International Courant
Maryland’s Democrat-controlled legislature authorized a invoice on Monday to assist workers on the Port of Baltimore affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The bridge collapse on March 26 and its influence on a key financial engine led lawmakers to behave within the final two weeks of the legislative session.
The invoice authorizes use of the state’s wet day fund to assist port workers who’re out of labor and should not lined beneath unemployment insurance coverage whereas the port is closed or partially closed.
MARYLAND LAWMAKERS FOCUS ON BRIDGE COLLAPSE RELIEF AS LEGISLATIVE SESSION CLOSES
Cargo ship Dali sits within the water after operating into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Photos)
“That is going to make a distinction for our staff,” Baltimore County Republican Sen. Johnny Ray Salling instructed reporters Monday.
The invoice additionally permits the governor to make use of state reserves to assist some small companies keep away from firing staff and to encourage corporations that relocate to different ports to return to Baltimore when the port reopens.
“We’re happy with the truth that we as an administration and we as a state have been ready to answer the disaster of the Key Bridge, whereas additionally not dropping sight that we’ve got an aggressive legislative bundle that we’ve got to get throughout the end line, and we’re happy with the outcomes,” Democrat Gov. Wes Moore instructed reporters.
Moore is predicted to signal the emergency laws Tuesday, which might instantly put the invoice into impact.
CREWS BEGIN TO REMOVE CONTAINERS FROM BARGE THAT HIT BALTIMORE BRIDGE
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a big cargo ship, prompting a large emergency response for a number of folks within the water in Maryland on March 26, 2024. (Jasper Colt/USA Right this moment)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Tomorrow, I’ll proudly signal the PORT Act into regulation,” the governor wrote Monday night time on X, previously Twitter. “This laws will assist companies and staff who’ve been affected by the Key Bridge’s collapse.”
Lawmakers additionally gave ultimate approval to the state’s $63 billion funds on Friday, agreeing to some tax and payment will increase to assist pay for transportation and schooling.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
