Attorney representing MD unemployment claimants “hopeful” about lawsuit after Indiana ruling

BALTIMORE – Ten more states end extended unemployment benefits this weekend. Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah are ending programs. It is expected to affect 2.5 million workers.

Twelve states have already ended the extended benefits. Another handful of states, including Maryland, will end the program before it expires in September.

Governor Hogan decided to end state benefits in Maryland on July 3rd.

A class action lawsuit filed last Thursday could reverse the governor’s decision.

RELATED: Lawsuit Seeks Governor Hogan to Cut Federal Unemployment Benefits

The Maryland Unemployed Union is seeking a preliminary injunction to continue federal unemployment benefits.

The lawyer representing the plaintiffs is hoping to hear from the Baltimore City Circuit Court on Monday.

“I hope the court will be prudent here and handle the situation properly and we will hear from you on Monday, either a ruling or just an update,” said Alec Summerfield, pro bono attorney for the Maryland Un Employment Workers Union.

See the full interview with WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii below.

The lawsuit also calls on the court to order the state to release plaintiffs’ withheld benefits, resolve claims more quickly, and adequately communicate why a claim was denied.

Plaintiffs in other states have filed similar lawsuits. On Friday, an Indiana judge sided with the unemployed and ordered benefits continue until the court makes a final decision.

“I’m actually hopeful, especially the fact that the Indiana judge said the governor couldn’t end the huge federal benefits, so that’s what we’re hoping for here,” said Summerfield.

Summerfield added that if the class is certified by the judge, any plaintiff who wishes to join the lawsuit will have the option to enroll.

Click here to fill out the Unemployment Union Complaint Form and keep in touch with Summerfield.

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