March 27, 2012

Maryland passes bill providing unemployment benefits to domestic abuse victims

I’m so glad to see this!  I pray that other states start implementing this as well to help Victims not have to choose between safety and their income.  Too many victims have no choice but to stay in their current job because they can’t go without the income, and too many abusers use this to their advantage…

March 27, 2012

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez announced that legislation to provide victims of domestic abuse with unemployment benefits has passed through the Maryland General Assembly.  The law would help people who must leave a job because continuing to work poses a threat to the safety of the victim, his or her spouse, children or parents.

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation sponsored the legislation.  The Lt. Governor testified before the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee in February.  On March 23, 2012, the House voted 108-28 to pass the law which made it easily through the Senate 46-0.

Lt. Governor Brown takes this issue very seriously.  Unfortunately he has personal experience as his cousin Cathy was senselessly murdered by her estranged boyfriend in 2008. (See video, left)

He used his experience as a legislator and that of a family member affected by the tragedy of domestic violence to move this bill through quickly so that victims can heal and get back on their feet financially as soon as possible.  In a formal press release, the Lt. Governor said that no one should have to "choose between personal safety and financial security."

He has worked with Governor Martin O'Malley to pass other laws supporting domestic violence victims.  His work includes restricting guns from getting into the hands of convicted abusers and upholding protective orders initiated by the abused.    

According to governor.maryland.gov , domestic violence deaths in Maryland have dropped by 41% since O'Malley and Brown took office.  For more information on unemployment benefits, financial assistance and the laws and services available to the citizens of Maryland, visit md.gov.

Original Article

No comments:

Post a Comment