Maryland lawmakers have established a bipartisan committee to monitor federal government actions and their potential impacts on the state. This move comes following reports that FEMA funds to Maryland have been frozen since March 30th, affecting the state’s emergency management program. The Joint Federal Action Oversight Committee, comprising 26 members from both parties, aims to coordinate swift responses with the governor and executive agencies to address challenges arising from federal decisions.
The committee will track federal policies in real-time and evaluate their effects on Maryland, particularly in light of the looming economic challenges caused by federal policies. With concerns over job losses in the public and private sectors, the committee is committed to providing insight and support to affected businesses and communities.
In addition to this proactive measure, Governor Wes Moore signed bills that focus on strengthening Maryland’s workforce, including initiatives to support apprenticeships, fast-track the hiring of former federal health care workers, and improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These efforts are geared towards ensuring that Marylanders are prepared to navigate the economic challenges ahead.
The state’s budget, amounting to $67 billion, has passed with $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases to address a $3.3 billion deficit. The budget includes tax brackets for high-income residents, new taxes on information technology services, capital gains, and recreational cannabis and sports wagering. The budget plan faced criticism from Republican legislative leaders, who argued for a budget without tax increases. This latest development underscores the ongoing efforts by Maryland lawmakers to safeguard the interests of residents and ensure the state is equipped to respond to potential challenges effectively.
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