Statement on Gov. Hogan’s Decision to End Expanded Unemployment Benefits Early

“Governor Hogan’s decision to needlessly end expanded federal unemployment assistance early is a slap in the face to Marylanders who have been struggling over the course of the pandemic to pay the rent and keep food on the table. With nearly 200,000 people in the state still looking for work as of April, it is clear we still have a long road ahead before our economy fully recovers.

Taking money out of out-of-work Marylanders’ pockets will only slow that recovery, as people will have less to spend at businesses in their community. We strongly urge the governor to rethink this misguided policy change.”

Who is receiving unemployment insurance in Maryland?

• Two-thirds of Maryland adults getting unemployment insurance are people of color. More than half are Black.
• More than half of people receiving unemployment insurance are caring for children
• One third of Maryland adults who use unemployment insurance to make ends meet can’t always put food on the table
• 39% of Maryland adults who use unemployment insurance to make ends meet are behind on their mortgage or rent
• Nearly three quarters of Maryland adults using unemployment insurance to make ends meet report that they’re struggling to pay usual expenses