If you drive along Route 50 in Queen Anne’s County, you may have noticed some interesting advertisements. Unlike the standard billboards you see for restaurants or car dealerships, these signs prominently display an important public announcement regarding this year's most controversial legislation in Annapolis—2017’s House Bill 1, also known as mandatory paid leave. As passed by the state legislature this spring, House Bill 1 would have mandated any Maryland business with 15 or more employees to offer paid leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees would be required to offer unpaid leave.

Strategically positioned in three locations, these 4’x 8’ signs are part of a statewide communication outreach initiative forged by the Maryland Business Coalition to educate Marylanders on the detrimental impacts HB 1 would have on small businesses, employers and employees. After hearing from a large cross-section of Maryland business owners and constituents, Gov. Larry Hogan recognized the bill was flawed and vetoed it on May 25. Since then, activists and legislators who support the bill have made every attempt to override the governor's veto when lawmakers convene next January.  

In order to sustain the governor's decision, the Maryland Business Coalition is fighting back to ensure that the citizens of Maryland are educated with what the bill really means. In addition to signage and aerial messages over the boardwalk, the coalition launched a website dedicated to presenting the true impact this bill would have on business and jobs in Maryland: savemdjobs.com . This website aims not only to educate, but also encourage the public’s engagement in the legislative process by voicing their opposition to their elected officials throughout the months leading into next session.   
  
Independent of the collaborative efforts made by the Maryland Business Coalition, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce will also be releasing a comprehensive House Bill 1 Sustain the Veto advocacy kit in the coming weeks. Members will receive additional statistics, talking points and strategy as we head into the  2018 Legislative Session  and the HB 1 veto vote.


Together, we can push back bills that weaken business.
ENVIRONMENT
Superconducting Magnetic Levitation hovering over environmental impact
Imagine being able to get from Baltimore to New York City in an hour. No traffic jams, no rail cars, no long lines at airport security. Just you in a comfortable seat, one that happens to be travelling over 300 miles per hour on a Superconducting Magnetic Levitation rail line.

That is the vision of the people at The Northeast Maglev.

This month the Maryland Chamber of Commerce focuses on the  ENVIRONMENT . Follow along as we highlight Maryland businesses supporting one another!

Follow our campaign on Facebook and Twitter via #MDCCGreen
MARYLAND MATTERS
Statewide stories of substance
Purple Line construction gets underway
After a ceremonial signing of the federal government's $900 million Full-Funding Grant Agreement with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao and Gov. Larry Hogan began the demolition for the new Purple Line Operations Center and construction of the Purple Line metro.

GOOD WORK
Maryland businesses giving back
Building homes, community and hope
With the support of over 3,500 dedicated volunteers,  Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake  helps low-to-moderate income families in Central Maryland afford a place to call home. 

But, not just  any  home.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Get connected!
LAST CHANCE to book rooms at the reduced rate, book now !
SEPTEMBER 28-29
Featuring keynote speaker Freeman Hrabowski, Ph.D., UMBC President
and opening remarks from Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford
SPECIAL INVITATION

Please join the Maryland Chamber's Energy and Environment Committee as they welcome Lori Armstrong to their monthly meeting on September 7th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Chamber office in Annapolis.

This will be an in-person meeting where Lori Armstrong, sustainability program director at the Maryland Department of the Environment, will discuss the Green Registry and answer questions about the program.

Lori Armstrong, Sustainability Program Director,
Maryland Department of the Environment
Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Maryland Chamber Headquarters
60 West St. Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is committed to to supporting our members and advancing the state as a nationally and globally competitive leader in economic growth and private sector job creation through effective advocacy, high-level networking and timely communication. If you are not a member, become one today:
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