Our community is full of dedicated and hard-working public servants. The Trump administration’s reckless and illegal actions have abruptly upended and threatened the livelihoods and life’s work of so many of our friends and neighbors around the world, but especially here in the DC area.
Maryland legislators and officials will continue to rise up to the challenge of this disordering of our civil society. We are standing firm in our commitments to the rule of law; enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and protecting and providing for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Unemployment Insurance Webinar: Thursday, February 27th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.Need information about navigating the unemployment insurance system and how to receive your benefits? I have organized a webinar to help. Registration is required:
Information for Former Federal Employees and Contractors
The Maryland Department of Labor has developed a resource guide for employees and contractors affected by the federal government “transition.”
Note: A person receives unemployment insurance in the jurisdiction where their former duty station was located.
Here are the links to local unemployment insurance programs:
• Maryland
• Virginia
Having Difficulty Accessing Your Benefits?My staff and I have helped hundreds of constituents resolve issues when applying for unemployment insurance and other benefits they have earned. Check out the Resources page on my website, contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us, or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
My Legislation to Modernize Unemployment Insurance
As Chair of the House Subcommittee on Unemployment Insurance, I have introduced legislation, HB 554, to modernize our state’s Unemployment Insurance program.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides a crucial safety net. For an unemployed individual, sufficient UI benefits can put food on the table, pay the rent, and keep a family from falling into poverty. For the broader economy, UI provides funds to stave off recessions during economic downturns. This keeps small businesses open and supports the local economy through a challenging period because community members have money to circulate in the economy.
My bill raises the weekly benefits from the current maximum of $430/week—a flat set amount that has not changed since 2010—to 50% of the average weekly wage (approximately $700/week) and indexes the benefit to inflation. No one can survive on the current sub-minimum wage taxed benefit.
I have been interviewed by several local media outlets about my bill. Watch the coverage here.
The House hearing on my bill will be held next Wednesday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m.
Some of the groups making their voices heard in Annapolis: Action in Montgomery members rallying for immigrant justice, Montgomery College students standing up for education, Maryland League of Conservation Voters protecting the planet, and members of Community Bridges advocating for community schools.
Show Up! Stand Out! Speak Up!
Many thanks to everyone who attended the D20 Night in Annapolis and to the many groups—just a few are pictured above—lobbying and advocating for legislation. A well-functioning democracy demands active participation.
Looking for ways to be involved? Here are just some of the many groups educating and organizing for change as our country and state reorder ourselves into an ever more perfect union:
• Indivisible (national)
Stay in Touch: Need help with a state issue? Please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig
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