Maryland

Under the new law, Maryland will extend the reimbursement eligibility period by 21 months. The General Assembly approved $1.8 million in state general funds for the upcoming state fiscal year for reimbursing adults and families whose claims were previously denied and are now eligible. Approximately 1,095 additional households will become eligible to recover more than $826,000 in previously reported stolen cash and food assistance benefit payments. Previously, the department could only reimburse EBT benefits stolen by fraud dating back to Oct. 1, 2022.

“It’s an egregious act to steal from someone who most needs help—we believe the way Maryland is responding will not just set the tone for this state, but for the country,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. “Not only does this new state law expand stolen benefit reimbursement eligibility, it helps our department with the tools we need to strengthen EBT card security and decrease EBT fraud.”

“Even if the vehicle is stolen while the owner is safely away from their car, the disruption to their quality of life is real,” said Attorney General Brown. “The time lost from work, the money spent to replace their vehicle or fix damages, even the stress of trying to find alternate transportation to get to work, school, appointments, it is all a load these owners should not have to bear, nor endure.”

With the labor force participation rate at 62.6%, one of the lowest rates in decades, WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring, with Maryland coming in at #8 when it comes to “employees struggling the most in hiring.”

In order to see where employers are struggling the most in hiring, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months. Maryland Hiring Struggle Stats:

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today joined with officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Police and members of the transportation construction community to mark National Work Zone Awareness Week. To support worker safety, the governor announced the creation of a Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group. The group, which will be chaired by Lt. Governor Miller, will study increased protection for highway workers. Governor Moore also proclaimed April 19 as “Go Orange and Highway Worker Appreciation Day.”

“As we build an efficient and equitable transportation network, all Marylanders need to do their part to make sure the men and women doing the work are safe,” said Gov. Moore. “We must prioritize safety over speed, which is why I’m announcing the formation of a highway work zone safety work group to develop tangible solutions to protect workers, drivers and passengers.”