| “We have taken unprecedented executive actions to help those impacted by this pandemic… It has made a tremendous difference, but now we need legislative action.” -Governor Larry Hogan |
Today at 1:30 p.m., the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on HB 612, the RELIEF Act of 2021, an emergency legislative package that will provide more than $1 billion in direct stimulus and tax relief for Maryland working families, small businesses, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation builds on the more than $700 million in emergency economic relief that the governor has already announced.
Yesterday, the RELIEF Act passed second reader in the Senate.
In last night’s State of the State address, Governor Hogan once again called on the General Assembly to swiftly pass the RELIEF Act: “There is absolutely nothing more important for the legislature to do, and Marylanders simply cannot afford to wait.”
The RELIEF Act:
- Provides direct stimulus payments for low-to-moderate income Marylanders, with benefits of up to $750 for families and $450 for individuals.
- Repeals all state and local income taxes on unemployment benefits, providing further support and assistance for Marylanders who have lost their jobs.
- Supports small businesses with sales tax credits of up to $3,000 per month for four months—for a total of up to $12,000—freeing-up much needed resources to protect payrolls.
- Extends unemployment tax relief for small businesses, staving off sudden and substantial tax hikes in 2021.
- Safeguards Maryland businesses against any tax increase triggered by the use of state loan or grant funds.
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