Hogan Announces New Initiatives To Boost Jobs In Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Gov. Larry Hogan has announced new initiatives aimed at boosting job creation.
Hogan made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday. More Jobs for Marylanders 2.0 focuses on bringing manufacturing together with science and technology to put more people to work.
From cars that drive themselves to high-speed rail and hyperloop, things that were once unimaginable are now jumping off the drawing board and opening new job opportunities.
It's not much of a stretch to see more of those opportunities happening in Maryland.
"We are investing $33 million in partnership with the University System of Maryland to accelerate the number of degrees that are awarded in high-demand stem related fields," Hogan said.
The initiative takes another step in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math -- STEM for short. The intent is to fill the gap between jobs that are available and Marylanders who qualify for them.
"With this new $33 million commitment with the University System, we will expand on that effort by working with each individual university and college campus, including Morgan State University, as well as Maryland's community colleges," Hogan said.
This is one of a package of proposals the governor will submit to the General Assembly in January.
"We are continuing our focus on jobs, jobs, jobs" Hogan said.
The act also includes incentives for cybersecurity companies to grow in Maryland.
Hogan says it's an effort to build on legislation approved this year. The law provides incentives for manufacturing companies to create jobs in areas with higher unemployment by providing a tax credit for each new job created. The governor says in less than six months, nearly 70 manufacturers have filed letters of intent to participate, and 17 have filed official applications that would create about 450 new jobs.
The new legislation will seek to expand the program to additional jurisdictions, including Garrett, Caroline, Kent and Wicomico Counties. Hogan said it will allow eligible jurisdictions to select up to three industries in addition to manufacturing where the tax credits could apply.
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