Maryland delegate Lorig Charkoudian is pushing for an increase in the state’s unemployment benefit rate, which has remained at $430 a week since 2010. With thousands of federal workers facing potential layoffs in the region, Charkoudian believes the increase is long overdue. She has introduced a bill that would nearly double the weekly benefit to $750 and increase the allowance for dependents from $8 to $25. While the state is grappling with a budget deficit of close to $3 billion, Charkoudian argues that the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, funded by a tax on payroll, can cover the increase.
Opponents of the legislation are concerned that raising the benefit rate could prolong unemployment periods and impact the quality of housing. Maryland currently allows up to 26 weeks of benefits a year, with a maximum weekly rate of $378 in Virginia and $444 in D.C. Charkoudian emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals during joblessness to prevent financial hardship and maintain community stability. The bill is set to move to the House next week.
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