PHOTO RELEASE: White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez and Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu Host Roundtable on Port of Baltimore Economic Response and Reopening

BALTIMORE, MD (June 12, 2024) – Today, White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez joined Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, senior members of Governor Moore’s Administration, and various Port of Baltimore businesses and workers for a roundtable discussion on the Port’s economic recovery following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Perez, who served as Maryland Secretary of Labor as well as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, has been President Biden’s point person on the Port’s reopening, working in close coordination with state and local officials to deliver federal aid and resources.

White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez hears from Port of Baltimore workers and businesses on the importance of federal, state, and local support following the bridge collapse and Port disruption

“History will look back on this moment as a true testament to federal, state, and local government coming together and serving people,” said Senior Advisor Tom Perez. “This is what service is about. In the most dire of times, we can step up. This was a moment for Maryland and the nation at its best.”

During the hour discussion, Perez and Wu heard from longshoremen, truckers, Port terminal operators, and business owners on their experiences accessing federal and state relief programs. Workers included Scott Cowan, president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 333, and members Danny Lamichhane, Lakia Randolph, and Donald Littleton, who all took advantage of the state’s Worker Support Program. The Worker Support Program, which was created by the Maryland Labor Department in the weeks following the bridge collapse, provides $430 in weekly relief to Port workers while they earn less than their regular income.

Nearly 3,000 workers have benefited from the Worker Support Program, which has distributed $10.6 million in payments.

Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu highlighted the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program and Worker Retention Program along with other state and federal aid programs which provided key economic relief for Port workers and businesses

“The swift and coordinated action from federal, state, and local governments got us to where we are today,” said Secretary Portia Wu. “Leaders from the White House and the state heard directly from small businesses and workers about the impact of economic recovery programs and gained valuable insight on how to plan for the future as the Port reopens."

Cowan and his fellow union members emphasized how the state aid was critical in keeping workers financially afloat while Port operations were disrupted. “Maryland Department of Labor stepped up to the plate for ILA. The worker support program brought assistance to almost every member in their time of need,” said Scott Cowan. “The trucking community and labor, we’re all dependent on each other. And the nation depends on the Port.”

Port business owners Dawn Speakman of Drayage Solutions and William Cox of A Triple CCC Logistics spoke about their experiences with the state’s Worker Retention Program, a Maryland grant program that helped keep workers on the job. The program, which has distributed $17.4 million in aid to 284 businesses, protected more than 3,000 jobs at risk of layoffs.

“The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program was a game changer in helping keep our team employed during this challenging time,” said Dawn Speaking of Drayage Solutions. “I appreciate the Moore-Miller Administration's quick and thoughtful response in deploying critical resources to support Maryland employers and workers in light of the bridge collapse."

William Cox of A Triple CCC Logistics noted the importance of accessibility to funding to keep his business running, “The funding and access to local funding allowed me to pivot and have flexibility. Through all of this, we were able to sustain our business and provide funds to keep the business afloat.”

Immediate federal response was also critical to supporting Maryland businesses and workers. In addition to the work clearing the channel, the federal Small Business Administration also made businesses eligible to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor approved the Moore administration’s application for funding through the National Dislocated Worker Grant program, of which $3.5 million was made immediately available. These funds will be used over a 24-month period to cover wages of some eligible relief workers, as well as occupational training and supportive services to bolster the state’s workforce to rebuild the Key Bridge.

For more information about the other available programs offered through the State of Maryland, visit response.maryland.gov/bridge

The Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Mangrum