The Maryland legislature has taken swift action to aid employees at the Port of Baltimore who have been affected by the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collapse, which occurred on March 26, has had a significant impact on the port, a key economic engine for the state.
In response to the crisis, lawmakers approved a bill on Monday that authorizes the use of the state’s rainy day fund to support port employees who are out of work and not covered under unemployment insurance while the port is closed or partially closed. The bill also allows the governor to use state reserves to help small businesses avoid laying off workers and to encourage companies that have relocated to other ports to return to Baltimore once the port reopens.
“We’re proud of the fact that we as an administration and we as a state have been able to respond to the crisis of the Key Bridge, while also not losing sight of our legislative priorities,” said Democrat Gov. Wes Moore.
Moore is expected to sign the emergency legislation on Tuesday, putting it into immediate effect. The governor expressed his support for the bill on social media, stating that it will provide much-needed support for businesses and workers affected by the bridge collapse.
In addition to addressing the bridge collapse, lawmakers also finalized the state’s $63 billion budget on Friday, which includes tax and fee increases to fund transportation and education initiatives.
Overall, the response to the bridge collapse highlights the state’s commitment to supporting its residents and businesses during times of crisis.
