STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSAGE OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REFORM
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 2, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley released this statement today following the passage by the Senate Finance Committee of an unemployment insurance reform plan to help small businesses facing sharp rate increases due to the State’s unusually high unemployment level:
“I want to thank Chairman Mac Middleton for his tireless work negotiating this agreement on unemployment insurance reform. Today, the Senate Finance Committee approved a plan that will provide much needed stabilization to the UI Trust Fund and help qualify the State for an additional $127 million in federal assistance.
“Small businesses represent the engine that is driving our economic recovery, providing three out of every five jobs in Maryland. It has been our goal all along to provide them the opportunity to thrive, improving the conditions under which our small businesses can create or save jobs in these tough economic times. We engaged with the business community at every step of this process, and I’m proud of the result.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Sullam, 410-962-4436
February 26, 2010
SENATOR CARDIN BLASTS HOLD UP OF VOTE ON EXTENDING UI & COBRA BENEFITS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today strongly criticized tactics that have delayed a vote on passing emergency legislation to extend unemployment insurance (UI) and COBRA health care benefits that are scheduled to expire this Sunday. One Republican senator has blocked a vote on the emergency legislation, despite the Democratic leadership’s willingness to allow him to offer amendments.
“This is not a game for millions of Americans who depend on their UI benefits and receive their health care through COBRA in these difficult economic times,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Budget Committee. “Failure to pass this emergency legislation means that more than 90,000 Marylanders will lose their UI benefits – at least temporarily. This is money that helps feed families, pays health care bills, and helps keep Maryland families in their homes. Blocking the extension is not the right course of action and I call for an end to delaying tactics that are harming millions of Americans who are already suffering through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
“This emergency legislation also contains an extension of the current Medicare payment for physicians, which is scheduled to be reduced by 21 percent. It also extends Medicare therapy cap exceptions, which millions of Medicare beneficiaries rely on to get the outpatient therapy services they need. Failure to pass this emergency extension could jeopardize medical treatment for millions of patients.”
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