Christmas Eve Now MD Holiday; State Employees Get Raise: Hogan

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that Dec. 24 is now a state holiday. Maryland government agencies and offices will be closed.

"In a year that has been challenging for so many, I am declaring Christmas Eve a state holiday this year to give our dedicated employees more time to spend with their families," Hogan said in a press release.

Dec. 24 will be a state holiday this year only. The move comes in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Governors occasionally deem Christmas Eve a state holiday. Hogan also gave workers off on Dec. 24, 2019.

The governor's announcement comes five days after President Donald Trump declared Christmas Eve a federal holiday. Like state workers, most federal employees will also have off on Dec. 24.

State Employees Get Pay Increase

In other news, the governor said the state's yearly revenue has rebounded slightly. In May, Maryland projected that revenues would fall short by $2.06 billion to $2.63 billion this fiscal year. This forecast came when more businesses were shut down.

Officials have since revised their estimates. In a meeting last week, budget leaders predicted that this year's revenue will be $609 million short.

With more wiggle room, the state will now pay its negotiated cost of living increases to state employees. A cost of living increase is a recurring pay raise that offsets inflation. Maryland previously withheld this year's increases to save money during the pandemic.

The contracts, which were negotiated in 2019, give a 2 percent increase to employees represented by these unions:

• American Federation of Teachers-Healthcare
• Maryland Professional Employees Council
• American Federation of State, Local and County Employees

The state will also pay a 5 percent increase to members of police unions, which include:

• State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance
• Maryland Transportation Authority Fraternal Order of Police

Additionally, these officers will get a $1,500 clothing allowance.

"During this time, our citizens rely on the services of the state more than ever," Hogan said. "State employees have been unwavering in their commitment to the state in these uncertain times and they deserve to have their negotiated contracts honored."

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RELATED:

• Trump Executive Order: Most Federal Employees Off Christmas Eve

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