Welcome to a new, weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To read last week’s responses, scroll below this week’s topic.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
Maryland Ending Jobless Benefits
This week, Governor Hogan announced that Maryland will end federal enhanced jobless benefits on July 3rd. To continue receiving weekly unemployment payments, about 15,000 Marylanders must prove they are seeking employment opportunities—it’s a system that was in place before the pandemic. And with a tight labor market, many employers have had difficulty filling positions.
Critics of the decision insist that many of those unemployed can’t seek full-time work until child care centers and schools are fully reopen (this fall). And that there have been months-long wait times to process file claims and receive benefits—that many Marylanders are still struggling.
Our questions to you:
Should Governor Hogan end the enhanced jobless benefits? Why or why not?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about Memorial Day Remembrances and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
I am honoring my husband John for his Vietnam war service in the Marine Corps. John was drafted out of University of Maryland law school as soon as graduate deferments ended, and he proudly gave up school, family, and friends to serve his country. That service delayed his personal dreams and plans, but he tackled the challenge the same way he approaches everything else—with dedication, commitment, and gusto, graduating at the top of his training class before being sent to the war zone.
When he returned, it was a culture shock because so much had changed in such a short time. We married when he had only a few months of service remaining, and although the Marines tried hard to recruit him for JAG, he chose to return to civilian life, finish law school and go into law practice.
His military service meant he completed law school later than all his friends, married later, and had children later, but our children grew into successful adults, his law practice thrived, and we have been married for over 50 years.
I am happy to honor him for so willingly serving his country, and diving right back into law school upon his return. We have lived in South River Colony the past 21 years, and John contributed to this community as a Board of Trustees member and member of various committees. It's been a good life and I am happy to have shared it with this patriot.
Donaileen Dondero, Edgewater
I would like to honor my father. World War Two Tail Gunner, Firefighter. Wonderful family man. He died of COVID on Christmas Eve 2020. He lived in a Senior Care home that, per the ruling at the time they allowed restricted visits in the rooms. Someone who was sick came to visit their loved one and infected the Home. Over six residents including my father lost their lives to a careless, thoughtless killer. Alone in a hospital with strangers. One of the last things he said to me was that he couldn't believe he had lived through so much danger in his life to be taken down by careless, thoughtless people who wouldn't wear a mask or believe in the danger. I honor my father. The bravest man. I condemn thoughtless, brainless, egotistical cowards who will not face up to their responsibilities as citizens in a pandemic.
Cathy Gartside, Annapolis
Dad was always proud of his service in the Navy during WW2. He told us about some of the funny things that happened to him. Never spoke of anything bad. We are so grateful and proud of all veterans, the ones serving now and those who have given their lives for the USA.
Cindy Ruark, Cambridge
