ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On Sunday, Maryland elected and community leaders from every county in Maryland hosted a virtual rally calling on Governor Larry Hogan to release additional funds for financial relief for Maryland’s struggling families and small businesses.
The virtual rally, organized by Montgomery Council President Tom Hucker and the Maryland United for COVID Relief NOW Coalition, featured remarks from elected officials, faith leaders, community organizations and other speakers from across the state whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID pandemic.
"The State has ample resources and a well-funded Rainy Day Fund, saved specifically for an economic crisis just like this one. And the State doesn’t just have funds. It has a responsibility to use our tax dollars properly to relieve suffering for our residents and our small businesses," said Tom Hucker, Montgomery County Council President.
The Maryland United for COVID Relief Coalition virtual rally reached over 4,000 viewers on Facebook and the petition has been signed by over 6,500 Marylanders.
"There is a better day ahead for Maryland, but could we please help out our friends and neighbors right now who are suffering?" said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, who is proposing a $2,000 individual stimulus to Maryland's lowest income families.
Presenters underscored the severity of the economic crisis impacting Marylanders and small businesses and the need for Maryland to use its Rainy Day Fund to supplement the most recent stimulus package passed by Congress.
"Our governor and our leaders should recognize that this storm that we are in must be alleviated by releasing the funds out of the Rainy Day Fund to ensure that the families and the people who are hurting, the people who are most in need, have some relief," said Rev. Alvin Hathaway, Union Baptist Church.
23 minutes after the event adjourned, Gov. Larry Hogan announced that he would be releasing his economic stimulus package for families and small businesses Monday 1/11 at 11 am.
