Governor Martin O’Malley joined Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., and House Speaker Michael E. Busch to sign emergency legislation today strengthening Maryland’s economy and creating jobs throughout the state.  The Governor signed an initiative he introduced designed to provide incentives to Maryland businesses to hire unemployed workers, thus strengthening our economy and relieving pressure on the State’s unemployment insurance trust fund.  The Governor also signed legislation to modernize the unemployment insurance trust fund, and maintain its solvency by leveraging federal funds.  

“There is no government program that is as important or as empowering as a job,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Progress requires that we focus the energies of this legislative session on creating jobs, saving jobs, and protecting jobs.  To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs, and improve the conditions under which business can create or save jobs.”
 
Receiving the Governor’s signature today are three bills designed to create jobs and grow Maryland’s economy:
 
  • The Jobs Creation Recovery Tax Credit, which offers any Maryland business a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander that it hires.
  • Unemployment Insurance – Tax Deferment, Trust Fund Solvency, and Cost-Neutral Modernization Act, which will assist employers in paying their taxes and return the trust fund to solvency more quickly by securing $126.8 million in federal funds without imposing any costs on employers.
  • Manufacturers, Distributors, and Factory Branches – Benefits to Employees of Dealers, which allows vehicle manufacturers to pay bonuses directly to dealership employees.
 
“Governor O’Malley and I share a belief that we must do more than simply survive this economic downturn, we must put ourselves in a position to thrive for years to come. We are committed to building an environment in our state that is conducive to creating jobs in every community,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “These bills will create jobs, put our neighbors to work and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. I applaud the General Assembly for working with us to pass important legislation and thank Governor O’Malley for his forward-thinking leadership that has protected our priorities and preserved the progress we’ve made even during difficult economic times.”
 
“From the beginning of the session, the Senate’s top priorities have been to manage the state’s finances respon

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