Baltimore Judge To Announce Decision In Unemployment Benefits Lawsuit On Tuesday

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — After several protests and losses in court, Governor Hogan’s administration argued in court Monday why a Baltimore judge should allow the state to end enhanced federal unemployment benefits.

Judge Fletcher-Hill on July 3 issued a temporary restraining order to continue the pandemic benefits, which add an additional $300 a week to unemployment checks. The governor’s office appealed, but Maryland’s Court of Appeals upheld the order through at least July 13. However, the governor hired private attorneys to appeal.

A Baltimore judge issued a temporary restraining order June 3 stopping Gov. Hogan’s order to opt out of enhanced federal unemployment benefits. That same judge will decide today whether to issue a preliminary injunction.https://t.co/EU5IlHQx5o

— Paul Gessler (@PaulGessler) July 12, 2021

Thousands of Marylanders looking for work have relied on the extra $300 a week from the federal benefits, but the Maryland labor department’s economist said Monday, “such benefits may be keeping people out of the labor force.”

In a hearing to determine Maryland’s participation in the federal benefits, that economist testified he never advised the governor or labor officials on whether to opt-out. Instead, a political appointee drafted that letter.

Labor secretary Tiffany Robinson testified the state is on the hook to administer the federal program. “the reimbursement is not going to be nearly that high. There’s going to be a significant shortfall. So, that will have to be covered by Maryland taxpayers,” she said.

She estimates that bill to be about $65 million. She said the state will only get so much in grants to cover the extra vendors and staff to process claims.

If the judge allows the state to opt out, Sec. Robinson testifies they have to give 30 days notice and the benefits would continue into August.

Cross-examination is beginning now.

— Paul Gessler (@PaulGessler) July 12, 2021

“What am I going to do to survive? How am I going to feed my daughter?” said Theresa Bayliss of Hagerstown.

If the judge allows the state to opt-out, the labor secretary testified the state would give a 30-day notice and benefits would continue into August. Funding for the program is set to expire on labor day, September 6.

Judge Fletcher- Hill will deliver a decision by 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Judge Fletcher-Hill to render a written decision by 10 a.m. Tuesday before the Temporary Restraining Order expires.

— Paul Gessler (@PaulGessler) July 12, 2021