ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On Friday, President of the Senate Bill Ferguson talked to reporters about the bills passed in the senate.
The Senate's Financial Package was fast tracked and passed unanimously. The governor presented a relief pkg of $1 billion and the senate added $500 million to that, bringing the total to $1.5 billion. Republicans and democrats in the senate and the governor are touting this as a bi-partisan agreement.
One part of the financial relief bill is to get money to those in the Maryland unemployment system who have not received any money yet.
"We are targeting direct payments to those that are hanging on by a thread," said Senate President Ferguson. "Any type of support."
The bill for extra funding to historically black colleges and universities also passed. Senators wanted to increase money for HBCU's because they say they have been left behind other state college funding. The bill proposes about $61 million a year be for HBCUs in Maryland for four years, starting in 2023.
In response to vaccinations, President Ferguson says letting people know where and how to get the shots is critical.
Governor Hogan was pleased the senate passed the financial bills saying, "Let's once again show the rest of the nation how to put aside partisan politics..".
The bills passed on Friday move on to the house for approval. The House is expected to work on the financial assistance bill right away.
