US Labor Department announces release of $126.8 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Maryland

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $126,750,124 in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to the state of Maryland. Maryland qualified for its full share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by adding new provisions to its UI law that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part-time workers and individuals who are upgrading their skills.

"Maryland is the first state to amend its unemployment insurance law in 2010 with upgrades that qualify the state for its full share of UI modernization incentive payments. This will bring greatly needed support to more workers across the Old Line State," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

"I applaud Gov. O'Malley and Maryland's legislators for updating state law to better meet the needs of workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own."

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the state legislature, to administer its unemployment insurance program or deliver employment services.

This American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding represents another way we're working with our federal partners to strengthen the safety net for Maryland families and small businesses during these tough economic times," said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "I want to thank President Obama and Maryland's congressional delegation for these critical funds that will help stabilize the unemployment insurance trust fund. Just as the Recovery Act has allowed states like Maryland to create jobs, strengthen small businesses and invest in our infrastructure, these funds will provide a critical bridge for Maryland families who find themselves out of work through no fault of their own."

The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. Maryland's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration website at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery. Other approved applications can also be found on this site.