December 24th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

On Wednesday afternoon, Maryland elected and community leaders launched a statewide effort to call on Governor Larry Hogan to release additional funds for financial relief for Maryland’s struggling families and small businesses. The virtual event  featured remarks from people facing eviction and food insecurity, business owners facing possible permanent closure and layoffs and a federal update on the second stimulus package from Senator Ben Cardin. Currently, the State of Maryland has more than $1.5 billion in its reserves; $586 million from its FY 2020 General Fund Balance and more than $928 million in its Rainy Day Fund – a dedicated fund that state lawmakers and governors have diligently protected to help Maryland navigate economic recessions. Comptroller Peter Franchot has been leading the charge in calling for emergency state funding for citizens. While poverty and economic distress is not new to Maryland, Franchot said things have never been so desperate for so many…