In just a few hours, Maryland’s legislators will gavel in a new General Assembly session. In all likelihood, it will start with overriding or sustaining the veto of 2017’s House Bill 1 – one of the most onerous bills ever imposed on Maryland businesses.
This paid leave mandate
is a one-size-fits-all requirement with nine high penalties for noncompliance – including small bookkeeping errors.
It could especially threaten the survival of small businesses and the jobs they provide.
It would also effectively establish the minimum required PTO for businesses that already offer such benefits, forcing them to reform their policies.
After all the work we did together with you to demonstrate the bill’s threats to business, Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed HB 1 in May. We have been asking you to help us convince lawmakers to sustain that veto and,
even today, we continue that call.
But HB 1 is not the only harbinger for business. We expect the $15 minimum wage bill to return. Like last year, we will oppose this effort because it would artificially alter the price of labor and raise costs to businesses – costs that, in most cases, can’t be offset by price increases alone. What this ultimately means is a loss of jobs, available hours and benefits in addition to those higher costs for consumers.
There is good news
. We look forward to enthusiastically supporting legislation that benefits everyone by benefiting business, like more progress on the education-to-industry pipeline. Last year we supported the
More Jobs for Marylanders Act
and the
P-Tech Expansion Program.
We believe in working collaboratively toward a stronger workforce, well-educated and well-trained at every level of certification, degree, and ability, for the good of the whole state. We have already convened leaders across these interests to discuss what Maryland needs and how we in the business community can help. Our support will keep a particular eye toward apprenticeship training, vocational/non-degree grants, and adult learning.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50
th
year in service to the state’s business community.
After half a century of advocating on your behalf, we appreciate and need your voice more than ever.
You are the reason we are here. If you are concerned with a legislative issue, please
contact the Government Affairs team.
We encourage you use your voice on the policy positions the Chamber takes by
joining a legislative issues committee
if you are a Maryland Chamber member. Throughout the session,
members can log onto mdchamber.org
to find our positions and testimony on bills that matter to business.
And, of course, we ask that you read our email updates, every Tuesday during the legislative session, so you can stay informed as we work together for a stronger state.
One last note: Because economic vitality is our common cause, we have begun a unique partnership with the independent Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University. Through RESI, we can share critical and interactive information about the state's business and economic climate on
mdchamber.org
, updated in real time as new numbers are available. Bookmark the page for frequent reference.
Thank you for your commitment to the business community in our state. Let’s get to work.
