Maryland Healthy Working
Families Act Additional Guidance:
|
PPACA-HEALTH REFORM UPDATES
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Maryland Sick and Safe Leave Law-FAQ and Model Policy Notice Guidance
Friday, March 9, 2018
Transition Relief for Non-Qualifying HSA's
As you know, the state of Maryland passed legislation adding Male Sterilization as part of preventive care. In doing so it disqualified ALL HSA participants in funding their HSA's for 2018. Scrambling to get this corrected the Maryland Insurance Administration contacted the IRS for determination and relief. Finally the IRS has offered transition relief until 2020. Therefore, you are free to fund your HSA's for 2018. Please see below and highlighted area at the end:
Comments should include a reference to Notice
2018-12. Send submissions to CC:PA:LPD:PR (Notice 2018-12), Room 5203, Internal
Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, 54 Washington, DC 20044.
Submissions may be hand delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8
a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR
Notice of Transition Relief Regarding the Application
of Section 223 to Certain Health Plans Providing Benefits for Male
Sterilization or Male Contraceptives
Notice 2018-12
PURPOSE
This notice clarifies that a health plan providing
benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives without a deductible, or
with a deductible below the minimum deductible for a high deductible health
plan (HDHP) under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), is
not an HDHP under current guidance interpreting the requirements of section
223(c)(2) of the Code. This notice further provides transition relief for
periods before 2020 during which coverage has been provided for male sterilization
or male contraceptives without a deductible, or with a deductible below the
minimum deductible for an HDHP.
BACKGROUND
Section 223 of the Code permits eligible individuals
to deduct contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).[1] Among the requirements for an individual to qualify
as an eligible individual under section 223(c)(1) is that the individual be
covered under an HDHP and have no disqualifying health coverage. As defined in
section 223(c)(2), an HDHP is a health plan that satisfies certain
requirements, including requirements with respect to minimum deductibles and
maximum out-of-pocket expenses.
Generally, under section 223(c)(2)(A), an HDHP may not
provide benefits for any year until the minimum deductible for that year is
satisfied. However, section 223(c)(2)(C) provides that “[a] plan shall not fail
to be treated as a high deductible health plan by reason of failing to have a
deductible for preventive care (within the meaning of section 1871 of the
Social Security Act, except as otherwise provided by the Secretary).”[2] Therefore, an HDHP may provide preventive care
benefits as defined for purposes of section 223 without a deductible, or with a
deductible below the minimum annual deductible otherwise required by section
223(c)(2)(A) of the Code. To be a preventive care benefit as defined for
purposes of section 223, the benefit must either be described as preventive
care for purposes of the SSA or be determined to be preventive care in guidance
issued by the Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department) and the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS).
Notice 2004-23 (2004-15 I.R.B. 725) and Q&As 26
and 27 of Notice 2004-50 (2004-33 I.R.B. 196) provide guidance issued by the
Treasury Department and the IRS regarding preventive care benefits that an HDHP
may provide without satisfying the minimum deductible requirement of section
223(c)(2)(A). Notice 2004-23 clarifies that preventive care generally does not
include any service or benefit intended to treat an existing illness, injury,
or condition.
Notice 2004-23 also explains that state law
requirements do not determine whether health care constitutes preventive care
under section 223(c)(2)(C). State insurance laws often require health insurance
policies and similar arrangements subject to state regulation to provide
certain health care benefits without regard to a deductible or on terms no less
favorable than other care provided by the health insurance policy or
arrangement. However, the determination whether a health care benefit that is
required by state law to be provided by an HDHP without regard to a deductible
is “preventive” for purposes of the exception for preventive care under section
223(c)(2)(C) is based on the standards set forth in guidance issued by the
Treasury Department and the IRS, rather than on how that care is characterized
by state law.
Notice 2004-23 further indicates that the Treasury
Department and the IRS are considering the appropriate standard for determining
preventive care under section 223(c)(2)(C) and, in particular, whether any
benefit or service should be added to the list of preventive care benefits and
services set forth in Notice 2004-23 or other guidance.
Notice 2004-50, Q&A 27, provides that drugs or
medications are preventive care when taken by a person who has developed risk
factors for a disease that has not manifested itself or become clinically
apparent, or to prevent the reoccurrence of a disease from which a person has
recovered.
Section 1001 of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act, Pub. L. No. 111-148, 124 Stat. 119 (2010) (Affordable Care Act),
added section 2713 to the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) requiring
non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers offering
group and individual health insurance coverage to provide benefits for certain
preventive health services without imposing cost-sharing requirements.[3] The Affordable Care Act also added section 715(a)(1)
to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and section
9815(a)(1) to the Code to incorporate the provisions of part A of title XXVII
of the PHS Act, including section 2713 of the PHS Act, into ERISA and the Code.
Guidance under section 2713 of the PHS Act is published jointly by the Treasury
Department and the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services.
Under section 2713(a)(1) of the PHS Act,
evidence-based items or services constitute preventive health services if they
have in effect a rating of A or B in the current recommendations of the United
States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) with respect to the individual
involved. Also, preventive health services under section 2713(a)(4) of the PHS
Act include, “with respect to women, such additional preventive care and
screenings not described in paragraph (1) [concerning the USPSTF A or B rated
recommendations] as provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the
Health Resources and Services Administration” (HRSA). HRSA guidelines generally
provide for coverage of all Food and Drug Administration approved contraceptive
methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling for all
women with reproductive capacity. The guidelines, however, do not provide for
coverage of benefits or services relating to a man’s reproductive capacity,
such as vasectomies and condoms. (78 FR 8456 (Feb. 6, 2013) at 8458 n. 3.)
Notice 2013-57 (2013-40 I.R.B. 293) provides that any
item that is a preventive service under section 2713 of the PHS Act will also
be treated as preventive care under section 223(c)(2)(C) of the Code.
The Treasury Department and the IRS are aware that
several states have recently adopted laws that require certain health insurance
policies and arrangements to provide benefits for male sterilization or male
contraceptives without cost sharing.[4] Some individuals
in those states are participants or beneficiaries in insured health plans or
other arrangements subject to the state’s insurance laws. Certain stakeholders
have asked the Treasury Department and the IRS whether benefits for male
sterilization or male contraceptives constitute preventive care for purposes of
section 223(c)(2)(C).
ANALYSIS
Under section 223(c)(2)(C), “preventive care” means
(1) preventive care within the meaning of section 1871 of the SSA, and (2)
preventive care as otherwise provided for by the Treasury Department and the
IRS. Benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives are not preventive
care under the SSA, and no applicable guidance issued by the Treasury
Department and the IRS provides for the treatment of these benefits as
preventive care within the meaning of section 223(c)(2)(C). Accordingly, under
current guidance, a health plan that provides benefits for male sterilization
or male contraceptives before satisfying the minimum deductible for an HDHP
under section 223(c)(2)(A) does not constitute an HDHP, regardless of whether
the coverage of such benefits is required by state law. An individual who is
not covered by an HDHP with respect to a month is not an eligible individual
under section 223(c)(1) and, consequently, may not deduct contributions to
an HSA for that month. Similarly, HSA contributions made by an employer on
behalf of the individual are not excludible from income and wages.
TRANSITION
RELIEF
The Treasury Department and the IRS are aware that
certain states require benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives
to be provided without a deductible, and that individuals have enrolled in
health insurance policies and other arrangements that otherwise would qualify
as HDHPs with the understanding that coverage for male sterilization or male
contraceptives without a deductible did not disqualify the policies or
arrangements from being HDHPs. The Treasury Department and IRS also understand
that certain states may wish to change their laws that require benefits for
male sterilization or male contraceptives to be provided without a deductible
in response to this notice, but may be unable to do so in 2018 because of
limitations on their legislative calendars or for other reasons. Until these
states are able to change their laws, residents of these states may be unable
to purchase health insurance coverage that qualifies as an HDHP and would be
unable to deduct contributions to an HSA.
Accordingly, this notice provides transition relief
for periods before 2020 (including periods before the issuance of this notice),
to individuals who are, have been, or become participants in or beneficiaries
of a health insurance policy or arrangement that provides benefits for male
sterilization or male contraceptives without a deductible, or with a deductible
below the minimum deductible for an HDHP. For these periods, an individual will
not be treated as failing to qualify as an eligible individual under section
223(c)(1) merely because the individual is covered by a health insurance policy
or arrangement that fails to qualify as an HDHP under section 223(c)(2)
solely because it provides (or provided) coverage for male sterilization or
male contraceptives without a deductible, or with a deductible below the minimum
deductible for an HDHP.
REQUEST
FOR COMMENTS
The Treasury Department and the IRS continue to
consider ways to expand the use and flexibility of HSAs and HDHPs consistent
with the provisions of section 223. Accordingly, the Treasury Department and
the IRS request comments on the appropriate standards for preventive care under
section 223(c)(2)(C) (in particular, the appropriate standards for differentiating
between benefits and services that would be considered preventive care and
those that would not be considered preventive care) and other issues related to
the provision of preventive care under an HDHP.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Efforts to Delay Maryland Paid Sick Leave Law Fail
Attempts to delay the Maryland Sick and Safe Leave Lay failed. Efforts were being made to delay the law until July to give employers more time to prepare. However those efforts failed in the General Assembly. Many Democrats were not in favor of this delay as they believe it would give Republicans more time to have the law amended.
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation on Friday issued a draft sample employee notice poster to be displayed in workplaces across the state. The agency said it is also developing sample policies that will be available on its website at www.dllr.maryland.gov. A copy of the poster can be found here.
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation on Friday issued a draft sample employee notice poster to be displayed in workplaces across the state. The agency said it is also developing sample policies that will be available on its website at www.dllr.maryland.gov. A copy of the poster can be found here.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Maryland Sick and Safe Leave Law Compliance Update
From: Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (House Bill 1) - Enforcement and Implementation small.business@maryland.gov, February 5, 2018
Maryland Employers and Employees:
Governor Larry Hogan understands the business community has many questions regarding the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, so he established the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance (OSBRA) within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to assist small businesses in complying with the law, as well as an email address where employers may direct specific questions: small.business@maryland.gov.
To assist employers with compliance, the department is developing draft guidance documents and model policies, including an extensive Q&A document based on questions received through small.business@maryland.gov, and will continue to provide answers to specific questions upon request. These documents will be emailed to stakeholders and published to DLLR’s paid leave website at www.dllr.maryland.gov/paidleave.
Before promulgating official guidance documents, the department encourages stakeholder input to be certain that the draft guidance documents address all concerns. Comments on these draft guidance documents and specific implementation questions should be directed to small.business@maryland.gov. Following a public comment period, the department will finalize the policies based on stakeholder input and include any amendments to the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act from this General Assembly session.
The General Assembly is in session until April 9, 2018, and there are several bills that could affect this legislation. Although HB1 goes into effect on February 11, 2018, bills have been introduced that would substantially impact the law.
February 11, 2018 Effective Day: What you need to know
Emergency legislation to delay implementation of this law until July 1, 2018, is moving in the Maryland Senate. On Friday, February 2, it passed the Senate Finance Committee and will next be considered by the full Senate. After that, it would go to the House of Delegates for consideration. If this bill should pass before February 11, 2018, the Department of Labor will notify employers. However, in the event implementation is not delayed, employers should be prepared to begin tracking sick and safe leave accrual on February 11, 2018.
Maryland Employers and Employees:
Governor Larry Hogan understands the business community has many questions regarding the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, so he established the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance (OSBRA) within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to assist small businesses in complying with the law, as well as an email address where employers may direct specific questions: small.business@maryland.gov.
To assist employers with compliance, the department is developing draft guidance documents and model policies, including an extensive Q&A document based on questions received through small.business@maryland.gov, and will continue to provide answers to specific questions upon request. These documents will be emailed to stakeholders and published to DLLR’s paid leave website at www.dllr.maryland.gov/paidleave.
Before promulgating official guidance documents, the department encourages stakeholder input to be certain that the draft guidance documents address all concerns. Comments on these draft guidance documents and specific implementation questions should be directed to small.business@maryland.gov. Following a public comment period, the department will finalize the policies based on stakeholder input and include any amendments to the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act from this General Assembly session.
The General Assembly is in session until April 9, 2018, and there are several bills that could affect this legislation. Although HB1 goes into effect on February 11, 2018, bills have been introduced that would substantially impact the law.
February 11, 2018 Effective Day: What you need to know
Emergency legislation to delay implementation of this law until July 1, 2018, is moving in the Maryland Senate. On Friday, February 2, it passed the Senate Finance Committee and will next be considered by the full Senate. After that, it would go to the House of Delegates for consideration. If this bill should pass before February 11, 2018, the Department of Labor will notify employers. However, in the event implementation is not delayed, employers should be prepared to begin tracking sick and safe leave accrual on February 11, 2018.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Maryland Sick Leave Law Compliance
More stress is being placed on the business community in
Maryland through passage of the new Sick Leave Law. It
seems that the general feeling is that lawmakers are in a big push to extend
the effective date of the law to allow employers more time to comply.
Below is a link to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce regarding guideline on implementation
of the law. There are notices required to be given to employees and a
Model Notice is being developed but not available yet. Please take a look
below at guidance on the law.
Thanks,
Ben
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
MD Contraceptive Equity Act and its Impact on 2018 High Deductible Health Plans (HSA)
In 2016, Maryland passed the Contraceptive Equity Act, which requires health care insurers to:
• Provide coverage for a single dispensing of up to a six-month supply for covered, FDA- approved, prescription contraceptives and devices (after a two-month trial).
• Provide coverage for over-the-counter emergency contraceptives without a prescription
• Expand access to male sterilization benefits with no out-of-pocket costs.
The IRS requires that high deductible health plans (HDHP) not cover benefits until the deductible for that year is satisfied. As you know, under current IRS rules for HDHPs, only preventive care benefits can be provided without a deductible. Preventive care includes a variety of screenings and services for adults and children. Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling, as prescribed by a health care provider for women with reproductive capacity also must be covered without a copayment or coinsurance before the deductible is met. Male sterilization is not included in the IRS’ list of preventive services.
The new Maryland law, effective January 1, 2018, creates a conflict with the IRS rules regarding the treatment of male sterilization as a preventive service. This new law impacts HSA plans sold in Maryland. Members who fund HSA's may be subject to tax penalties when they file their 2018 taxes – regardless of whether they use the covered benefit (male sterilization) or not. Subscribers and members with Grandfathered plans are not impacted.
The Maryland Insurance Administration is aware of this issue and has asked the IRS for clarification as to whether or not they consider male sterilization to be a preventive benefit for the purposes of IRS regulatory guidance. In the meantime, members who fund an HSA with these plans may be subject to tax penalties if the IRS does not recognize male sterilization as a preventive care benefit. Members can continue to use their previously-funded HSA account to pay for health care services and should consult with a tax professional if they have further questions.
Excerpt from Carefirst Blue Cross Bliue Shield of Maryland, 12-5-2017
• Provide coverage for a single dispensing of up to a six-month supply for covered, FDA- approved, prescription contraceptives and devices (after a two-month trial).
• Provide coverage for over-the-counter emergency contraceptives without a prescription
• Expand access to male sterilization benefits with no out-of-pocket costs.
The IRS requires that high deductible health plans (HDHP) not cover benefits until the deductible for that year is satisfied. As you know, under current IRS rules for HDHPs, only preventive care benefits can be provided without a deductible. Preventive care includes a variety of screenings and services for adults and children. Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling, as prescribed by a health care provider for women with reproductive capacity also must be covered without a copayment or coinsurance before the deductible is met. Male sterilization is not included in the IRS’ list of preventive services.
The new Maryland law, effective January 1, 2018, creates a conflict with the IRS rules regarding the treatment of male sterilization as a preventive service. This new law impacts HSA plans sold in Maryland. Members who fund HSA's may be subject to tax penalties when they file their 2018 taxes – regardless of whether they use the covered benefit (male sterilization) or not. Subscribers and members with Grandfathered plans are not impacted.
The Maryland Insurance Administration is aware of this issue and has asked the IRS for clarification as to whether or not they consider male sterilization to be a preventive benefit for the purposes of IRS regulatory guidance. In the meantime, members who fund an HSA with these plans may be subject to tax penalties if the IRS does not recognize male sterilization as a preventive care benefit. Members can continue to use their previously-funded HSA account to pay for health care services and should consult with a tax professional if they have further questions.
Excerpt from Carefirst Blue Cross Bliue Shield of Maryland, 12-5-2017
Monday, January 15, 2018
Maryland House votes to override Hogan's veto of paid sick leave bill
Democratic lawmakers in Maryland's House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly Thursday to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of the paid sick leave law passed last year.
The House voted 88-52 to override the veto of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Before the bill can become law, the Senate must also override the veto with a three-fifths majority vote. That vote is expected to take place Friday.
The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act was a top priority for Democrats last year. The law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days. A coalition of groups including the National Federal for Independent Businesses and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill.
"We’re sorry to see that the House did not understand the damage HB1 will do to employers and their employees, especially in small businesses," Christine Ross, CEO of the Chamber said in a statement. "We hope to see that understanding from the Senate."
Hogan, a Republican, vetoed the legislation last May. He has described the law as "confusing, unwieldy, unfair and deeply flawed" and said it would destroy Maryland's economy, hurt small businesses and result in the loss of thousands of jobs.
A spokeswoman for Hogan's office called the House's vote a "political exercise" and said, "many legislators have already acknowledged that this bill is deeply flawed and needs to be fixed."
"Fortunately, there is plenty of time to pass the governor’s compromise legislation, including the incentives for small businesses, and create a paid leave policy that provides needed benefits to workers while protecting our job creators," Shareese Churchill, Hogan's press secretary, said in a statement. "Marylanders are more interested in good policy than partisan politics and there is still time to get this right."
Hogan proposed his own paid sick leave law last year, but the legislature never voted on it. He has proposed another one, but if the General Assembly overrides his veto it is unlikely those bill would be considered either.
The vote to override the veto sets the stage for what is shaping up to be a contentious 90 days as Hogan and Democratic lawmakers face off ahead of the gubernatorial election later this year.
During the debate before the vote, Republicans argued that the bill hurts small businesses and is "deeply flawed." Some women from the Republican caucus said the bill would put women who are victims of sexual violence in a position of "revictimizing" themselves because they have to explain to employers why they are taking sick leave.
Del. Dereck Davis, chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, said over the last three years there have been 30 amendments to the bill at the behest of business advocates.
"It's time to fold it guys," Davis said on the House floor. "There have been countless hours of debate. We have met with stakeholders and read hours of testimony...Democracy has to run its course. HB1, time to get it done."
Del. Cheryl Glenn, a Democrat from Baltimore City, said she was a victim of sexual violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She implored her colleagues to support the bill because providing paid sick leave would give women the ability to stay home at work without having to make a tough decision between staying home or going to work and risk being followed by the abuser.
"As a survivor and a victim, it's a very, very tough situation to be in, especially if you are working and trying to take care of your family every day," Glenn said. "Let's give victims an opportunity to take leave here."
The 32BJ SEIU union and the Maryland Working Families Party have been pushing for the law for the past several years. They and other left-leaning organization rallied Thursday morning in front of the State House to support paid sick leave.
"Marylanders are sending the message loud and clear: they need paid sick leave, so they don’t have to decide between their health and financial ruin,” 32BJ SEIU Vice President Jaime Contreras said in a statement. “An overwhelming majority of voters on both sides of the aisle expect leaders to put their health and well-being over politics.”
Contreras and Maryland Working Families Executive Director Charly Carter both celebrated the House's vote as an important step in helping families across the state
"Today, the Maryland General Assembly voted to put Maryland’s working families first," Carter said in a statement. "We commend their choice to stand up to our out-of-touch governor, and to tear down barriers to employment for all Marylanders."
The union and Maryland Working Families are using social media, print media, an online petition and brochures to target senators "who are on the fence" in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Prince George's County.
The Chamber of Commerce is also mobilizing its members to call senators, urging them to sustain the veto. One Democratic senator has to flip in order to sustain the veto.
The House voted 88-52 to override the veto of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Before the bill can become law, the Senate must also override the veto with a three-fifths majority vote. That vote is expected to take place Friday.
The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act was a top priority for Democrats last year. The law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days. A coalition of groups including the National Federal for Independent Businesses and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill.
"We’re sorry to see that the House did not understand the damage HB1 will do to employers and their employees, especially in small businesses," Christine Ross, CEO of the Chamber said in a statement. "We hope to see that understanding from the Senate."
Hogan, a Republican, vetoed the legislation last May. He has described the law as "confusing, unwieldy, unfair and deeply flawed" and said it would destroy Maryland's economy, hurt small businesses and result in the loss of thousands of jobs.
A spokeswoman for Hogan's office called the House's vote a "political exercise" and said, "many legislators have already acknowledged that this bill is deeply flawed and needs to be fixed."
"Fortunately, there is plenty of time to pass the governor’s compromise legislation, including the incentives for small businesses, and create a paid leave policy that provides needed benefits to workers while protecting our job creators," Shareese Churchill, Hogan's press secretary, said in a statement. "Marylanders are more interested in good policy than partisan politics and there is still time to get this right."
Hogan proposed his own paid sick leave law last year, but the legislature never voted on it. He has proposed another one, but if the General Assembly overrides his veto it is unlikely those bill would be considered either.
The vote to override the veto sets the stage for what is shaping up to be a contentious 90 days as Hogan and Democratic lawmakers face off ahead of the gubernatorial election later this year.
During the debate before the vote, Republicans argued that the bill hurts small businesses and is "deeply flawed." Some women from the Republican caucus said the bill would put women who are victims of sexual violence in a position of "revictimizing" themselves because they have to explain to employers why they are taking sick leave.
Del. Dereck Davis, chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, said over the last three years there have been 30 amendments to the bill at the behest of business advocates.
"It's time to fold it guys," Davis said on the House floor. "There have been countless hours of debate. We have met with stakeholders and read hours of testimony...Democracy has to run its course. HB1, time to get it done."
Del. Cheryl Glenn, a Democrat from Baltimore City, said she was a victim of sexual violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She implored her colleagues to support the bill because providing paid sick leave would give women the ability to stay home at work without having to make a tough decision between staying home or going to work and risk being followed by the abuser.
"As a survivor and a victim, it's a very, very tough situation to be in, especially if you are working and trying to take care of your family every day," Glenn said. "Let's give victims an opportunity to take leave here."
The 32BJ SEIU union and the Maryland Working Families Party have been pushing for the law for the past several years. They and other left-leaning organization rallied Thursday morning in front of the State House to support paid sick leave.
"Marylanders are sending the message loud and clear: they need paid sick leave, so they don’t have to decide between their health and financial ruin,” 32BJ SEIU Vice President Jaime Contreras said in a statement. “An overwhelming majority of voters on both sides of the aisle expect leaders to put their health and well-being over politics.”
Contreras and Maryland Working Families Executive Director Charly Carter both celebrated the House's vote as an important step in helping families across the state
"Today, the Maryland General Assembly voted to put Maryland’s working families first," Carter said in a statement. "We commend their choice to stand up to our out-of-touch governor, and to tear down barriers to employment for all Marylanders."
The union and Maryland Working Families are using social media, print media, an online petition and brochures to target senators "who are on the fence" in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Prince George's County.
The Chamber of Commerce is also mobilizing its members to call senators, urging them to sustain the veto. One Democratic senator has to flip in order to sustain the veto.
By Holden Wilen – Reporter, Baltimore Business Journal
Jan 11, 2018, 11:44am EST Updated Jan 11, 2018, 1:27pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)