ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Monday signed the bipartisan RELIEF Act of 2021 to provide a $ 1 billion coronavirus emergency package to families and small businesses.

The legislation repeals all state and local taxes on unemployment benefits and includes immediate stimulus payments of $ 500 for families and $ 300 for people who have claimed the earned income tax credit.

Marylanders are entitled to these payments if they earn:

● $ 50,954 ($ 56,844 with joint marriage) with three or more eligible children ● $ 47,440 ($ 53,330 with joint marriage) with two eligible children
● $ 41,756 ($ 47,646 joint declaration) with an eligible child
● $ 15,820 ($ 21,710 of joint declaration) without eligible children

In total, the payments provide $ 178 million in aid to 400,000 Maryland residents.

RELATED: Governor Hogan Announces $ 1 Billion Coronavirus Relief Law

The RELEF Act also targets more than 55,000 small businesses in Maryland by offering sales tax credits of up to $ 3,000 per month for three months (total of $ 9,000).

“The RELEF Act offers a real lifeline for the hardest hit people who are struggling to cope and for small businesses who are desperately trying to stay afloat,” Hogan said. “They can keep their doors open and keep more people on the payroll.”

Hogan said the bill would also protect businesses from any tax increases triggered by the receipt of loans or grants from the state.

Maryland has already provided more than $ 700 million in state aid to businesses and individuals during the pandemic, including $ 220 million in grants and forgivable loans to small businesses and $ 80 million specifically for bars and the restaurants.

“As Washington remains divided and stuck, Maryland has once again shown the nation that the two sides can always come together, that we can put the people’s priorities first, and that we can come up with real, bipartisan solutions. and sensible about the serious issues they face. us, ”Hogan said.

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