Hoyer Statement on Governor Hogan Ending Enhanced Unemployment Benefits

Statement

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after Governor Hogan announced Maryland would discontinue enhanced unemployment benefits for households across the state:

"Governor Hogan's decision to discontinue enhanced unemployment benefits for thousands of Marylanders is extremely short-sighted. Families throughout the state depend on these benefits to keep food on the table and ensure their bills are paid. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered one of the worst economic chapters in American history, costing too many workers their jobs. As our economy ramps back up, we must help workers who, through no fault of their own, suffered the economic consequences of this pandemic. Instead of using this financial lifeline to help Marylanders, Governor Hogan's decision hurts the households that need it most.

"We are more than a year into this pandemic and Marylanders are still struggling. Lack of affordable child care that forced many to leave the workforce has not been alleviated. Communities of color that were already disproportionately impacted by this economic crisis will be hit even harder when enhanced unemployment benefits are no longer available. If we are to have a strong economic recovery in our state, we ought to make sure our workers can return to work under the best possible conditions, not be faced with even more unnecessary hardship."

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