ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said Thursday afternoon that the state would forgive $75 million in emergency loans made to small businesses back in March. “I have directed the Department of Commerce to forgive the $75 million dollars in state small business loans from the spring and convert them to grants.”
That was only one of several measures designed to boost the economy announced by Hogan. “While we wait for Congress to get its act together, we are taking a series of state actions to help workers and businesses weather this storm.”
The governor said he also signed legislation protecting businesses from large increased in their unemployment insurance taxes. In addition, the state is offering $25 million in low income housing tax credits and releasing $12 million for the Rental Housing Works program.
Maryland will also commit $94 million to help treat residents with diabetes and provide $10 million for law enforcement, victims services, and youth services. He urged county governments to match the relief dollars and to spend every penny of their remaining CARES Act funding before the end of the year.
Hogan said there are still dark days to come for Maryland. “As the current surge of COVID-19 continues to ravage the country, we remain in a better position than most states. But it is clear that we are experiencing a post-Thanksgiving surge and the worst days of the pandemic are ahead of us.”
For the first time, all 24 Maryland jurisdictions are n the red zone for case rates.
Governor Hogan marked the start of Hanukkah, “For each and every one of us this year, the holidays need to be a season of increased vigilance. Hanukkah is the story of how a small group of people can make a powerful difference. It’s a celebration of hope over fear and light over darkness. I think it’s a powerful message for us this holiday season.”