Governor Hogan Introduces Relief Act of 2021
Last week, Governor Hogan was proud to introduce the RELIEF Act of 2021, an emergency legislative package that will provide more than $1 billion in direct stimulus and tax relief for Maryland working families, small businesses, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what the RELIEF Act does:
- Provides direct stimulus payments for low-to-moderate income Marylanders, with benefits of up to $750 for families and $450 for individuals.
- Repeals all state and local income taxes on unemployment benefits, providing further support and assistance for Marylanders who have lost their jobs.
- Supports small businesses with sales tax credits of up to $3,000 per month for four months—for a total of up to $12,000—freeing-up much needed resources to protect payrolls.
- Extends unemployment tax relief for small businesses, staving off sudden and substantial tax hikes in 2021.
- Safeguards Maryland businesses against any tax increase triggered by the use of state loan or grant funds.
Remembering former Maryland Senate President Mike Miller
Last Friday, January 15th, retired Maryland State Senate President Mike Miller passed away at 78 years old. Mr. Miller was a member of the legislature representing parts of Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's County since 1971 until he retired last month and became the longest-serving state Senate leader in Maryland history. He was born and raised in Southern Prince George's County and received his Bachelor's at the University of Maryland before returning for the University of Maryland School of Law. In 2018, Miller announced that he was fighting prostate cancer and was moved into hospice care late last week.
National Commemoration for Lives Lost to COVID-19
The City of Annapolis, with St. Anne's Parish, Kneseth Isreal Congregation, and St. Mary's Church invite residents to join with cities and houses of worship across America in a National Commemoration for Lives Lost to Covid-19. Tune into City of Annapolis Facebook or Instagram page at 5:25. The windows at City Hall will be lit as part of the commemoration.
Maryland is Currently in Phase 1B of Covid Vaccinations
Maryland will distribute the vaccines to five different priority groups based on relative risk of exposure or developing serious illness. This phase will give the vaccine to assisted living, adults age 75 and over, and education and continuity of government. The next phase, 1C, will begin on January 25th and will include Maryland residents ages 65 to 74; public health and safety workers not covered in Phase 1A, and essential workers in lab services, food and agriculture production, manufacturing, the U.S. Postal Service, public transit, and grocery stores. Stay up to date of the current phase by clicking here.
