Governor Larry Hogan today wrote to the members of Maryland’s congressional delegation urging them to work with their leaders to deliver additional COVID-19 stimulus relief.
“With the election behind us, much-needed additional stimulus relief is more urgent and achievable than ever,” wrote Governor Hogan.“ The fall surge of COVID-19 will continue to place enormous strain on both our healthcare system and our economy. On behalf of all Marylanders, I urge you to set aside partisan politics and prioritize a new stimulus relief bill in the lame-duck session.”
From the Governor’s press release:
More than 230 days have passed since the federal CARES Act was enacted. As chairman of the National Governors Association, Governor Hogan worked throughout the spring to secure commitments to additional relief for the states from the White House and leaders in Congress. He also met with leaders of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to discuss their proposals. Congress failed to act before its August recess, and again before the election.
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“We can and will continue to do more on the state level, but without a new injection of stimulus relief from Washington, the situation will continue to deteriorate for families and small businesses,” the governor wrote. “After all the political gamesmanship and division of recent months, I hope you will agree that this election has provided a mandate for cooperation. Yet, leaders in both houses of Congress have already gone right back to digging in their heels, and no common ground appears in sight. The overwhelming majority of Americans want us to move forward together.”
Counties, too, are making significant financial investments to address immediate public health and safety needs. At the same time, counties are experiencing massive and unprecedented declines in revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The combined effect of these changes will likely undermine county revenue structures and support for education, public safety, roadway maintenance, and other essential services. The National Association of Counties (NACo) continues to advocate for lawmakers in both parties to work together to award additional, flexible federal funding and resources for counties of all sizes.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, state fiscal leaders last month said that additional federal stimulus will be key to Maryland’s economic recovery. “If anything, the unpredictable pace of a labor market recovery underscores the need for a second federal stimulus program that would provide relief to individuals and small businesses, and prevent an economic catastrophe,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.
Useful Links
Read Governor Hogan’s Letter to Maryland’s Delegation
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Fiscal Leaders: Federal Stimulus Key to Economic Recovery
