Favorable
Committee: Economic Matters
HB1246
The Maryland Catholic Conference offers this testimony in support of House Bill 1246. The Maryland Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
House Bill 1246 establishes a centralized employment training and opportunity database within the Maryland Department of Health. This tool is designed to support individuals seeking to secure stable employment and maintain eligibility for essential programs such as Medical Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The intent is to bridge gaps in information, reduce administrative barriers, and provide direct support to individuals who want to improve their financial stability and long-term independence.
When people have access to reliable information about training programs, certifications, apprenticeships, and job placement resources, they are better positioned to find sustainable employment. This not only strengthens individual households but also contributes to a more stable and skilled statewide workforce. Communities benefit from lower unemployment, higher economic mobility, and reduced reliance on emergency social services. The database also ensures that people can maintain health coverage and food security while working to secure a better future, an outcome that ultimately leads to healthier communities, reduced poverty, and stronger local economies.
Work is a means through which individuals participate in God’s creation and build a stable life for themselves and their families. By making training and opportunity information accessible, this legislation supports the moral imperative to help people build self-sufficiency while ensuring no one is left behind. It affirms that society has a responsibility to remove unnecessary barriers and create pathways to authentic human flourishing.
Passing this bill reflects a commitment to justice, compassion, and the belief that all people deserve the chance to thrive. Work is a fundamental part of human dignity and an essential pathway to full participation in society. Ensuring that individuals have access to the resources, training, and programs they need to succeed is not only practical—it is moral. The dignity of work empowers people to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities. In this moment of profound need, we must advance legislation that uplifts the God-given dignity of every person and supports all Marylanders, especially those facing the greatest barriers to stability and opportunity.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference urges a favorable report on House Bill 1246.