ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s Republican governor has announced that the state will discontinue enhanced federal pandemic unemployment benefits and reinstate work search requirements next month, sparking objections from Democrats.
Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that the state will stop paying jobless residents an extra $300 a week and discontinue three other programs, including aid for self-employed workers.
People claiming unemployment will have to show that they are looking for a new job.
Hogan says the programs "provided important temporary relief" but now vaccines and jobs are in good supply and businesses statewide are facing worker shortages.
But the Democratic majority leader in the House of Delegates says ending the programs with 30 days' notice seems abrupt and will hurt families.