State of Maryland Archives: on Jobs


Anthony Brown: Executives without insurance responsible for worker's comp

HB1035: Providing that a specified officer of a corporation that does not have sufficient assets to satisfy workers' compensation awards and assessments owed by the corporation is jointly and severally liable for those payments if a specified officer knowingly failed to secure workers' compensation insurance.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 90-45-6 on Mar/23/06; Rep. Brown voted YES; Passed Senate 28-18-1 on Apr/6/06; Became Law on May/26/06 without Governor Ehrlich signature.

Source: Maryland legislative voting record HB1035 Mar 23, 2006

Arvin Vohra: Eliminate the minimum wage entirely

When we eliminate the minimum wage, you can get into the workforce early. You can gain valuable work experience not just in supermarkets and clothing stores, but also in growing new businesses and clever startups. You can learn what matters in business and what doesn't. You can make a more educated decision about the value of a particular degree vs. its cost.

We reduce the barriers to your entry into the job market. Such a new wage system can save as much $40 billion in welfare every year.

Source: 2018 Maryland Senate campaign website VoteVohra.com Dec 12, 2017

Arvin Vohra: Eliminate all affirmative action laws & racial quotas

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Legally require hiring more women/minorities"?

A: Strongly oppose. If elected, I will sponsor legislation to eliminate all Affirmative Action laws, racial quotas, gender preference requirements, etc. I will also sponsor legislation to repeal any restrictions on business decisions to refuse service or fire employees. Any business has the natural right to refuse service to anyone for any reason, or fire anyone for any reason. Business owners are free individuals, not government servants. If elected, I will sponsor legislation to repeal any law that forces a business to provide service to or not fire anyone.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ashwani Jain: Expand access to collective bargaining & union rights

One of the key tenets of building up our state's workers is protecting and expanding access to collective bargaining and union rights. Not only do collective bargaining rights help ensure our workers have a seat at the table when it comes to ensuring safe working conditions, access to healthcare, and living wages, but they make companies places where employees want to work allowing employees to stick around longer and be more productive. I strongly oppose "Right To Work" and "At-Will" policies.

I will push for more training and development programs targeted for veterans, LGBTQ workers, workers of color, women, those with a disability, and currently and formerly incarcerated individuals to ensure that all Marylanders are given ample opportunities to find successful careers.

Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ashwani Jain: Create the nation's first Guaranteed Jobs Program

I will make Maryland the first state in the nation to fulfill this promise: If you are unemployed and need a job--you will be guaranteed one. By having our state government serve as an employer of last resort, we can ensure all unemployed residents in our state have the opportunity to access a decent job with living wages, safe working conditions, healthcare and union protections.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ben Jealous: Knows firsthand the benefits of working union jobs

It was the support of unions, good union jobs, and a double union household, that helped pull my family out of McCulloh Homes Public Housing. My success is due to my and my family's hard work, but it is also due to the fact that unions make hard work enough to succeed, and for too many families today that simply isn't the case. When I'm governor, hard work is going to be enough for everyone to make sure that their kids are better off than they are.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com Jun 26, 2018

Ben Jealous: Fight to raise minimum wage to $15/hr

Wage growth for Maryland's families have fallen behind under Gov. Hogan and we need new leadership to create an economy that is truly inclusive and meets the needs of our state. I know how to build an economy that leaves no family behind, no worker behind, no young person behind and no person behind who has paid their debt to society. I've helped lead the fight for a $15 minimum wage and ensure fair treatment for groups routinely exploited and excluded from business and employment opportunities.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com Jun 26, 2018

Chelsea Manning: Figure out what to do when jobs are replaced by robots

All jobs are going away replaced by automation the jobs are not coming back, we need to figure this out ! we need each other.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Maryland Senate race Jul 9, 2017

Chris Chaffee: Pressure to raise minimum wage hurts economy

On the failures of the economy he blames the Democrats. "We are being taxed and regulated by the Democratic Party," he said." Contributing to the economy's woes, he added, are Dodd-Frank, Obamacare and the pressure to raise the minimum wage.
Source: The Baynet on 2022 Maryland Senate race Apr 17, 2016

Donna Edwards: We need a woman's voice in the discussion on equal pay

Both Edwards & Van Hollen promised to fight for abortion rights and equal pay. While Edwards emphasized her history as an activist and her experience as an African American woman, Van Hollen played up his leadership role in Congress and political effectiveness.

"A voice at the table that's a voice of a mom--of a woman--when it comes to child care and equal pay is really important; when it comes to abortion, the voice at the table of a woman is different and important," Edwards said.

Source: Wash. Post coverage of 2016 Maryland Senate debate Mar 5, 2015

Doug Gansler: Raising the minimum wage is a racial justice issue

Raise the minimum wage: Black Marylanders are more likely to work in jobs that pay the minimum wage. That means raising the minimum wage is a racial justice issue. With costs rising throughout the country, we must make sure we're keeping up.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

Ian Schlakman: Legally require hiring more women/minorities

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Legally require hiring more women/minorities"?

A: Support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Low minimum wage causes wealth inequality

Increasing Economic Opportunity and Uplifting Wages and Benefits for all Americans: "While our nation has experienced dramatic productivity growth over the last four decades," Jamie says, "wages and benefits for working families have remained stagnant. The result is the greatest wealth and income inequality America has ever seen." Jamie wants to go to Congress to close the gap: "It erodes the conditions for real democracy when CEOs are making hundreds of times what workers are making and simultaneously have the power to dominate our politics. I will be a leader for the 99% in Congress because the billionaires and CEOs already have all the lobbyists they need."

Jamie wants to increase the minimum wage and will fight for a true living wage for all American workers. Jamie worked to build unanimous support for an increase of Maryland's minimum wage, and he'll bring that same conviction to Washington to fight for improved wages, benefits and labor standards for all working Americans.?

Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Jamie Raskin: Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; Sen. Jamie Raskin voted YEA; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 Apr 5, 2014

Maya Cummings: Boost income for low-paid workers

Reduce income inequality across the state and strengthen outcomes for people, organizations, and communities that have been left behind.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MayaForMaryland.com Oct 15, 2017

Kathy Szeliga: Look to improve wages for all, not how low wages should be

Q: Do you support an increase in the federal minimum wage?

Szeliga: In my life I've worked a variety of minimum wage jobs. I put up drywall and helped build a golf course. I was a dishwasher, parking lot attendant, maid, and waitress. With hard work, I rose up through the ranks to be the housekeeping manager at a resort and eventually the co-owner of a small construction firm with my husband. I believe government leaders should not be arguing on how low wages should be, but should be looking for ways to improve wages for all Marylanders. We must invest in education and training for middle-class families so we can raise our standard of living.

Source: Baltimore Sun Voter Guide on 2016 Maryland Senate race Sep 9, 2016

Kathy Szeliga: Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; Rep. Kathy Szeliga voted NAY; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 Apr 7, 2014

Kelly M. Schulz: Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; Del. Kelly Schulz voted NAY; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 Apr 7, 2014

Larry Hogan: New jobs in manufacturing led to low unemployment

I'm proud to report to you that Maryland has now moved into the top ten states in the nation for overall economic performance. We have added 73,000 new jobs, and our unemployment rate has dropped to 4.2%. We created more new manufacturing jobs than all the other states in the mid-Atlantic region added together! We now rank number eight in the nation in the rate of manufacturing growth.

The reality is, not all Marylanders and not every jurisdiction in our state are seeing the same level of economic success. We still have Marylanders who are struggling in parts of our state like Baltimore City, Western Maryland, and the Lower Eastern Shore, where, unfortunately, unemployment is still higher than it is in the rest of the state. Which is why we must come together to enact the Maryland Jobs Initiative, an innovative, bipartisan proposal, which will provide incentives for the creation of thousands of jobs in the places that need them the most.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature Feb 1, 2017

Larry Hogan: Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 May 5, 2014

Martin O`Malley: Recovery & Reinvestment Act creates jobs; spend more locally

It all comes back to jobs. Building a more reliable power grid creates jobs. Rebuilding roads and renovating schools creates jobs. Building and restoring bridges creates jobs. Rebuilding water infrastructure and revitalizing community colleges creates jobs. Building science labs creates jobs. The Recovery & Reinvestment Act--signed courageously by President Obama and implemented openly and transparently without the waste, fraud and abuse that the naysayers predicted--has helped us create and save more than 15,000 jobs in the most recent quarter. And through our Capital Budget we can help create and retain 15,000 more. This includes jobs building and refurbishing schools, with the $250 million investment we're once again proposing for school construction.
Source: 2011 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2011

Martin O`Malley: We have driven unemployment down to a three-year low

Because of wise and balanced decisions about where to cut, and smart decisions about where to invest, Maryland's businesses are creating jobs again. Last year, Maryland businesses created more new jobs than we have in any year since this recession hit, and we have driven unemployment down to a three-year low.
Source: 2012 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2012

Peter Franchot: Executives without insurance responsible for worker's comp

HB1035: Providing that a specified officer of a corporation that does not have sufficient assets to satisfy workers' compensation awards and assessments owed by the corporation is jointly and severally liable for those payments if a specified officer knowingly failed to secure workers' compensation insurance.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 90-45-6 on Mar/23/06; Passed Senate 28-18-1 on Apr/6/06; Peter Franchot voted YES; Became Law on May/26/06 without Governor Ehrlich signature.

Source: Maryland legislative voting record HB1035 Apr 6, 2006

Peter Franchot: Create 100,000 family supporting jobs in 100 weeks

    The Franchot administration will create 100,000 family supporting jobs in 100 weeks through
  1. targeted investment in productive infrastructure projects,
  2. the creation of a statewide jobs training program in partnership with the private sector and unions, and
  3. the dramatic improvement of the operating environment for small businesses via more efficient government services, streamlined and coordinated regulation, and better access to capital.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

Richard Madaleno: Raise minimum wage to $15 to boost economy

A growing economy must be also a just economy. That starts with a $15 an hour minimum wage, indexed to the cost of living, so that no one falls behind again, and I have proudly supported this in the General Assembly. One of the cruelest Republican lies is that higher wages are bad for the economy and cost jobs, when the opposite is actually true. Consumer spending drives our economy. When people have more money, the economy grows, and companies hire.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MadalenoForMaryland.com Aug 8, 2017

Richard Madaleno: Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; Sen. Richard Madaleno voted YEA; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 Apr 5, 2014

Richard Madaleno: Require state contractors to support apprenticeships

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Jun 1, 2018

Richard Madaleno: Executives without insurance responsible for worker's comp

HB1035: Providing that a specified officer of a corporation that does not have sufficient assets to satisfy workers' compensation awards and assessments owed by the corporation is jointly and severally liable for those payments if a specified officer knowingly failed to secure workers' compensation insurance.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 90-45-6 on Mar/23/06; Passed Senate 28-18-1 on Apr/6/06; Sen. Madaleno voted YES; Became Law on May/26/06 without Governor Ehrlich signature.

Source: Maryland legislative voting record HB1035 Apr 6, 2006

Rushern Baker: Make Maryland the nation's Black Business Startup Capital

Recovery is an opportunity to create a state where everyone can benefit from a thriving and competitive economy. We want to deliberately invest in the people and infrastructure of underserved communities; eliminate discriminatory practices in lending; ensure equal access to grants; and make Maryland the Black Business Startup Capital of the Nation.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com Jun 24, 2022

Shawn Quinn: Oppose affirmative action but no discriminatory hiring

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Legally require hiring more women/minorities"?

A: Oppose.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Thomas Perez: Inequitable that women still not receiving equal pay

Maryland has made considerable advances in the fight for gender equity compared to other states, but there are still significant inequities that often prevent women from reaching their full potential. Women in Maryland typically make just 86% of their male counterparts earnings, which is higher than the national average of 82%. For women of color, the pay gap is even wider. At the current rate, it's projected that it will take until the year 2043 for women in our state to receive equal pay.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Expand Maryland business-based job training program

EARN MD is a sector-based, demand-driven workforce solution grant program that funds efforts conceived by business with a job waiting at the end of the training. It is time to take EARN to the next level by:
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Wes Moore: Raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023

Support working families by raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023, strengthening Maryland's childcare and early childhood education systems, implementing a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program in Maryland, and leveraging new federal transportation funds to connect people with new opportunities.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Wes Moore: Protect and expand the right of workers to join unions

The North Star of the Moore-Miller administration will be to ensure that all working people have access to good jobs and the power to determine their wages and working conditions. Wes and Aruna are committed to protecting and expanding the right of workers to join unions and bargain collectively; this way expanding work, wages, and wealth for every family in Maryland, with a commitment to equity.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Wes Moore: Ensure equal pay for women, remove salary history in hiring

Ensure equal pay for women by exploring policies requiring companies to disclose demographics on gender, race and salary bands; and removing salary history from the interview process.

Establish a Women in STEM focus across all levels of education and invest in job training and credentialing programs to drive women into high-demand, high-paying STEM jobs.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Colin Byrd: Supports raising federal minimum wage to $15/hour

Language that would have implemented a federal $15 minimum wage was removed. The removal of the minimum wage language came after the senate parliamentarian decided it could not be included in a reconciliation bill, a type of bill used for budget-related items that only requires a majority vote. Byrd said, as a senator, he would have supported firing the senate parliamentarian.
Source: The Diamondback on 2022 Maryland Senate race Mar 8, 2021

Wes Moore: Create Service Year Option for young people to give back

I ordered the creation of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation. Our order consolidates and elevates the agencies of state government that support service opportunities. We need to follow it with legislation, The Serve Act, that will create a Service Year Option. While our young people give back, they also lay the foundation for their future success through job training and mentorship programs and create a lifelong habit of service to our state. Something we so desperately need.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature Feb 1, 2023

Angela Alsobrooks: Raise minimum wage to $15/hr. and index it to inflation

Angela is an advocate for raising the minimum wage in Maryland to $15 an hour and believes it should be done federally. As a Senator, she will support increasing the minimum wage and indexing any increase to inflation to ensure that families can keep up with the cost of living.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Pass the PRO Act to strengthen workers' rights

She is committed to protecting workers' rights. Building an economy that works for all Marylanders requires a commitment to the people who make that economy work. Angela will be a strong supporter of passing the PRO Act in the Senate to strengthen workers' rights to collective bargaining and make it harder for corporations to prevent workers from organizing.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Accused of not including Latinos in county administration

Nearly a dozen current and former officials accused County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks (D) of failing to hire a single person of Hispanic descent to an agency-level position since her election nearly three years ago. "Where are the Latinos in Prince George's County Government?" the group asked in a statement, accusing Alsobrooks of being "stubbornly closed to the inclusion of Latinos in the county's public affairs."
Source: WTOP 103.5 FM on 2024 Maryland Senate race Oct 5, 2021

Angela Alsobrooks: Strengthen collective bargaining rights

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Larry Hogan: 2016: called teachers' union leaders "thugs"

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Johnny Olszewski: Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 by 2018

Legislative Summary: Incrementally increasing the State minimum wage rate to $10.10 beginning July 1, 2018; authorizing specified employers to pay employees under the age of 20 years a specified wage under specified circumstances; requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to increase reimbursement of community providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities; requiring the Governor, in specified fiscal years, to include in a specified budget proposal specified funding increases.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-13-0 on April 5; Del.Olszewski co-sponsored and voted YEA; passed House 87-47-7 on April 7; signed by Gov. Hogan on May 5.

Source: Maryland legislative voting records: HB 295 Apr 5, 2014

  • The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Jobs:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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