Hoyer Statement on MD Congressional Delegation Meeting with Governor O'Malley

"We had a productive meeting today with Governor Martin O'Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and the Cabinet on the challenges facing Maryland and how we can best work together to advance the State's priorities. I appreciate the Governor and our other state officials coming to Washington for this meeting. It is important that we continue to have these discussions, which are critical to maintaining the partnership between Maryland's federal and state leaders.

"One of the primary focuses of today's meeting was President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and what the expected impact on Maryland will be. Leaders of the House and Senate are meeting today in conference to reconcile the differences between the bills passed by each chamber. It is my hope that we can move quickly to pass final legislation that will create the greatest number of jobs and transform our economy into one of long-term growth.

"Marylanders have felt the impact of this economic downturn in lost jobs, lost wealth, lost homes, the creation of a deep hole in the State's budget, and an unemployment rate that has climbed to 5.8 percent, the highest level in 15 years. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is our best hope to reverse the economic freefall and put people back to work in our State and across America."