Maryland lawmakers pass bill to support port employees after Baltimore bridge collapse

Maryland’s Democrat-controlled legislature authorised a bill on Monday to support employees on the Port of Baltimore affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The bridge collapse on March 26 and its influence on a key financial engine led lawmakers to act within the final two weeks of the legislative session.

The bill authorizes use of the state’s wet day fund to support port employees who’re out of labor and will not be lined beneath unemployment insurance coverage whereas the port is closed or partially closed.

MARYLAND LAWMAKERS FOCUS ON BRIDGE COLLAPSE RELIEF AS LEGISLATIVE SESSION CLOSES

Cargo ship Dali sits within the water after operating into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

“This is going to make a difference for our workers,” Baltimore County Republican Sen. Johnny Ray Salling informed reporters Monday.

The bill additionally permits the governor to use state reserves to assist some small companies keep away from firing staff and to encourage corporations that relocate to different ports to return to Baltimore when the port reopens.

“We’re proud of the fact that we as an administration and we as a state have been able to respond to the crisis of the Key Bridge, while also not losing sight that we have an aggressive legislative package that we have to get across the finish line, and we’re proud of the results,” Democrat Gov. Wes Moore informed reporters.

Moore is anticipated to signal the emergency laws Tuesday, which might instantly put the bill into impact.

CREWS BEGIN TO REMOVE CONTAINERS FROM BARGE THAT HIT BALTIMORE BRIDGE

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a big cargo ship, prompting an enormous emergency response for a number of individuals within the water in Maryland on March 26, 2024. (Jasper Colt/USA Today)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Tomorrow, I will proudly sign the PORT Act into law,” the governor wrote Monday evening on X, previously Twitter. “This legislation will support businesses and workers who have been affected by the Key Bridge’s collapse.”

Lawmakers additionally gave closing approval to the state’s $63 billion finances on Friday, agreeing to some tax and price will increase to assist pay for transportation and training.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.