What’s Up? Media directly reached out to senators and delegates of Maryland’s State Legislature for local perspective on Thursday evening’s passage of the $484 billion Federal stimulus bill (round two) intended to help small business, hospitals, and coronavirus testing nationwide. We specifically called upon members of the House of Delegates Economic Matters Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, among other district representatives across the state.
We asked them: “What is needed for Maryland's small businesses and the unemployed; how this package does or does not address those needs; and what the Federal government should do to ensure the money ends up in the right hands?
Here are their reactions:
Del. Michael J. Rogers
Democrat, District 32, Anne Arundel County
“Deliberate effort should be to ensure local small businesses get the stimulus money rather than only the large corporations that got the money with the first stimulus package.”
Del. Steven J. Arentz
Republican, District 36, Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne's Counties
“I appreciate that the Federal Government is stepping up to help those in small business. I wish we could have acted sooner. Most are suffering through this with a real fear of not when but if they will be able to withstand this Crisis. This will most likely just delay the inevitable for many. As far as assuring that the money ends up in the right hands, there will have to be severe consequences for those that abuse this assistance. For many, unemployment dollars will not suffice, people have bills, people want to work. Officials, Federal and local, will have to consider making some hard decisions soon. I am hopeful that Governor Hogan will have some good news in his planned announcements for Friday. What we are doing now is not sustainable for anyone.”
Sen. Adelaide C. “Addie” Eckardt
Republican, District 37, Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, & Wicomico Counties
“On the Eastern Shore, we have many businesses who had applied for the Paycheck Protection program when the funds ran out. These funds are essential to these small businesses, who are the backbone of our communities.
“We have been in conversation with our Congressional team to advocate for these funds, but also more for our health care facilities and, hopefully, our Federally Qualified Health Centers as well as resources for our self-employed watermen and other very small employers.
“Testing availability is critical as we plan for re-opening Maryland for business and making sure there are adequate resources for all businesses dealing with potential exposures. This includes assisting our volunteer fire companies and emergency responders, who many time are the publics’ first encounter with a health care provider.”
Del. John F. “Johnny” Mautz, IV
Republican, District 37B, Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, & Wicomico Counties
“Hopefully the next round of PPP will reach many more of our small businesses. A number of issues have arisen with regards to the PPP program: which businesses should be able to participate; how the loans impact employees already receiving benefits; and whether the PPP rules are realistic, specifically for restaurants.
“There’s a growing dilemma for employers and employees because many employees who were laid off are now receiving more in unemployment benefits than they were earning while working. While it's unlikely these employees will be eager to return to work, funding to help states improve unemployment systems could help those still trying to file claims.
“Time is of the essence for our employers and employees. The economic situation is growing more dire as each day passes—particularly for sole proprietors, which have received little if any benefit from government programs. More than anything, Maryland small businesses need a plan, with clear rules to protect public health, which will enable the businesses to reopen quickly and safely.”
Del. Pamela E. Queen
Democrat, District 14, Montgomery County
“Impacts of COVID-19 are a financial hardship for all states. Prior to this crisis, the House of Delegates’ Economic Stability Workgroup, in which I am a co-chair, is developing a strategic framework with recommendations for legislation, budget and regulations to address key barriers to economic stability for Maryland families; and to work collectively to implement policy to mitigate these barriers throughout the state.
“Although Maryland is a prosperous state with the highest median household income among the 50 states and home to more millionaires per capita than 46 of the 50 states, amid this prosperity, hundreds of thousands of Marylanders face a daily struggle to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. According to Maryland’s United Way study on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed families (sometimes called the working poor) do not make enough to ‘survive’ in Maryland with the needed survival income in Maryland is twice the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
“Many states, including Maryland, will need more federal support, as states are facing dire fiscal outlooks with increases in public health demands, especially in underserved communities; and decreases in economic activity as unemployment rates reach historic levels. Per a recent USC-Brookings Schaeffer article on health policy, the total amount of fiscal pressure on state governments associated with just one percentage point increase in the unemployment rate is approximately $45 billion.”
Sen. George C. Edwards
Republican, District 1, Allegany & Garrett Counties, & parts of Washington County
“We need to do what we can to help what are truly small businesses. The first round for small businesses did not go overly smoothly, as some businesses who are not small and should not have applied in the first place got funding. The Federal Government should have learned from the mistakes of the first round and, hopefully, with this next round of funding, it will go much better.”
Del. Sid A. Saab
Republican, District 33, Anne Arundel County
“My hope is that all small independent mom and pop businesses get this much needed help in order to get out economy back on track.”
Sen. Cory V. Mccray
Democrat, District 45, Baltimore City
“During these unprecedented times, I have been in contact with a number of our small businesses. They are deeply concerned that our federal stimulus dollars are being awarded to larger businesses with access.
“I have been advocating to learn from our previous lessons to ensure that monies trickle down to our small businesses who are desperately in need of assistance.”
Del. Lily Qi
Democrat, District 15, Montgomery County
“I believe any business assistance programs should prioritize small businesses that truly need help to survive and pay their employees, rather than on first-come, first-served basis, which favors those most ready to take advantage of the relief funds. I agree with Comptroller Peter Franchot’s assessment on this. Also, I think we should consider non-traditional businesses like small-time landlords whose primary income might be rents from tenants who are going through hardships.”
