December 16th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has declared December 24th, Christmas Eve, a state holiday.

The declaration gives state employees a short week followed by a four-day weekend. State agencies and offices will be closed.

Hogan also announced that revised revenue projections will allow Maryland to honor cost of living increases stipulated under union contracts negotiated in 2019.

“In a year that has been challenging for so many, I am declaring Christmas Eve a state holiday this year to give our dedicated employees more time to spend with their families,” Hogan said in a statement. “In addition, I am pleased that our revenue projections have improved enough for us to be able to fulfill our commitments to state employees. During this time, our citizens rely on the services of the state more than ever. State employees have been unwavering in their commitment to the state in these uncertain times and they deserve to have their negotiated contracts honored.”

The contracts provide for a 2% cost of living increase for employees represented by the American Federation of Teachers-Healthcare, the Maryland Professional Employees Council and the American Federation of State, Local and County Employees.

The state will also restore increases that were negotiated but withheld from the state's police unions.