Filling In The Gaps
Sen. Melony Griffith On The Maryland Relief Act: ‘We Are Working To Ensure That Marylanders Get The Help They Need’
By Melony Griffith
Melony G. Griffith (D-Dist. 25) is Senate President Pro Tempore of the Maryland General Assembly
Melony G. Griffith
With COVID-19 ravaging our state over the last year, Senators spent months listening to our constituents to ensure that during Session, we would be able to help fill the critical needs that had not been met by state or federal government programs. Led by Senate President Bill Ferguson, the Senate worked to ensure that Marylanders get the help they need as soon as possible.
Last week, Democrats and Republicans came together to nearly unanimously pass Senate Bill 496, the Maryland RELIEF Act, which will help Marylanders across the state. This historic legislation totaling over $1.5 billion will address many of the challenges facing Marylanders.
Under this legislation:
Low-to-moderate income working individuals will receive a one-time payment of $300-$500. The payments will be deposited or mailed very soon. Click here to see if you are eligible.
Businesses, nonprofits, and restaurants in Maryland will have access to grants to help get back on their feet after this pandemic
Maryland will raise the Earned Income Tax Credit to 45% of the federal credit amount. This will provide families with children up to $730 more, for a total of almost $1,700
Marylanders who have received Unemployment benefits who make under $75,000 as an individual or $100,000 as a couple will not be taxed on those benefits that they have received during this pandemic
40% of Marylanders who have fallen behind on their energy bills due to this pandemic will receive aid through utility relief programs
More funds are put into job training to help Marylanders get back on their feet, and more programs are created to help companies retain employees, and help Marylanders access their unemployment insurance benefits
We are increasing funding for mental health services, to ensure that more Marylanders can access the care they need, and ensuring it can be distributed in a more equitable manner throughout underserved black communities
Providing $150 million in funds to Maryland schools, to help them reopen faster in a safer manner, and planning for tutoring to make certain that we can stave off learning loss
SOURCE: REPRINTED Senator Melony Griffith's February 2021 Newsletter
