January 27th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

A new bill in Maryland's General Assembly proposes a pilot program that would encourage a shift to a four-day workweek for state employees in both private and public sectors. House Bill 181, The Four-Day Workweek Act of 2023, would encourage state and municipal government agencies to shift employees to work only four days out of the week. If passed, the two-year pilot program would begin July 1, and expire in 2028. A state tax credit would be offered to private businesses in order to incentivize them to shift workers to a shorter workweek. Officials claim the businesses would need to shift at least 30 employees and not have any prior intention of transitioning to a four-day workweek. Despite a large number of business owners expressing opposition to the concept, the bill’s sponsor, Delegate Vaughn Stewart believes the private sector would derive benefits in the long run…