Proposal Aims to Ensure Family-Sustaining Wages
FREDERICK, Md. – Today, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater unveiled legislation that would change the eligibility requirements of the County’s New Jobs Tax Credit to ensure businesses that benefit from the tax credit are creating jobs with family-sustaining wages.
“Frederick County’s economic development tools should reflect our community’s values. By aligning the New Jobs Tax Credit with regional livable wages, we are ensuring that public incentives support the creation of quality jobs – ones that allow residents to thrive, not just get by. This legislation is a meaningful step toward a more equitable and sustainable local economy.”
Businesses in Frederick County may be eligible for a tax credit if they construct or expand in a priority funding area and create at least 25 full-time, permanent jobs within the first two years of expansion. Under Maryland law, county governments may offer this tax credit to incentivize job creation and economic growth across Maryland.
In order to be eligible for the tax credit, businesses are currently required to pay employees at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage, which equates to $10.86 per hour. Under the proposed legislation, businesses would need to pay at least the “average wage” for the Frederick region or approximately $30 per hour, in order to be eligible for the tax credit.
This bill will be presented to the County Council for a workshop at the November 25 meeting. The bill and staff report will be linked in the meeting agenda, which will be available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Council.
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CONTACT: Hope Morris
Communications Manager
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
301-600-2590