To strengthen and grow the ranks of an upwardly mobile middle class, including our family owned businesses and family farms.
“With a state government that is working again, we are making progress for Maryland families, but there is much more work to be done. Our great challenge for this session is to redouble our efforts; doing all that we can to stand up for Maryland families and to power through the other side of this recession ahead of every other state.”
– 2009 State of the State Address
Governor O'Malley Announces the Expansion of Maryland's Home Weatherization Program
Governor O'Malley joined families in Silver Spring to participate in a home energy audit that will help low-income families in Maryland save hundreds of dollars while reducing our state's energy consumption.
Previous Accomplishments
- The Administration created the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit to create jobs and grow businesses in the state by providing a $5,000 tax credit for any business that hires an unemployed Marylander.
- The Administration created emergency legislation to help small businesses by stabilizing the Unemployment Trust Fund and helping to qualify the State for an additional $127 million in federal assistance.
- Maryland’s groundbreaking foreclosure laws were enhanced to bring mortgage companies to the table with homeowners when they feel they are unfairly being denied a loan modification or other loss mitigation options.
- The FY2011 budget increases funding for the Bio Tech Tax Credit from $6 million to $8 million in order to help spur investment in Maryland biotechnology companies.
“At the end of the day our greatness as a State is going to be determined by what we do in the here and now, to invest in each other, invest in our potential, invest in our skills, and our capabilities.”
– GWIB Conference, May 23, 2008
2011 Legislation
Electricity Reliability Standards
Requires the Public Service Commission to establish reliability standards relating to the delivery of electricity to Maryland families, and establishes fines and penalties if utilities fail to meet them.
Unemployment Insurance Federal Extended Benefits
Provides Maryland’s long-term unemployed with an additional 13 weeks of federal extended benefits at no cost to Maryland employers.
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
Establishes a structure and framework to develop the insurance exchanges, helping individuals and small businesses buy and afford coverage.
Horse Racing - Distribution of Video Lottery Revenues
Provides necessary funding for Maryland’s horse racing industry through existing slots revenues to keep races alive this season and provides a bridge to a longer-term solution, saving thousands of horse and agriculture related jobs.
Health Insurance- Conformity with Federal Law
Aligns Maryland law with the consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act.
Collective Bargaining - Independent Home Care Providers
Grants home healthcare providers collective bargaining rights.