The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 15th, 7:00 pm at The Hampton Inn & Suites, 1565 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick.

The Workplace Fraud Act of 2009 imposes additional requirements for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors.  Since the Act came into effect, many local businesses have been audited by the DLLR as a result of the additional standards. The businesses that have been targeted are within the construction and home remodeling industry. These businesses have received audit requests and many have been charged with back payments for Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. There has been great concern within the business community about the new requirements as well as confusion about standards that have to be met at the federal and state level.

“The goal of the meeting is to provide businesses the opportunity to learn about the state’s expectations with employee status,” said Delegate Schulz. “I am deeply concerned about the possibility of Frederick County businesses closing their doors due to confusing requirements that lead to extraordinary additional expenses.”

The construction industry has historically hired independent contractors for specialized work that does not require a full time employee status. This work environment has benefitted both businesses and employees as it provides the flexibility needed within the market.

“The construction industry has seen the largest unemployment rate among all industries across the state. I believe that the state is being counterproductive in its attempts to apply new standards which will only lead to a loss in jobs across the state,” said Schulz.

For further information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Delegate Kelly Schulz at 301-304-0619 or by email at kelly.schulz@house.state.md.us.

• Myersville Dominion Release

The Governor’s appointed Redistricting Advisory Commission presented their plan to the Governor last week. The Governor has stated that his proposed map will be very similar to the Commission’s proposal.

I have attached some links to some news stories that may interest you. There are a few very important items to consider over the next week,  You need to reach out, involve and communicate with all the Delegates and Senators to voice your concerns.

1. Frederick County’s current Congressional District (CD6) will look dramatically different if the proposal is successful. Most of Frederick County (with the exception of the City of Frederick and the most southwestern precincts) will be incorporated into Congressional District 8 (CD8) – Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s current district.

2. Senator Joe Getty (R – 5) has stated that he will be presenting legislation during Special Session to keep CD6 intact. His claim, which I support, is that the rural areas of Maryland are at a disadvantage if they are divided into several congressional districts.

3. Congressman Donna Edwards is opposed to the proposed map. She claims, along with the NAACP, that because Maryland has 45% minorities, there should be 3 full minority districts.

4. There are organizations and legislators that will be filing law suits in court if this map makes it through with a majority vote.

5. The filing deadline to run for congress is in January. The maps need to be set prior to that filing deadline.

I do not support this map. I believe that voters have grown weary of a legislature that is divisive and ineffective. I believe it is time for our state to look at the demographics and communities being represented as opposed to political power

District Maps Likely Headed to Court - The Capital HometownAnnapolis.com

Outsider Bartlett faces political challenge of career - The Baltimore Sun

Black leaders fear Maryland redistricting may dilute influence - The Washington Sun

State senator to propose keeping 6th congressional district unchanged - The Washington Post

Md. Rep. Donna Edwards says redistricting plan doesn’t adequately represent minorities - The Washington Post

Maryland redistricting has members on edge - Politico

Kelly