In support of a bill that would make “Juneteenth” a state and employee-paid holiday, a Maryland Delegate on Monday gave an impassioned speech, which ended with a standing ovation from some colleagues.
Others in the Legislature were equally impassioned that including paid leave in the bill could be costly, especially during a year that many Marylanders have struggled financially.
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel, argued in support of HB448 on the floor of the House annex on Monday as she and other colleagues fought for the bill to advance to the Senate.
“Powerful words from Joseline Peña-Melnyk this morning in support of making Juneteenth a paid state holiday,” Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, D-Montgomery, wrote in a tweet Monday. “Proud to cast my vote green.”
Gee, not to further divide us or anything…
These people need some “let it go” therapy.
How about an unpaid holiday instead to commemorate the wage of slaves before manumission?
Maryland stayed in the Union. Consequently the Emancipation Proclamation, which on January 1. 1863 freed slaves in states in rebellion against the US, did not free MD slaves. They were freed on November 1, 1864 with the adoption of a new state constitution. So Juneteenth in 1865 had no practical affect on the free citizens of MD.
It occurred in TX following the end of the Civil War when news finally reached slaves there.
Making it a feature in MD is misplaced, and a waste of legislative time and resources. It’s mischief cloaked in a high sounding theme while preparing to pick the pocket of employers.
no it’s to pick the pockets of the tax paying citizens! only government workers will get the day off! private industry? I don’t think so! dont they get enough free shit already?