurance rate to a 2.2% rate.
Thanks a lot Hogan! You screwed the businesses who took a hit to keep their employees working!
I’d like to punch Hogan in his fat face
They will NEVER return to work if you keep giving free stuff! Va just passed a law that says a landlord can’t evict a person until July 2022. How is the landlord suppose to pay bills if the renter is not paying theirs. Can you imagine having to pay a mortgage on a house while the person in it lives rent free. They will never be able to make up the missed rent. They are too busy spending their money on other things since they get to live rent free.
Maybe those landlords should learn how to code.
Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Ching! Our money leaving our pockets to go into the Annapolis cash register.
(sad face)
Well isn’t that convenient. The federal government bails out the State of Maryland’s Unemployment Issuance Fund. I guess that means we can be assured that the same will reoccur over, and over, and over, and over again, and again, and again, and again.
Better get out before its to late. Md is already #1 on places NOT TO RETIRE IN…@hit schools, HIGH CRIME, SKY high taxes which will never go down!! BLM Supporter, knee jerk reactions to every dumb libtarded obsession , Santuary state, thats run by marxist comminist PIGS JUST like this dumb fat fornicating useful idiot larry.. its bloody taxation without representation. My Wifes bussiness suffers while this MORON shovels tax dollars to the lazy, who dont want to come back to work…UNFRIGGIN BELEIVABLE. Your great great great great grand kids will also suffer if you stay here!!!!
Seen nothing to PROTECT SENIOR CITIZENS and SSI..
Just these LAZY BUMS who wants tax dollars to be on vacation.
These are the IDIOTS that are not paying TAXES while SENIOR CITIZENS are paying taxes even on SSI to allow these BUMS to be on vacation.
ELIMINATE ALL TAXES ON SENIOR CITZENS RETIEMENT and SSI
As always the $$$$$$$ goes everywhere BUT the people !!!!! Waisting it all
Hey Larry, Whose money are you giving away here. Do you realize that the working citizens of Maryland are paying for your giveaways to people who will not work. There are plenty of jobs out there (just drive down the road and see signs at most business that say “Help Wanted”.) Stop this Bullshit and let people go back to work.
ASLO, STOP THE MASK BULLSHIT. You are paying people not to work.
Larry the idiot and i thought omally was a POS..this guys lower then whale dung
Larry the idiot and i thought omally was a POS..this guys lower then whale dung.
FYI.. Im esstential so have not stopped working …GET NO FRIGGIN TAX BREAKS , my wifes bussiness has been at 50% but she still working with some employees who dont want to come back. …FU larry you have no bussiness sense but thats because your heads so far up the marxist arse your blind…ill be leaving this libtarded state but not soon enough