More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote Overwhelmingly to Approve Legislation to Ensure a Continued, Strong, Thriving Workforce, Without Leaving Any Jurisdiction Behind

“We still have Marylanders who are struggling in parts of our state like Baltimore City, Western Maryland, and the Lower Eastern Shore, where, unfortunately, unemployment is still higher than it is in the rest of the state. Which is why we must come together to enact the Maryland Jobs Initiative, an innovative, bipartisan proposal, which will provide incentives for the creation of thousands of jobs in the places that need them the most.” - Governor Larry Hogan, February 2, 2017

Governor Hogan Proposed The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 As Part Of His Robust 2017 Legislative Agenda

The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Provides Tax Credits For Specified Business Entities That Locate Their Businesses In Qualified Target Areas Across The State; Eligible Existing Business Entities In These Target Areas Are Eligible For Tax Credits For New Jobs They Create. “An existing business entity may apply to be certified as a qualified business entity if the existing business entity increases the number of qualified positions as required under subsection (a) of this subsection for an eligible project in a Tier I or Tier II county...”Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, the Department may issue a tax credit certificate to a qualified business entity in an amount not to exceed the amount determined under section (b) (2) of this section. In determining the allocation of the aggregate tax credit amounts available in a fiscal year as provided under subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall give priority to applications for eligible projects in a Tier 1 county, as defined under §6-801 of the Economic Development Article.” (“Senate Bill 317,”Maryland General Assembly, 4/10/17)

The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Requires That New Business Entities Offer Job Skill Training Programs Or Educational Programs To Foster A Pipeline Of Potential Workers. “A new business entity may not be certified as a qualified business entity unless the new business entity:... Offers an ongoing job skills enhancement training program or postsecondary education program that is approved by the Department. The Department may certify a new business entity as a qualified business entity after the new business entity provides the required notice under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, applies to the Department under paragraph (3) of this subsection, and establishes and operates an eligible project.” (“Senate Bill 317,” Maryland General Assembly, 4/10/17)

More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Will Help Bring Jobs To Areas Of Higher Unemployment In Maryland

Governor Hogan’s More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Will Provide Increased Employment Opportunities To Areas Of The State That Need It Most. “Gov. Larry Hogan unveiled a package of proposals Thursday afternoon to boost manufacturing jobs and expand workforce training programs. Hogan said his proposals will help increase opportunities forworkers as well as employers, especially in high-unemployment areas such as Baltimore, where he made the announcement. ‘Even though Maryland has been experiencing tremendous job growth and business growth and economic progress, not all Marylanders and not every jurisdiction in the state is seeing the same level of economic improvement and success,’ Hogan said during an announcement at the POWER House Community Center in the Perkins Homes public housing community in East Baltimore.” (Pamela Wood, “Hogan Announces Plan For Manufacturing Incentives, Job Training,” The Baltimore Sun, 1/5/17)
Allegany County Unemployment Rate: 7.0% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed: 4/10/17)
Baltimore City Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed: 4/10/17)
Dorchester County Unemployment Rate: 6.9% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed:4/10/17)
Garrett County Unemployment Rate: 7.1% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed: 4/10/17)
Somerset County Unemployment Rate: 8.4% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed: 4/10/17)
Wicomico County Unemployment Rate: 7.3% (“Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance,” Maryland Department Of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Accessed: 4/10/17)

The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Received Strong Bipartisan Support In Both Chambers Of The Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland State Senate Approved The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 46-1. (“Senate Bill 317, Maryland General Assembly, 4/10/17)

The Maryland House Of Delegates Unanimously Approved The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 133-0. (“Senate Bill 317, Maryland General Assembly, 4/10/17)