Governor Hogan is continuing to fight to provide tax cuts and economic relief directly to those who desperately need it the most, unveiling a major proposal targeted to Maryland working families, small businesses, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urging the economic recovery to be “the primary focus of the 2021 legislative session,” Governor Hogan introduced the RELIEF Act of 2021 at a press conference earlier today. This emergency legislation would provide direct stimulus payments for low to moderate-income Marylanders, repeal income taxes on state unemployment benefits, support small businesses with sales tax credits, extend unemployment tax relief for small businesses, and safeguard Maryland businesses against tax increases.
Governor Hogan is urging the Maryland legislature to pass this emergency legislation “as quickly as possible,” noting that “every day that goes by without passing this bill means that more businesses will close, more jobs will be lost, and more people will suffer.” According to Governor Hogan, “I cannot imagine anything could possibly be more important for all Marylanders… amid so much suffering, the last thing we should ever do is increase taxes.”