2020 Legislative Wins

 

Despite a shortened session, we have A LOT to celebrate! The legislation that MCRC led in 2020 represents crucial policies to assist low-wage workers, financially fragile households needing medical care, and low-income students seeking higher education.

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Expanding Protections for Low-Wage Workers For the first time in more than 30 years, low-wage workers pursued by debt collectors will get a break. HB365/SB425 sponsored by Del. Kathleen Dumais & Del. Lorig Charkoudian and Sen. Pam Beidle allows working families to protect more of their wages from garnishment.

Expanding Financial Assistance for Hospital Care HB1420/SB875 sponsored by Del. Robbyn Lewis & Sen. Brian Feldman expands financial assistance policies so more households can receive free and discounted care at hospitals across the state. This legislation will assist the more than 25% of Maryland households who struggle financially and may now be eligible for discounted hospital care.

Expanding Protections for Students The Veterans’ Education Protection Act HB 593 /SB 294 sponsored by Del. Pat Young and Sen. Arthur Ellis protects veterans and foster youths from being targeted by for-profit schools for their federal student aid money. This bill closes the 90/10 loophole, which allows for-profits to receive 100% of their funding from the federal government . The passage of this bill makes Maryland the first state in the nation to stop predatory institutions from targeting vulnerable students for their education benefits.

The Disorderly Closure Bill HB 469/SB 446 sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman and Sen. Paul Pinsky stops schools from abruptly closing their doors overnight-leaving students stranded. This bill makes sure that schools’ have agreements with the Maryland Higher Education Commission in the event of a closure, discharges any debt a student owes to the institution, and allows students to easily access their academic records after a closure. This legislation will protect the more than 20,000 students enrolled in for-profit colleges in Maryland, as well as prospective students.